Portland labor unions reach standstill with city's bargaining unit

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Negotiations between Portland workers and officials are down to the wire after the city reached a bargaining standstill with two unions.

According to Portland Labor Relations, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 189 and the District Council of Trade Unions declared an impasse with the city in late December — meaning the bargaining units were unable to reach an agreement. All parties are now reaching the end of a 30-day cooling-off period before negotiations continue.

AFSCME is deemed the city’s largest bargaining unit, representing around 1100 members whose roles range from customer service representatives to utility workers. DCTU represents about 200 employees with the Portland Water Bureau, Bureau of Environmental Services and more.

Labor Relations reported that AFSCME has proposed an approximate $28 million increase in extra spending for its next three-year contract. The city’s bargaining unit, on the other hand, has proposed an increase of about $14.7 million.

DCTU has proposed an increase of nearly $17 million for its next three-year contract, while the city has offered nearly $4 million.

“Cost-of-living raises are budgeted for all employees, including those represented by unions, but any additional commitments will require deeper spending cuts,” Labor Relations said. “The unions’ most recent requests would require about $40 million in new spending over the next three years, more than double what the City has offered.”

In both cases, the parties have disagreed on the increased cost of contract terms such as personal holidays, clothing allowances and longevity pay.

Officials reported that “money has been the biggest obstacle,” with Portland already facing a $27 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year starting on July 1.

If the city is still unable to reach an agreement with workers once they return to the bargaining table later this month, the labor unions could launch a strike. But AFSCME told KOIN 6 it is “hopeful” of securing “a contract that recognizes the vital work City of Portland workers do for our entire community.”