Portland city union workers prepare to go on strike amid contract dispute

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - Hundreds of Portland city workers are preparing to walk off the job Monday unless they can reach a deal with the city.

“Our workers, our Portlanders, know what is at stake, we know what is at risk, and the long term financial security of our families is one of those things that are at risk,” said City of Portland Professional Workers Union President Kari Koch.

After 10 months of negotiations with the City and the City of Portland Professional Workers Union, Koch said pay still remains to be the biggest holdup. The union’s proposal is an estimated $9.3 million increase or a 7% increase in the total cost of their contract over two fiscal years.

“It is about wages, but it is also about respect. We have weathered the storm at the city of Portland,” said Koch. “And our members have been holding it down for Portlanders through all of that while management has been through somewhat of a chaos and we feel disrespected by the mayor and this administration and we want them to honor the work that we’re doing and we want them to show that at the bargaining table.”

The union represents 800 workers, including analysts, coordinators, admin specialists, financial analysts, technology business representatives, and other essential positions across every bureau and office. CPPW membership voted 93% to authorize a strike and Koch said a deal could make a big difference for them and their families.

“These are folks who are feeling the pinch of the economy and this is a place where we want to push back on that and say ‘no we deserve to afford to live in Portland’,” said Koch.

According to the City, under their current contract, which is from June 18, 2025, through December 31, 2027, CPPW members have already received a 2.4% cost-of-living adjustment, a 2% across-the-board wage increase and a $1,000 one-time bonus, at a cost of $5.9 million. Negotiations now focus on a planned contract “reopener” covering provisions through the remainder of their contract, which ends December 2027.

The City and CPPW have each brought forward proposals that include additional cost-of-living adjustments. In addition to the increases noted above, the City’s proposal for increases in their current contract includes another 3% cost-of-living increase retroactive to July 2026, an additional cost-of-living increase of between 1% and 4% in July 2027, and a second $1,000 bonus.

In a statement to FOX 12, a city spokesperson said, “The City remains committed to reaching a fair agreement with CPPW that recognizes employees’ contributions while balancing the City’s financial realities and responsibility to taxpayers.”

Another mediation session is scheduled on Sunday before the strike, but Koch said if there’s no deal, members are ready to strike on Monday.

“It’s not going to be easy, and it’s not going to be what we want to do, but if the city forces our hand, our members are ready to do it,” said Koch.