Portland, Ore. – Hundreds of city employees are poised to walk off the job Monday if the city does not reach a new contract agreement. The City of Portland Professional Workers Union (CPPW), which represents about 800 analysts, coordinators, specialists and other essential staff, voted 93% in favor of authorizing a strike.
Union’s demand
Union President Kari Koch said the core of the dispute is pay. The union’s proposal calls for an estimated $9.3 million increase – roughly a 7% rise in total contract costs over the next two fiscal years. “It’s about wages, but it’s also about respect,” Koch told reporters. She added that members have been “holding it down for Portlanders” while feeling disrespected by the mayor and the administration.
Current contract and recent raises
The existing contract runs from June 18, 2025 through December 31, 2027. Under that agreement, 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, costing the city $5.9 million.
City’s counter‑proposal
Portland officials have offered additional cost‑of‑living adjustments. Their proposal adds a 3% retroactive increase effective July 2026, a further 1%‑to‑4% increase slated for July 2027, and a second $1,000 bonus. A city spokesperson told FOX 12, “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.”
Impending mediation and possible strike
A mediation session is scheduled for Sunday, the day before the planned walkout. Koch warned that if no deal is reached, union members are ready to strike. “It’s not going to be easy, and it’s not what we want to do, but if the city forces our hand, our members are ready to do it,” she said.
Impact on Portland families
Union members say the wage issue directly affects their ability to afford living in Portland, especially as the local economy tightens. “These are folks who are feeling the pinch of the economy and we want to push back on that and say ‘no, we deserve to afford to live in Portland,’” Koch added.
What’s at stake for the city
A strike by CPPW could disrupt a wide range of municipal services, from financial analysis to technology support, affecting city operations across every bureau. City leaders must weigh the cost of meeting the union’s demands against the potential impact on service delivery and taxpayer confidence.
Next steps
Both sides have indicated a willingness to continue negotiations after Sunday’s mediation. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through city communications and local news outlets as the situation develops.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
