Just after midnight on Monday, roughly 800 city employees represented by the City of Portland Professional Workers union (CPPW) began a strike after mediation failed to produce a new contract, a development that could affect the day-to-day operations of municipal services that Portlanders rely on.
“We call ourselves the glue that holds the city together,” said CPPW President Kari Koch, quoted by KPTV. The union’s membership spans financial analysts, wastewater‑treatment staff, emergency‑communication workers and other behind‑the‑scenes roles. Koch added that the union’s proposal calls for an estimated $9.3 million increase – about a 7 % rise in total contract costs over the next two fiscal years.
The city, however, argues that the union’s request is far beyond its fiscal capacity. According to OPB, city spokesperson Alison Perkins said CPPW has asked for “nearly $20 million in wage increases and benefits,” a figure the union disputes, saying it includes costs for roughly 100 vacant positions and recent job cuts. The city’s current offer builds on a 2025 raise and adds a 3 % cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) retroactive to July 1 2026, a $1,000 bonus, and a projected 3.6 % COLA for July 2027.
Both sides emphasized the potential impact on public safety. Brewster, a communications worker with the Portland Bureau of Transportation and CPPW board member, told OPB that the strike could “weaken the city’s ability to respond quickly to emergencies – like natural disasters or chemical spills – and could delay needed emergency repairs to 911 equipment.” The city, meanwhile, maintains that essential services will be maintained, noting that CPPW represents about 800 of the city’s 7,500 workers and is only one of 17 bargaining units.
City officials reiterated their commitment to a fair resolution while assuring residents that critical services will not be disrupted. A KPTV spokesperson said the city has plans in place to keep “critical public safety, infrastructure and other services Portlanders rely on” operating during the walkout.
What’s next: The next mediation session has not been confirmed, but OPB reports a tentative meeting is scheduled for Friday. CPPW has said it will continue picketing outside City Hall while negotiations proceed.
