City of Portland reaches new labor agreements with two unions, third still in mediation

Last month, Portland City Council ratified new three-year collective bargaining agreements with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the District Council of Trade Unions (DCTU). The City reached tentative agreements with the two unions earlier this year, while preparing for the possibility of a labor strike.

Mediation continues with a third union: the City of Portland Professional Workers Union (CPPW).

The city's labor relations team works closely with 14 bargaining units, which represent more than 80 percent of the City's 7,500-person workforce.

AFSCME Overview

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the City's largest union with more than 1,000 members, spans nearly every service area, with the largest numbers in Water, Transportation, Police, Permitting & Development, and Budget & Finance.

The City and AFSCME reached a tentative agreement Jan. 30, following the union's transition to an independent bargaining unit separate from the DCTU coalition. The ratified three-year agreement includes:

• $22.2 million in new spending over three years
• Targeted 3% increases for many classifications
• At least 1% across-the-board increases annually through 2027
• Longevity Premium of 2% for employees with 10+ years of continuous service
• Three additional personal days annually for fully in-person roles
• Jail Side Premium for Police ID Technicians working in correctional facilities
• Pay parity and lump sum payments for shared classifications
• Six new roles created in the Portland Water Bureau, including specialized operator and technician positions

DCTU Overview

The District Council of Trade Unions represents approximately 200 employees across more than half a dozen bureaus, with the highest representation in Fleet & Facilities, Water, Environmental Services, Permitting & Development, and Transportation.

A tentative agreement was reached Feb. 5, and the ratified three-year agreement includes:

• $6.7 million in new spending over three years
• Targeted 3% wage increases for multiple classifications
• Increased minimum callback pay to 3.5 hours
• Standardized standby pay of 24 hours per week
• Three personal days annually for in-person staff
• A 3% premium for Mobile Vehicle and Equipment Mechanics (MVEM)
• Pilot premium for Electrical and Plumbing Inspectors performing Commercial Division work
• Pay parity for a shared classification to promote role equity

CPPW Bargaining Update

Mediation is underway with the City of Portland Professional Workers Union (CPPW), which represents approximately 770 employees. The City and CPPW requested mediation in late 2024. Interim wage increases were implemented in July, and the two sides have reached agreements on several non-economic issues, such as health insurance, safety and grievance procedures.

The City's bargaining is anchored by five guiding principles

• Respect: Honor employees' service and expertise by providing fair compensation, benefits and working conditions.
• Workforce competition: Attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce.
• Financial stewardship: Make the most of taxpayers' resources to make Portland safe, healthy and livable.
• Shared responsibility: Ensure that all employees share equitably in the impacts of economic factors outside the City's control.
• Rules and regulations: Follow laws and best practices for labor negotiations.