Portland City Workers Strike Begins After Mediation Fails
Approximately 800 municipal employees will begin a walkout on Monday, November 9, following an 11-month negotiation impasse over pay and contract terms.
By Oliver Bennett ·
About 800 employees of the City of Portland began a strike at midnight on Monday, November 9. The walkout follows a failed mediation session held on Sunday, where the City of Portland Professional Workers (CPPW) union and city officials could not finalize a new contract.
Kari Koch, the CPPW president, described the group as the glue holding the city together. The striking members include financial analysts, wastewater treatment staff, and employees who handle emergency communications for police, fire, and 911 services. Koch stated that the union aims to avoid critical delays in emergency response, though she acknowledged the difficulty of keeping support systems running during the strike.
The dispute centers on compensation after 11 months of negotiations. The union proposed a 7% increase in the total contract cost over two fiscal years, an estimated $9.3 million raise. Koch said the city's negotiating team has been difficult to work with for months. She noted that none of the union's open articles reached a tentative agreement before the mediation session ended without a deal.
City officials argue the strike will have minimal impact on daily life. A city spokesperson noted that CPPW represents only 800 of the city's 7,500 workers and is one of 17 bargaining units. The city said it is prepared to maintain essential services during the walkout. Officials issued a statement confirming that plans are in place to keep public safety, infrastructure, and other critical services running.
The city's latest offer builds on a pay increase granted in 2025. It includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment retroactive to July 1, 2026, a $1,000 bonus, and a projected 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment in July 2027. Koch disputed the city's calculations, claiming the offer included costs for about 100 vacant positions despite a hiring freeze. She also criticized the city for comparing member salaries to other cities using data the union has not seen at the bargaining table.
Koch called the strike a tool of last resort. She said it was disappointing but not surprising that the city continued to bargain in bad faith. As of Sunday evening, no next mediation session had been confirmed. The city stated it remains committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement with the union.
The strike is expected to continue until a new contract is signed. City leaders said they are working toward a resolution that is responsible to taxpayers and fair to employees.
