Bargaining Update #11

This week we didn’t bargain with the County, instead we used our work session to hit our first big milestone – all of our initial proposals are complete! Next week we’ll present the rest of those. Then comes the back and forth – the County and our Union giving Counter proposals that dig into the fine print of everything. 

The Chair’s Proposed Budget was released this week, and for a lot of us, it’s hard to look at. When we read it, we don’t just see the money, we see our colleagues and friends – employees with whole lives and families uprooted by these cuts. Behind the “total FTE reductions,” are people who’ve served their communities and embodied the values we don’t see in this budget. Our Union still believes there’s a path forward to stop these layoffs, and over 600 people who have signed our petition agree with us. If you haven’t signed it yet, sign it! This is one of the ways we build collective power.   

We also encourage employees to speak at the 3 public budget hearings the County is hosting. The first one is May 14th, and the deadline to sign up to testify is May 13th. These are opportunities to make your voice heard – publicly and directly to the Chair and Commissioners. 

Public Budget Hearings

1. Multnomah Building: Wednesday, May 14, 2025; 6–8 pm; (Hybrid)
2. East County Health Center: Wednesday, May 21, 2025; 6–8 pm; (In-Person only)
3. Budget Public Hearing: Wednesday, May 28, 2025; 6–8 pm (Virtual only)

Check out this webpage for the virtual links when they’re available and other opportunities to give public comment. 

Action Items & Events

• Join us on May Day (5/1) from 11:30-1pm at the Multnomah Building for a worker celebration and show of power. Lunch provided! RSVP here!
• Sign our petition. Stop the Layoffs.
• And most importantly – share these updates. You’re allowed to talk about bargaining and other Union activities at work!

We know none of this has been easy. Many of you report being tired, overworked, and feeling the weight of instability all around us – and yet, you’ve continued to show up, speak out, and stand strong. It’s all making a difference. When the County found an extra $5 million to shore up the deficit, that was us. We are fighting  back against cuts and working to save positions and programs in the budget. Every action you’ve taken – from changing your virtual backgrounds, wearing green on Thursdays, and showing your union pride – has sent a clear, undeniable message: we are 80% of the workforce, and we will not be ignored. 

United we bargain, divided we beg.

Email your Bargaining Team at bargaining@afscmelocal88.org with your questions.  Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and check out our AFSCME local 88 website to stay up to date on all our Local’s news. 

We appreciate you reading, observing our bargaining sessions, and repping your green on Thursdays! Let’s stay strong and stay united!