Bargaining Update #46
TA: Tentative Agreement
GM: General Membership (meeting)
Our bargaining team had their fourth mediation session on December 29th, and during that session we reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) with the County. In order for these changes to take effect, we need to vote to ratify the agreement. Voting will take place electronically from Jan 12 – 18th. Only members are eligible to vote and below is a link to the complete set of article changes for you to review prior to the voting period. And, our bargaining team will be hosting a number of virtual and in-person informational sessions for members to ask questions and learn more about the agreement.
We know you, our members, want to know about wage increases and some additional major wins.
- Wages:
- A 2.4% COLA or $1/hr increase (whichever is more), retroactive to July 2025, and correcting the wage table to ensure an actual 3% between steps
- A 3.5% COLA effective July 1, 2026. And increasing the minimum wage to $21/hr and unfreezing the wage scales. This part is important, as minimum wage increases for some employees have kept their wages frozen- sometimes for years- but not anymore. And for any employee whose salary increase in year 2 is less than 3.5%, they will receive a one-time payment of $500 for regular status and limited duration employees, $250 for on-call employees.
- And effective July 1, 2027, a 1%-4% COLA. But if inflation is below 1% or over 4% this year, we get to renegotiate wages with the County. This will help protect us if inflation goes over 4%.
- A new Longevity Benefit for long term employees
- 6 month trial service for new and promoted employees- down from 1 year!
- Recall rights extended up to 36 months, with additional rights to remain on the recall list
- Guaranteed pay for required work travel
- And much more
Here is a document with Local 88 bargaining wins and a summary of changes. And you can review all contract articles with changes here.
Actions and Events
Information Sessions (Tentative Agreement & Ratification)
- Virtual: Tuesday, January 6th from 12 – 1pm
- In-Person: Wednesday, January 7th from 12 – 1pm at in room 4221 of the Central Courthouse
- Located at: 1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204
- In-Person: Thursday, January 8th from 12:30 – 1:30pm in the second floor conference room of the Yeon Annex building
- Located at: 1620 SE 190th Ave Portland, OR 97233
- Virtual: Thursday, January 8th from 6 – 7pm
- In-Person: Friday, January 9th from 1 – 2pm in the large conference room at the Juvenile Justice Complex
- Located at: 1401 NE 68th Ave, Portland, OR 97213
Join the Local 88 Strike Fund Committee!
(next meeting is on 01/14/2026 6:30 – 7:30pm)
At our AFSCME Local 88 General Membership (GM) meeting on April 16th, a motion was brought forward and passed for our Local to create a Strike Fund by setting aside $250,000 of our reserve funds. A Strike Fund Committee has formed to determine:
- eligibility criteria for receiving financial support from the Strike Fund
- how and when disbursements from the Strike Fund can occur
- how the Strike Fund can be supplemented
In addition, the Strike Fund Committee will facilitate member education around strike-readiness as individuals and as a Union, with a focus on self-sustainability and fostering connections and solidarity with community allies. Sign-up to participate in our AFSCME L88 Strike-Fund Committee by filling out this Google form.
Local 88 Boardgame Day (01/17/2026 2 – 6pm)
The Member Action Team (MAT) is hosting a board game event at Board Bard Games on January 17th from 2 – 6pm. We’ll be meeting in the Castle Room and pizza from Flying Pie will be provided. If you’d like to join us for board games, please RSVP using this form. Board Bard Games is located at 7960 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215. This business is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible bathroom; please note that there is a sharp turn to enter the hallway. There is free street parking available; the nearest accessible parking is located on Washington Street.
Follow Us on Social Media: Stay up to date on all the latest news by following AFSCME Local 88 on our Instagram and Local 88 Facebook!
In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Questions? Email us at bargaining-team-2025@afscmelocal88.org
