Bargaining Update #28

This week, at our suggestion, the county asked for a caucus day so they could review the many counter proposals they need to return to us. Our team spent the day reviewing the eight counter proposals we still have, all of which have some kind of financial component. The most important is article 14, compensation.

From the beginning, one major area of focus for our team has been equity and how each choice we make will impact the most marginalized of our members, this is something we have tried to center in all of our choices and discussions. That becomes even more important as we talk about financial components of the contract. Later this week we will be sending out a survey to our members regarding possible options for COLA to get member feedback. These choices will include creative ideas that increase equity for our lowest paid workers. We are asking that you thoughtfully consider each option and reach out to our team with any questions you may have. There will also be members of the bargaining team at the swag table at the Labor Day Picnic to chat and answer questions as well. 

Did You Know?

Labor Day

• The first Labor Day “parade” was really a strike organized by the Central Labor Union in New York in 1882 when 10,000 workers took an unpaid day off and marched to protest their deplorable working conditions
• Oregon was the first state to recognize Labor Day as a public holiday in 1887
• Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, because President Grover Cleveland was facing backlash after sending in federal troops to break the Pullman Strike of the The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters
• The U.S. chose to make Labor Day a federal holiday rather than May Day, because they wanted to distance from the violence of the Haymarket Affair and the socialist origins of May Day

Upcoming Events

AFSCME L88 Trivia: If you enjoyed this week’s Did You Know, come join our next trivia night! Join us on August 26th from 6:30 – 7:30pm to show off your union knowledge and win a prize. 

AFSCME L88 Labor Day Picnic: Join us for a day of fun, good food, and celebration on September 1st from 11am – 2pm at Powell Park, located at 2500 SE Powell Blvd, Portland OR 97202. There will be food, games, a bounce house, face painting, and raffle prizes! This event is free to AFSCME Local 88 members and their guests. Please feel free to volunteer if you are able: Labor day volunteer sign up

Solidarity Happy Hour: September 7th, 3-6 pm Join us at Baerlic Brewing, located at 2239 SE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. This event is organized by AFSCME’s OHSU workers in Local 328. These are fun, low-key opportunities to connect on every first Sunday of the month. The location is family-friendly, serves Ranch Pizza, and has a few arcade games.

Questions? Email us at bargaining@afscmelocal88.org