Local 88 Members,
We are writing to update you on the status of contract negotiations with the County. Due to the activism and engagement of our membership, we have already tentatively agreed to several significant improvements, including:
– Protection of health benefits
– Six-month probation for new and promoted employees
– Extending the “Recall List” period for laid-off employees to 36 months
– Improved Immigration and Citizenship Leave
– Enhanced protections against micro-aggressions and the protected class investigation procedure
– Higher stipend for On-Call employees and auto reimbursements
– Guaranteed pay for required work travel
– And much much more
We are close to a final agreement, but we are continuing to advocate for the County’s lowest wage earners. While we have secured some economic common ground, such as a new longevity benefit, we are still pushing to increase the minimum wage for employees hired into the County.
We believe in full transparency and want our members to make an informed decision. Please note that these are mediation proposals and are subject to change. Here is a summary of the County’s most recent wage mediation proposal from December 11:
- Effective July 1, 2025
- 2.4% increase or a $1/hr minimum, whichever is greater.
- Increasing amount between Steps to an actual 3%
- Step 1 of all pay ranges increased by 2.4%
- Effective July 1, 2026
- 3.5% increase to all employees
- Increase the minimum wage to $21/hr
- Step 1 of all pay ranges increased to at least $21/hr (eliminates “frozen” wages)
- Effective July 1, 2027
- 1-4% Cost of living increase to all employees
- If actual cost of living (based on Consumer Price Index) is below 1% or over 4%, the union and County will renegotiate wages
On December 11, the union made a counter mediation proposal to the above, which the County did not accept (current areas of disagreement in bold):
- Effective July 1, 2025
- 2.4% increase or a $1/hr minimum, whichever is greater.
- Increasing amount between Steps to an actual 3%
- Increase the minimum wage to $21/hr
- Step 1 of all pay ranges increased to at least $21/hr (eliminates “frozen” wages)
- Effective July 1, 2026
- 1-4% increase or a $1/hr minimum, whichever is greater
- Effective July 1, 2027
- 1-4% Cost of living increase to all employees
- If actual cost of living (based on Consumer Price Index) is below 1% or over 4%, the union and County will renegotiate wages
It is time to take action to ensure Multnomah County makes the necessary financial commitments to support its employees, our families, and the communities we serve.
Our Bargaining Team is asking all members to sign a “strike pledge.” Please note that this is not a vote to go on strike; rather, it will help us plan our work if further action is required.
Please sign the pledge here by December 18.
Thank you,
Your Union Bargaining Team
