STRIKE 101
What is a strike?
A strike is withholding our labor until certain demands are met by our employer. This means no going to work, logging in remotely, checking your email, crossing picket lines, etc. Strikes are a legal tactic that labor unions can use if we determine that previous steps of the bargaining process have not provided a satisfactory agreement. There are certain steps that we have to go through to call for a strike. For more information about the bargaining process timeline, you can check out this website: https://www.oregon.gov/erb/pages/pecba.aspx
Will I still get paid during a strike?
No. You will not be paid by the County during a strike.
Who determines if we go on strike? Who can vote to go on strike?
You and your fellow members do. A strike authorization vote must occur for our bargaining team to call for a strike. Only dues-paying members in good standing can cast a ballot during a strike authorization vote.
What’s required of me during a strike?
Our union expects all members to participate in picket lines who are physically able. We would ask that members who are physically able, show up to picket lines at preplanned sites. Individuals who are not able to be on the picket line may be asked to help with strike communication, make signs, or do other work to help support strike efforts. The more we all do, the shorter a strike will be.
Do strikes really work?
YES. Strikes are very powerful–even the threat of a strike can lead to major gains for workers. Teachers in Los Angeles secured a 30% wage increase after a three-day strike in 2023, Boeing workers went on strike in 2024 and won a 38% general wage increase and pension improvements, and strikes have been key in establishing the eight-hour workday, minimum wage laws, and child labor laws.
Can all Local 88 members strike?
All Multnomah County workers in our general bargaining unit are strike-eligible. If a manager is telling you otherwise, please report this to your union as soon as possible–this could be a violation of labor law by management.
Can temp, on-call workers, and “essential” workers go out on strike?
All employees in the bargaining unit have the legal right to strike, including temporary, limited duration,on-call, and “essential” employees that are in the bargaining unit.
I thought it said that we can’t strike in our contract.
We cannot strike while the contract is in effect. Our contract has expired, so as long as we follow the procedures outlined in Oregon Law, members are absolutely able to go on strike.
I heard that Oregon passed a law allowing striking workers to collect unemployment. Is this accurate?
That’s true. Starting January 1st, 2026, workers who have been on strike for more than two weeks are eligible for unemployment insurance. Unemployment is not full pay. Benefit amounts are paid weekly and are determined using a formula from the state (currently the weekly rate for most people is 1.25% of their earnings from the past 12-15 months with a maximum of close to $900/mo). These benefits can help you cover some expenses while on strike. Here is a link with more information about how benefits are calculated: https://www.oregon.gov/employ/NewsAndMedia/Documents/2025-06-03-Minimum-Maximum-Weekly-Benefit-Amounts.pdf
Who determines if we go on strike? Who can vote to go on strike?
You and your fellow members do. A strike authorization vote must occur for our bargaining team to call for a strike. Only dues-paying members in good standing can cast a ballot during a strike authorization vote.
What does it mean to cross the picket line? What happens if I cross the picket line?
Crossing a picket line can be both a physical action (literally walking into work past a line of picketing coworkers) or something that you do privately (logging on to your computer remotely to check emails or do work). Crossing a picket line means that you will not be eligible for strike funds and will be undermining our strike efforts. It is important to show the County our full strength by staying united and out on strike until we get the deal we deserve. It is important to not cross the picket line.
What makes a successful strike?
A successful strike is built on unity, preparation, and most important of all, power. When the majority of workers participate on the picket line, in actions and in communication, it sends an undeniable message to management that we won’t settle for less than a fair agreement. Consistent communication keeps everyone aligned, robust member education ensures members understand the strategy and stakes, and visible community and political support amplifies our leverage. Supporting one another through mutual aid efforts can also help make a strike more successful.
How much notice would we have before a strike starts?
After a successful strike authorization vote, the bargaining team can call for a strike at any time, but would need to give the County 10 days notice.
What are the next steps in our timeline?
We are beginning mediation on December 8th. We must be in mediation for at least 15 days, then either the union or the County can declare impasse (which means we can’t reach an agreement). If impasse is declared, each side has up to seven days to develop and cost out their final offers. Once final offers have been exchanged, there is a 30-day cooling off period. After the cooling off period, the union may strike, but must give the County 10 days notice.
What happens when we go back to work after a strike?
When a strike ends, the union and employer negotiate a return-to-work agreement that will outline how and when everyone returns to their duties. This agreement typically covers issues like schedule restoration, protection against retaliation, and any other processes necessary to restart normal operations. Once an agreement is reached the Union will communicate all details to members so everyone knows exactly what to expect before returning back to work.
Are non-members allowed to strike even if they couldn’t vote to authorize the strike?
YES! All workers covered by the contract, member or not, are allowed to strike and entitled to protections if they choose to do so.
STRIKE PLEDGE VS STRIKE AUTHORIZATION VOTE
Why am I being asked to sign a strike pledge?
A strike pledge helps our bargaining team understand where members stand on management’s proposals and how much support there is for a strike. It’s not a commitment to walk out today, it’s a tool that measures readiness, unity, and collective strength. When a super majority of members sign, it sends a clear message to management that we are serious, organized, and prepared to take action if necessary. The pledge strengthens our leverage at the table and helps guide our strategy moving forward.
What’s the difference between a strike pledge and a strike authorization vote?
A strike pledge is a powerful action that shows that our members mean business and our willingness to fight for the contract we deserve. A pledge can be signed by ANY worker covered by the contract and is sort of like a temperature check to see if members WOULD go on strike. A strike authorization vote gives the bargaining team the ability to call for a strike–only members can vote during a strike authorization vote.
Does this pledge mean I’m committing to go out on strike?
No, but our bargaining team will use the strike pledges to determine next steps and to show management that we are serious about demanding better wages and working conditions.
BENEFITS AND PROTECTED LEAVE
What about my DCAP or MERP?
Because you are not being paid, you won’t be contributing to your DCAP and MERP accounts. You should be able to still access MERP funds for reimbursement, but your debit card may be disabled to avoid overspending. You may need to pay back any missed contributions to ensure that your DCAP and MERP accounts actually wind up with the amounts you elected to withhold.
How would a strike impact my PERS?
Your annual salary for the year of the strike would be lower, so if that year were part of your last three years for final average salary calculations, it would slightly reduce your PERS benefit. It would also reduce the amount that you put into your IAP since that is 6% of your total salary, but again the impact of this over a person’s career may be negligible, especially if going on strike yields major financial wins. These impacts may also be able to be mitigated by talking with a financial advisor prior to a strike being called.
What happens to my medical insurance?
Benefits enrollment is on a monthly basis and our union will plan a strike date to avoid losing insurance while we are out on strike. To protect yourself, it’s a good idea to schedule any upcoming care or refill medications ahead of time. We will provide timely updates about benefits throughout any strike, so that you can plan confidently.
What if I am on leave, FMLA, PLO, etc.?
If you are on protected leave, such as FMLA or OFLA, you are still able to use that leave while on strike.
Can I use vacation or paid time off during a strike?
No. You cannot use accruals during a strike.
Is parental leave impacted if a strike is declared?
Pre-approved parental leave should continue uninterrupted. That being said, if your leave begins during a strike, there may be some delays or processing issues. Our union will work hard to ensure that your rights are protected.
RIGHTS AND RETALIATION
Can my boss retaliate against me for strike activity?
- It is illegal to retaliate against any worker for union activity, including discussing, supporting, or participating in a strike.
What if I am probationary?
It is illegal to retaliate against any worker–probationary or not–for union activity, including discussing, supporting, or participating in a strike.
Will the County see how I voted?
- Strike pledges and strike authorization votes are confidential and handled by the Union. They will not be shared with the County at all. Your supervisor or manager will not know how you voted.Your vote is private, protected, and cannot be used against you in any way.
OTHER QUESTIONS
Can I access my work email while out on strike?
Please make sure that the union has your personal email address. You should not log in to any County email while on strike or use any County-owned equipment.
But what about our clients and the community?
Services may be interrupted by a strike. It can be hard to not feel guilty for going on strike and having a strike potentially negatively impact our clients and fellow community members. That being said, County leadership has had plenty of time to make policy changes or decisions that would’ve led to improved conditions and pay for our workers, but they have failed to do so. It is the County leadership’s fault that things have gotten to this point and our members and their families deserve to thrive and be treated with respect and dignity for the work that they do.
Do we have a strike fund?
Yes, but given how large our membership is, our Local 88 Strike Fund should not be viewed as a primary or reliable source of income during a strike. Strike funds are designed to provide targeted assistance, not full wage replacement. That said, no one is left on their own. There are other resources to assist members who are experiencing hardship during a strike, including Labor’s Community Service Agency and potential resources from AFSCME International or Oregon AFSCME.
How concerned should we be about layoffs if our proposal exceeds Multnomah County’s budget?
Union-protected layoffs require specific procedures and justifications. Multnomah County cannot retaliate for striking. All budget claims should be viewed with caution–we will share accurate financial context as it becomes available.
Will I get backpay after we settle if we go on strike?
Maybe. We must bargain the terms of returning to work and ending the strike.
If I receive County services, such as medical care at County clinics, would utilizing those services count as crossing the picket line?
You can attend appointments or receive services as a member of the community during a strike. Do NOT perform any work while attending your appointment.
What is the best way for folks to receive updates on bargaining?
Check the Local 88 website and your personal email for bargaining updates. If the union does not have your email address OR you accidentally unsubscribed to Local 88 emails in the past, please contact the Member Services Center by emailing MSC@OregonAFSCME.org. You can also call or chat with Member Services staff. More information is on their website, here: https://www.msc.oregonafscme.org/
I want to help out, how can I get involved?
Email secretary@afscmelocal88.org to get involved in the Member Action Team or reach out to your steward or a member of the bargaining team.
