Following pickets, Portland City Council will consider filing formal complaint against City’s largest bargaining unit

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The dispute with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees comes amidst active negotiations.
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Next week, the Portland City Council will consider filing a complaint alleging contract violations by the City’s largest bargaining unit: the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which represents more than 1,000 workers across every service area.

According to the proposed complaint, AFSCME violated their collective bargaining agreement by hosting two pickets this fall, which they promoted to members as “practice pickets.” 

AFSCME is one of three bargaining units in active negotiations with the City of Portland, which faces a budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year because revenues are not keeping up with expenses. Most bureaus have been asked to cut spending by at least 5 percent, and any additional commitments to labor contracts will require deeper cuts.

Prior to the first AFSCME picket, City officials notified union leaders their plans would violate the current contract – which prohibits members from picketing and striking before the contract expires Dec. 31, in exchange for the City agreeing not to lock out employees. AFSCME proceeded with the picket Oct. 9, when employees marched and carried signs outside a Water Bureau facility in North Portland.

In an Oct. 24 letter, the City signaled its intent to take action if the pickets continued.

“Our intent with this letter is to stop any further violations,” Human Resources Director Tracy Warren wrote to AFSCME chapter President Rob Martineau.

Less than two weeks later, AFSCME hosted another picket. Represented employees participated in an event Nov. 4 outside the Portland Police Bureau’s central precinct, and on Nov. 8 the City filed a grievance against AFSCME for both pickets.

If City Council votes Wednesday to pursue a formal response, the City Attorney’s Office will file an “unfair labor practice” complaint with the Oregon Employment Relations Board. The state agency would have authority to order the conduct to stop. 

Meanwhile, AFSCME contract negotiations will continue. Mediation is scheduled to get underway Dec. 12, following more than a dozen bargaining sessions in the last half-year.

The City’s bargaining is anchored by five guiding principles:

  • Respect: Honor employees’ service and expertise by providing fair compensation, benefits and working conditions.
  • Workforce competition: Attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce.
  • Financial stewardship: Make the most of taxpayers’ resources to make Portland safe, healthy and livable.
  • Shared responsibility: Ensure that all employees share equitably in the impacts of economic factors outside the City’s control.
  • Rules and regulations: Follow laws and best practices for labor negotiations.