Nov. 4, 2025 Update
The City and AFSCME concluded today's mediation session without reaching an agreement. A strike is expected to begin Nov. 5. Another mediation session is planned for Thursday, Nov. 6.
The City of Portland and AFSCME, representing 11 Independent Police Review (IPR) employees affected by the implementation of City Charter through the new Office of Community-based Police Accountability, return to mediation today. AFSCME has announced plans to strike beginning Nov. 5 if an agreement is not reached.
The primary issue in dispute is the union's request that its members be guaranteed direct placement into positions in the Office of Community-based Police Accountability—the new office within the Police Oversight System approved by Portland voters in 2022.
As outlined in City Charter Section 2-1005, staffing decisions for the new office are the responsibility of its Director, who will be appointed by the Community Board for Police Accountability once that body begins its work. Agreeing to guaranteed placement would violate City Charter by overriding the Director's authority.
When voters approved the new Oversight System in 2022, they also directed that the Community Board for Police Accountability have independent judgment in the exercise of their duties. City Charter Section 2-1006 states that the City Council, Mayor, bureaus and other administrative agencies shall not interfere with that independent judgement.
Any changes to the City Charter, including these provisions, can only occur if Portlanders vote to amend the Charter.
The City remains committed to reaching a fair agreement within the limits of City Charter and continues to bargain in good faith to support a smooth transition to the new system.
The City's latest proposal includes an invitation to meet with the Office of Community-based Police Accountability Director to explore the possibility of transferring AFSCME-represented Independent Police Review employees into the new office without requiring a formal application or interview. The OCPA Director will have discretion in determining whether to approve these transfers.
City offers presented to AFSCME to date:
- Sept. 16 - City's final offer submitted to the Employment Relations Board
- Sept. 25 - City's updated mediation proposal
- Oct. 14 - City's updated mediation proposal
- Oct. 31 - City's updated mediation proposal
Read previous bargaining updates:
- August 22, 2025 -City of Portland begins mediation with AFSCME-represented Independent Police Review division | Portland.gov
- September 26, 2025 - The City of Portland and AFSCME-represented Independent Police Review continue mediation | Portland.gov
- October 17, 2025 -Mediation for Independent Police Review contract continues as cooling-off period ends | Portland.gov
- October 30, 2025 - AFSCME-represented Independent Police Review submits 10-day notice to strike | Portland.gov