The City of Portland and AFSCME Local 189, representing 11 employees in the City’s Independent Police Review (IPR) division, began mediation yesterday following several months of contract negotiations.
IPR employees organized in 2021 ahead of the development of Portland’s new Oversight System; their current labor agreement expired June 30.
Earlier this month, members voted to authorize a strike prior to reaching 150 days of bargaining and ahead of the first mediation session with the City on Aug. 21.
During bargaining last month, the City presented a transition proposal offering multiple options for IPR employees as positions are phased out and the new Oversight System is implemented, including:
- Support for IPR employees interested in applying for positions within the new Oversight System
- Finding or creating equivalent positions for IPR employees who do not receive a job offer in the new Oversight System
The City remains committed to reaching a fair agreement and supporting IPR employees through this transition. The next mediation session is scheduled for Sept. 25.
Five guiding principles anchor the City’s labor negotiations:
- 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.
Planning is underway to ensure essential services will continue in the event of a strike.