May 21, 2025
Portland, OR — In a victory for Portland’s workers, the Portland City Council voted unanimously today to reinstate the Fair Wages Ordinance, restoring long-standing labor protections that had been repealed late last year in a 600 plus page code realignment package. The vote marks a major win for frontline workers, labor unions, and advocates for economic justice.
Councilor Jamie Dunphy, who led the push for reinstatement alongside SEIU Local 49 and Councilors Mitch Green and Steve Novick, heralded the passage as “an important protection for Portland’s working class.”
“This is about dignity, equity, and honoring the people who keep our city clean, safe, and running,” said Councilor Dunphy. “We’re putting an end to race-to-the-bottom contracting and ensuring our public dollars support family-sustaining wages.”
The reinstated Fair Wages Ordinance applies to City of Portland contracts for janitorial, security, and parking garage attendant services. It guarantees a minimum hourly wage—that exceeds the state minimum wage and an annual cost of living increase. It requires the Mayor or City Administrator to come to the council to request any exemption, strengthening the prior policy.
This action follows the City Council’s repeal of the original Fair Wage Policy in November 2024 under Ordinance 191973. At the time, it was considered unnecessary code for procurement contracts. However, the repeal raised concerns among labor advocates and community members about the potential impact on contracted workers' stability and public service quality. In response, the sponsors reached out to each affected city bureau to ensure that no current budget reductions were dependent on the elimination of Fair Wage protections.
SEIU Local 49 played a pivotal role in organizing for the policy’s return, mobilizing workers and community allies to demand fair compensation and stability for contracted employees.
“This is a victory for the janitors and security officers who show up everyday to protect and maintain public building and spaces.” A spokesperson for SEIU Local 49 said. “This is about raising standards for all workers at the City and for every Portlander who believes in fair pay for fair work.”
Councilors Green and Novick, co-sponsored the legislation and praised the broad coalition that brought the ordinance over the finish line.
“Portland can’t function without the people who clean our buildings, guard our public spaces, and maintain our facilities,” said Councilor Green. “This ordinance is a promise that we value their work, their humanity, and raises the floor for the working class.”
"This is a common sense correction," Councilor Novick said. "With this vote, Council has not only restored vital labor standards, but has also provided the necessary lead time to protect the Fair Wages Policy into the upcoming fiscal year budget."
The new Fair Wages Ordinance goes into effect on June 21, ensuring that upcoming cost-of-living increases scheduled for July 1, 2025, remain in place and that city contracts moving forward reflect a commitment to living wages and worker dignity.
Media Contact:
Madeline West
971-421-6864
Office of Councilor Jamie Dunphy
City Hall, Portland, OR
madeline.west@portlandoregon.gov