It has been an intense two weeks. From political whiplash to near-daily “updates” from city leaders about our work and budget—all while we are in active bargaining for a fair contract—it has felt difficult and stressful. This is not okay, and you are not alone.
Our union has been digging into these “updates” because city leaders have been awfully opaque, with few details amid the business jargon and empty expressions of empathy.
We want to share what we know and don’t know yet. And provide ways to channel our fear, anger, or distrust into positive action in support of city workers and the city we serve.
How did we get to $100 million?
In a matter of days, the city’s reported $27 million funding gap for the upcoming fiscal year suddenly exploded to $100 million. City Administrator Michael Jordan and budget leaders provided no real details, nor a sense of ownership of their role in driving us off a cliff, only scare tactics.
Let’s put these numbers in perspective in terms of scale:
- $100 million is roughly 1.2% of the city budget
- CPPW’s wage proposal we’re actively bargaining over now amounts to $5.3 million in the upcoming fiscal year, about 0.06% of the budget
Now, consider the budget memo they released alongside that big scary number. It outlines drastic cuts to public services Portlanders want, need, and require and cuts to staff—you—the professionals who do this work. Meanwhile, it completely ignores all of the bureaucracy bloat that has become the hallmark of our city’s transition.
As the budget continues to develop and details emerge, we will continue to push, ask hard questions, and seek answers for you.
Layoffs
Jordan’s memo outlines how many people he would fire to close their still-unexplained budget gap. Some members have already been told their positions could be cut.
Bottom line:
- Our union will support our coworkers facing layoffs in every way we can. Settling a contract with layoff protections is vital for our union members!
- The fight is ongoing. The budget process is just now firing up and a lot can change between now and June 30.
- Our union, alongside partner unions, are meeting with HR to talk layoffs and why we think they are not necessary, not until they consider every alternative to cut costs and save jobs.
There are many ways to fight for a budget that values the service we provide Portlanders and that preserves jobs. We will continue fighting on your behalf and providing ways for you to be involved as this budget takes shape.
The “Re-Set”
ICYMI, Jordan sent another memo to citywide leadership last week about consolidating staff and completely restructuring how the city does procurement, human resources, technology, budget and business operations, communications, public engagement, and equity.
This “re-set” is already sending shockwaves through city offices and bureaus. Staff are already getting called into meetings and listening sessions to see how this can be rushed through now, amid all the other overlapping crises the city faces. This while CPPW and other unions are bargaining and/or waiting for the results of the Class & Compensation study. It’s too much.
Even when we agree on the need for better collaboration and breaking out of our silos, the rush to “re-set” feels like yet another example of top-down decision making, ignoring the people who do the actual work. It is more manager lingo for layoffs.
Action is the antidote to despair! (As Joan Baez said)
This is why we are a union. We are here for solidarity, to take collective action, and to have a powerful voice in decision-making. As city leaders’ actions spread fear, anger, anxiety, overwhelm, or despair, know you are not alone!
Now is the time to turn feelings into action:
- Organize! Host union Lunch and Learn with members of your team, workgroup, or bureau. The Contract Action Team and other CPPW leaders can come share about anything union related: bargaining, contract, workplace rights, layoffs, or striking. Get on the schedule for February now!
- Connect! Check out all these CPPW social events. Mark your calendars now to join.
- Join the conversation! Get in the CPPW Discord. Comment in real time, share stories, pose questions, the Discord chat is popping!
- Sign Your Support! 70% of CPPW members have signed their union cards. Have you? Get us to 90% by signing today. This gives us power at the bargaining table, at Council, and everywhere we fight for each other. Questions about signing? Ask them: [email protected]
We are grounded in our collective power and will push back together on any policies the city tries to push on us at the expense of workers. We do that at the bargaining table, in our workplaces, at council, in the press … everywhere the voice of workers is needed.
You have the skills – you are so incredibly competent – let’s do this together.