Interim Dues are Happening!

After months of City feet dragging and City technology issues, interim dues is launching! This is a huge step forward in building our union – thank you for your patience and your commitment to winning a strong contract!

Interim dues will be automatically deducted from your March 21st, 2024 paycheck and will continue to be deducted from each paycheck until a contract is ratified.  (Note:  This applies to those who have signed a membership card and have authorized dues to be deducted.  Membership gives benefits like voting rights, etc.  We encourage all eligible City employees to become members to have the full rights and privileges of CPPW membership.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we pay dues?

Dues are a crucial part of having a strong union – they allow us to pay for needed expenses, maintain an infrastructure, get the trainings we need to fight at the contract table, and have the resources to exercise our power. Most importantly, dues paying membership demonstrates to the City that CPPW members support the union effort and are ready to back up that support with action!

What are CPPW dues right now (aka, Interim Dues)?

In early December 2023, with a vote of 91% in favor, the CPPW membership voted to institute flat interim dues of 0.5% of gross monthly salary as a temporary measure to raise money to fight for our first contract.

How to I figure out my Interim Dues cost?

Base hourly wage (no overtime and before taxes or any pay enhancements) x .005

For example, if you make $50 an hour
$50x.005=0.25
Or 25 cents an hour
.25×80 hours a pay check = $20 in dues per pay check

What will dues be once we have a contract? 

Great question – check out this website page of all things dues!

How can I contribute to my union through dues? 

Sign your union card now! Signing your union card is a commitment to pay dues and allow automatic dues deduction on your paycheck.

What if I need to stop paying dues? 

You may need to stop contributing because of a financial crisis or some other reason, we understand! You must submit your request for a hardship exception or a request to revoke your membership card in writing to [email protected] 10 days before pay day so that both CPPW and the City can fully process your request. (That’s the Monday before timesheets are due).

July Membership Meeting

All union members are encouraged to attend the July CPPW General Membership Meeting.

Thursday, July 27
5:30-7:30pm
The Portland Building, Room 108

Zoom link will be available –
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89351943214?pwd=TDAzRWl3NUZraFJMeTlsc3hjS0tDdz09

Meeting ID: 893 5194 3214
Passcode: 322438

On the agenda:

Officer Election discussion
Building the Bargaining Team
Fundraising!
Breakouts for: Stewards, Bargaining Committee, and Admin/Communications Team

Are we going to get COLAs and Merit raises?

Update – COLAs are confirmed! Merit Raises tied to SuccessFactors are considered part of Status Quo and will continue for July 2023.

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Pay increases and true cost of living adjustments are core reasons why we all came together to organize this union! CPPW is committed to getting our full and deserved pay increases this coming fiscal year. 

Continue reading Are we going to get COLAs and Merit raises?

Layoffs, budget cuts, & the union

Updated: City Council passed a tentative 2023-24 budget on May 17th that put more than 100 jobs at risk of layoff in bureaus funded by fees. Mayor Wheeler proposed last minute rollbacks of fee and utility costs that will mean budget cuts and likely layoffs. Read OPB’s coverage here.

CPPW is asking – how can we preserve services and support the people who make this city work? With our strong union, we can push back against Council’s bad budget decisions and will have more protections during layoffs than we have alone.

Continue reading Layoffs, budget cuts, & the union

Election Information

Union Vote is Here!

We have been working hard to build this union and the next big step is here – the union election.

The election will be held by confidential mailed ballot and will ask if you want to be represented by City of Portland Professional Workers Union (CPPW). A Yes vote is a vote to have a voice on issues that affect our lives at work and at home!

Continue reading Election Information