In order to secure a contract, we have to bargain with our employer, the City of Portland. This bargaining process is a time for members to prioritize our demands, build our power, and get what we want for our workplaces.
Check out all the bargaining updates here.
The People:
Bargaining is led by the Bargaining Team, a small body of members that is elected by the general membership to represent our best interests in the negotiations.
Email [email protected] to connect.
Your Bargaining Team:
- Ashly Hoffman, PBOT, Analyst II (Bargaining Co-chair)
- Jamey Duhamel, OMF-CAO, Coordinator III (Bargaining Co-chair)
- Kari Koch, BDS, Coordinator II (CPPW President)
- Annette Wood, Water, Administrative Specialist II (CPPW Organizer)
- Jay Richmond, BPS, Coordinator II (CPPW At Large Board Member)
- Anamar`ia Perez, BPS, Analyst II
- Anna DiBenedetto, OMF-CSD, Administrative Specialist III
- Kimberléa Ruffu, Parks, Coordinator II
- Rachel Jamison, Water, Analyst III
- Jonathan Simeone, Parks, Analyst II (Alternate)
The Bargaining Team is advised by the Bargaining Committee, a broad group of members that research issues, gather information, and connect with members about the union’s priorities. If you have specific interests, needs, or ideas about the contract, this is the place to plug in. Email [email protected] to connect.
The Bargaining Team will coordinate with the Contract Action Team during negotiations. The Contract Action Team is a network of workplace leaders, communicators, messengers, and members that take action in support of the bargaining team and to build power to get a strong contract. Contact [email protected] to learn more and plug in.
The Bargaining Team reports to the Executive Committee and to the General Membership at the monthly membership meetings.
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The Process & Timeline:
Phase 1
Research & Preparation: What we did since last June and what we will continue to do! We prepared, studied, trained, consulted, and got ready for bargaining. We are also building a workplace network for the Contract Action Team so that we can Launch negotiations with the majority of the members officially signed on as “Members in Good Standing”*.
Phase 2
Negotiations & Member Feedback: CPPW negotiated bargaining ground rules with the City on Jan 24, 2024. Bargaining begins by presenting contract proposals on March 4, 2024.
The bargaining process has a set timeline – both parties must participate in good-faith bargaining for at least 150 calendar days. The Bargaining Team will regularly hold information sessions and communicate through the Contract Action Team in order to prioritize and make decisions about specific issues during the negotiations. We hope to move quickly and secure a tentative agreement within the year.
During this time we are protected under “Status Quo”, meaning our employer cannot unilaterally changes our wages and workplace conditions while we are bargaining. However, both parties can come to agreement on changes (such as COLA and raises) during this time outside of the contract process.
Future Phases
Ratification: All members in good standing* will be invited to vote on the final contract. The contract requires a majority YES vote from participating members to be ratified.
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How you can help get a strong contract:
- Sign your union card.
The City will not willingly give us a strong contract that we deserve. We have to demonstrate that we are united front that will take action together to achieve our goals of higher wages, better working conditions, and stronger protections. Signing your card is the first action – and one of the biggest actions – you can take to show you want a strong contract.
2. Attend Bargaining
Check out the CPPW calendar for dates and times to attend in person. This is an important show of strength and support!
You may also request a link to view negotiations if you have an accommodation need.
3. Provide testimony or support contract development
Do you have special insight into a particular area (over time, paid leave, remote work, etc). We will be looking for people to testify about why our contract matters and people to help write up contract provisions. Email [email protected] to connect.
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* What is a “Member in Good Standing”? All people in the classifications represented by the City of Portland Professional Workers Union are members of the union. However, not all members are allowed to participate and have a voice in the union. In order to receive all the benefits of the union and have a voice in union decision making, you must agree to be an Official Member of CPPW. Member in Good Standing is a member that has officially signed their union card agreeing to union membership and agreeing to paying dues once a contract is ratified. Dues will be established by a vote of the membership before the contract is ratified. A union with high percentage of Members in Good Standing is more likely to get a strong contract, have a voice in deciding the future of this city, and have good protections on the job. It is important to sign up as a member. Sign up now! It takes 2 minutes.