FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Friday, May 23, 2025
Contact: Leigh Shelton 503-875-8410 or leighsheltonmcleod@gmail.com
City of Portland Professional Workers Union and City reach tentative agreement
One day after announcing strike authorization, proposed deal paves way for professional workers’ first contract
PORTLAND – The bargaining team for the City of Portland Professional Workers Union (CPPW) has reached a tentative agreement with the City for its first-ever contract.
Next, members will have the chance to ratify the proposed deal through a vote.
The union represents 800 professional staff doing essential City services across nearly every bureau, and who have been working without a contract since voting overwhelmingly to unionize in 2023. For many workers, it’s their first time in a union.
“It’s exhilarating to have the city recognize the value of our work and have it codified in a first contract,” said Dr. Robert Layne, a senior communications strategist in Portland Solutions, and first-time union member who testified in front of City Council about negotiations on Thursday.
Layne says he plans to vote “yes” on the agreement.
Dozens of CPPW members have testified in front of City Council over the past year to describe the crucial yet often invisible work they do to keep Portland operating. Members also voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, the union announced on Thursday, with 92% voting in support. The tentative deal means a strike is off.
CPPW President Kari Koch said the first contract includes expansive layoff and recall protections to meet the needs of a changing City structure, wage increases and cost of living adjustments, an additional one-time leave bonus for eligible members, flexibility and protections for remote work, and a formal grievance process.
“This tentative agreement is a monumental win for our union,” said Koch. “I’m so proud of our united and determined members who volunteered thousands of hours to make this agreement possible.”
Anamaría Pérez, a data analyst in the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and volunteer on the union bargaining team, said the 15-month experience helped her build deep relationships with her co-workers. “They were my co-workers who I didn’t know. Now they’re my friends,” Pérez said. “This experience reaffirmed that solidarity and collective action works.”
Perez said the union negotiated a “solid” first contract.
“I’m feeling joy, pride and relief that we achieved such a solid contract,” said Perez.
###
For more information, visit cppwunion.org, or contact Leigh Shelton at 503-875-8410 to interview a union official or member.
September 9, Noon-1pm