A union dedicated to the professional workers at the City of Portland
KBOO program: Labor Radio hosted by Jamie Partridge. Aired October 26, 2026
Kari Koch and Christopher Gustafson, the president and treasurer of the City of Portland Professional Workers union (CPPW) explain why their young union is on track to strike. In their struggle for fair wages, reasonable hours, and worker protections against layoff, the City has refused to bargain in good faith, causing the workers’ to vote to authorize a strike, with a possible walkout on November 1.
From your CPPW Bargaining Team: Yesterday, your bargaining team showed up in good faith with a supposal (a non-binding pitch showing flexibility to move negotiations forward) to settle this contract. The City sat on their hands and refused to provide a meaningful response. Our eyes are on Mayor Wilson and we’re getting strike ready. The Time for Action is Now.
Emergency General Membership Meeting: Monday October 26, noon-1 p.m. Link in your email.
Three things you can do:
Thousands of Portland city employees represented by two unions could go on strike as soon as November and December.
Your Bargaining Team’s goal — always — is a fair and strong contract. Building up to a strike and striking are two powerful tools in our toolbox to secure a strong contract.
Your union leadership understands a strike will be hard, stressful, and force difficult decisions. That isn’t taken lightly. We are right there with you & other members who may face challenging short term financial situations in order to secure greater long term stability. It will not be easy, but we can only do this together.
Members have said it best themselves: “I can’t afford to strike. But I can’t afford not to strike.”
No matter what, we must be prepared.
With that in mind, let’s dig into the fiscal reality of a strike, resources available, and the financials of the contract that impact our future security.
Important Note: Strikes are, by their nature, unpredictable and the future is unknowable.
Nothing in this message is a promise, nor is it intended to be exact or prescriptive. We are offering this information to help frame the choices we have broadly.
In this email:
Hit the email link for all the details.
