10/05 PCL Bargaining Update
/Financial proposals:
This morning the PCL team put forward the very last of our class specific wage proposals. The full wage specific proposal can be found HERE. This is the final piece of the PCL financial demands that include a 10% wage increase for everyone under the contract, ongoing uncapped cola, substantially increased shift differential, new and improved premium pay, 100% employer paid healthcare premiums, and 2.5% matching for defined contribution (403b) to retirement savings.
Our team has made these demands because you have earned them through sweat and sacrifice. In a just world these asks and more would be freely offered by your grateful employer. In this world, we expect a fight. That’s just fine because our members have shown themselves eager to fight for what they deserve.
The Power of Participation:
In recent weeks our members have shaped bargaining demands, made direct proposals to City negotiators, spoken before City Council, and spread word of our struggle to the local news.
These are just some of the many ways you can directly impact your contract. Please contact the PCL bargaining team or Labor Rep James O’Laughlen to learn how you can best join the fight for the contract you deserve.
Pre-Strike Authorization Vote Starts October 17th:
Portland City Laborers have consistently told the bargaining team they are ready and raring to take action. In response, the PCL bargaining team has decided to call a Strike Authorization Vote. Voting yes for Strike Authorization would give our bargaining team the authority to reject management’s “final” offer at the table and declare a strike on behalf of the Union. While Strike Authorization would transfer power to call a strike to the Bargaining Team, no contract could be ratified without a full vote of PCL members. A yes vote on Strike Authorization would give our Union more leverage at the table and empower the bargaining team to push for a new contract more rapidly.
The Strike Authorization vote will be held online and through the mail between October 17-23rd. Additional concept and process details will be forthcoming