08/17 Bargaining Update

08/16 Bargaining Session: This week’s Bargaining session was defined by more of the same. The City offered three counters that entirely removed our changes while the PCL Bargaining Team offered three Original Proposals that speak directly to real problems facing 483 members. In Article 8 Shifts we increased shift differentials to 10% and 15% of base wage to make necessary evening operations more attractive for bidding and new hires. In Article 9 Overtime we created stronger compensation for essential employees, forced on OTs, and paid rest periods. In Article 10 Reporting Pay and Minimum Pay, we push back against the contracting out of our work. The full text of all PCL’s original proposals can be found at https://www.laborers483.org/city-of-portland-pcl.

Each of these proposals was written to fix existing problems people working under our contract have faced for years. Those issues, which are often created by the City, have been consistently dismissed by the City’s bargaining team. This week a City representative told our team directly that our problems are not their problem. Well the time has come for us to make it their problem The time has come for you to get involved.

Wearable Wednesdays: An easy way to show your support for bargaining is by wearing Union swag. Every Wednesday for the remainder of this contract campaign we are asking 483 members to wear Union shirts, hats, glasses, buttons, etc. in their workplace as a demonstration of solidarity. LiUNA swag, Troublemaker T-shirts, anything that shows your union pride. Our current stock of shirts is low but you can get one by attending a  meeting, worksite visit, or union event. In the meantime, as long as you’ve got something Blue or Orange you can show the City you’re part of the bargain for a better contract.