Updates for City of Portland
The information provided below is intended only for members currently employed by City of Portland.
Please continue to contact Lead Stewards with your concerns. They are the point of contact for information and safety concerns. Being able to send groups of questions to management helps us get answers faster. Below is the list of Lead Stewards' contact information for reference:
PBOT: Randy King | meneking@aol.com | (503) 998-8387
BES: James O’Laughlen | jamesolaughlen@gmail.com | (757) 813-6549
Parks: Eric Payne | hausopain@hotmail.com | (503) 333-8390
Recreation: Jamie Doscher | jamie@liuna483.org | (503) 358-0112
Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 11:41 AM
Laborers' Local 483 Members in PBOT:
Concessions Package Update
We have heard reports this morning of supervisors telling members that the Union has already agreed to take furlough days.
We want to be clear: that is completely incorrect. Every member who votes has a say in whether or not we take concessions. Nothing has been decided yet.
If a majority of members vote yes:
8 furlough days will be required
workers can receive Work Share plus the $600 supplement
wage step increases will be frozen
the contract is extended until July 1, 2022, protecting benefits and wages
If a majority of members vote no:
Workers will be laid off
No access to Work Share or the $600 supplement
No furlough days will be required
Wage step increase will not be frozen
The contract will be not extended
Members will receive an email at 5pm tonight with a link for voting.
Members without emails in our database will be receiving texts throughout the weekend with a vote-by-phone number.
If you need more information about the concessions package or voting, please call the Local 483 office at (503) 239-5676.
Laborers' Local 483 Portland City Laborers and Recreation Members,
Please see the one page document summarizing the concessions agreement. We have been hearing from members about the need for a single document that explains the package, and here it is.
Members have also been asking who they should contact with detailed questions about Work Share. The City's Human Resources Business Partner will be the point people for Work Share applications and questions. Below is a list of Business Partners by bureau.
PBOT
Stephanie Reynolds- Stephanie.Reynolds@portlandoregon.gov
(503) 823-1714
Cydney Khan- cydney.khan@portlandoregon.gov
(503) 823-5302
Parks- Steve Johnson
stevemahmoud@portlandoregon.gov
(503) 568-2403
Recreation- Tracy Warren
tracy.warren@portlandoregon.gov
(503) 823-5473
Please continue to reach out with any questions or comments.
IMPORTANT VOTE INFORMATION
FOR MEMBERS OF LABORERS 483
Concessions Package Vote Information Sheet
June 2020
Yes Vote
8 furlough days while collecting unemployment with the potential to earn an additional $600 per week for up to 7 weeks*
Extends current contract for 1 year, protecting wages and benefits
Reduces potential layoffs of Laborers 483 represented workers
Wage step increases frozen for 1 year
Preserves COLA and longevity pay
Creates template for preventing layoffs in future years
No Vote
Management moves to lay off Laborers 483 represented workers
Contract renegotiated during an economic crisis
No furlough days
Opportunity for $600 per week stimulus gone
Employees receive step increases
The Laborers’ Local 483 team has worked hard negotiating this package over the last 2 months, fighting to preserve jobs and limit concessions. We believe a yes vote is the best move for our members. We respect the opinion of all members and are here to support your voice!
*See Work Share FAQs for eligibility. Most workers will qualify.
June 3rd
Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2020 at 10:02 AM
Subject: Concessions Package Information / Vote
Laborers' Local 483 Portland City Laborers and Recreation Members,
The City of Portland approached Laborers’ Local 483 leadership in early April, asking for concessions due to the rapid loss of revenue from COVID-19’s effect on the economy. Laborers’ Local 483 leadership made clear to the City that we would not take any concessions package to a vote of the membership without first receiving comprehensive financial data from the City.
Since that time, we have analyzed the City's financial condition and negotiated a package that dramatically lowered the City's requested concessions while still saving member jobs.
Before any concessions take effect, the membership must take a vote to either ratify or decline the agreement.
Informational Materials:
Attached you will find a copy of the concessions package, a summary of the agreement, and answers to frequently asked questions related to the Work Share Oregon program and concessions package.
If you have questions that are not answered in the materials provided, please contact Laborers' Local 483 at liuna483@liuna483.org or by calling (503) 239-5676.
We will be compiling questions from members throughout the week and will follow up with answers.
Upcoming Informational Meetings:
Local 483 will host the following meetings to provide information about the concessions package and to answer member questions. These meetings will be conducted virtually using Zoom. Links and phone numbers for joining the meeting will be sent out immediately prior to each meeting.
Monday, June 1st - Today!
4:30pm-5:30pm
Tuesday, June 2nd
7:00am - 8:00am
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Wednesday, June 3rd
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday, June 4th
7:30am - 8:30am
Voting:
Due to social distancing, voting will be conducted electronically, with an option for members who lack internet access to call their vote in to a dedicated phone line. Voting will begin late Thursday, June 4th, and will be counted Monday, June 8th at noon. Please look for an email mid-week with voting instructions.
Only current members of Local 483 will be allowed to vote. If you have not already been contacted to verify your current address, phone number, and email address information, please contact the Local 483 office at (503) 239-5676 or reply directly to this email (Liuna483@liuna483.org).
We know this is a short time frame for a vote. The Work Share Oregon program provides a unique opportunity to mitigate the impact of concessions on members’ wages. Taking action now allows members to utilize this program before federal supplemental funds end.
We do not take lightly asking members to vote on concessions. We understand that many workers may have family members who have lost jobs or faced serious health issues during this pandemic.
We believe in a democratically run union. It is important that members have the opportunity to weigh and decide the merits of this concession package for themselves. We recognize the efforts of the worksite leaders and stewards from BES, Parks, PBOT, and Recreation who have worked for the last two months to shape this package.
Below are the links with more information:
APRIL 17th
Laborers' Local 483 is continuing to receive information from the Mayor's Office and Human Resources about the City's budget shortfall and their request for economic concessions. We have brought together a group of stewards and worksite leaders who are reviewing this information and the City's requests. To be clear: no decision about any economic concessions will be made without a vote of the membership. The group is currently looking into the City's financial condition in each bureau and citywide.
Laborers' Local 483 Steward James O'Laughlen, along with stewards and worksite leaders from BES, PBOT, and Parks, conducted a level 1 grievance meeting this afternoon for the grievance filed on article 9.7 of the contract. This grievance concerns deferred holidays paid to essential employees required to work during Citywide closures. Management will be providing a level 1 grievance response to our meeting soon.
Members have been asking whether they can take emergency leave provided in the COVID-19 LOA intermittently (i.e. a few days at a time instead of all at once). The answer is that members can take emergency leave intermittently.
Redeployment Opportunities for Laid-Off Recreation Workers:
Here is a list of links to opportunities for laid-off Recreation workers to be redeployed to City of Portland jobs. Workers who successfully apply will maintain their current wage rate.
Job Postings:
Utility Worker I: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portlandor/jobs/2760441/utility-worker-i-cl-temporary-extended?pagetype=promotionalJobs
Delivery Driver: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portlandor/jobs/2759152/delivery-driver?pagetype=promotionalJobs
Emergency Communication Center Positions
Multiple positions. We recommend applying even if you have not previously performed this same type of work. Many of the skills used to perform Recreation work are transferable.
Please continue to contact Lead Stewards with your concerns. They are the point of contact for information and safety concerns. Being able to send groups of questions to management helps us get answers faster.
APRIL 15th
Laborers' Local 483 Portland City Laborers' and Recreation Members,
Laborers' Local 483 inquired about member access to non-medical grade face masks on the job. The City informed us they expect a shipment of face masks to be delivered by the end of the week. We encourage members who would like to wear non-medical grade face masks at work to request them from their supervisor.
We have been in contact with LiUNA Representatives in Washington DC about current and future federal funding for local governments including the City of Portland. Please see the attached document for a summary of current stimulus funds and potential legislation. With congress recessed until May 4th, we don't expect any new stimulus funds to pass until early May.
Chief Administrative Officer Rinehart sent an email to all City employees today outlining cost reduction measures for non-represented workers. As part of Rinehart's communication he mentioned his work with labor partners. We want to be clear with the membership that no cuts will be taken without a vote of the membership. Transparency is extremely important throughout this process. Laborers' Local 483 is working to bring information to the membership around the City's financial condition and any cuts packages the City proposes.
Click to learn more about the stimulus funds and potential legislation.
Redeployment Opportunities for Laid-Off Recreation Employees:
Here is a list of links to opportunities for laid-off Recreation employees to be redeployed to City of Portland jobs. Workers who successfully apply will maintain their current wage rate.
Note: any workers who need help navigating the online NeoGov system can access the following "How To Apply" events. The capacity for each session is 25 participants in an effort to avoid technology challenges.
April 17th (1:30pm to 3:00pm) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-how-to-apply-workshop-tickets-102442058956
April 20th (1:30pm to 3:00pm) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-how-to-apply-workshop-tickets-102442454138
Job Postings
NEW! Utility Worker I : https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portlandor/jobs/2760441/utility-worker-i-cl-temporary-extended?pagetype=promotionalJobs
Delivery Driver : https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portlandor/jobs/2759152/delivery-driver?pagetype=promotionalJobs
Emergency Communication Center Positions
Multiple positions. We recommend applying even if you have not previously performed this same type of work. Many of the skills used to perform Recreation work are transferable.
April 13th
Laborers' Local 483 Portland City Laborers' and Recreation Members,
Last week Mayor Wheeler approached Laborers' Local 483 and all other City Unions concerning next year's City budget. The Mayor relayed the following information:
The City is projecting a $100 million shortfall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Revenue sources such as gas tax, parking meter fees, hotel and lodging taxes, rate payer fees, and revenue from Recreation services are, or are anticipated to be, heavily impacted.
Current federal stimulus funds cannot be used to backfill the shortfall in revenue. They can only be used to provide services directly related to COVID-19 response.
The Mayor informed the City Unions that in an effort to balance the City budget and avoid layoffs, he will be putting together a requested series of cuts that could include Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), furlough days, and/or step freezes. At this time he does not have a specific package, but will be bringing forward a package quickly in preparation for the Mayor's proposed budget in early May.
Laborers' Local 483 leadership communicated the following points to the Mayor:
Any changes to employees' contractual rights would only happen through a democratic vote of the membership.
Our members will need more information about the City's financial condition, including how the City is modeling anticipated revenue shortfalls.
Any package the City brings forward to the membership for a vote will need to ensure that dollars saved would be directly used to prevent layoffs.
Any package the City brings forward will need to contain trigger language, i.e. requirements that if revenue shortfalls are less than anticipated, cuts to members' benefits will be reduced or ended altogether.
Laborers' Local 483 has taken the following actions:
We are working with representatives from the International Union to assess future federal stimulus opportunities.
We are drafting a letter with the other City Unions demanding the City immediately institute a voluntary early retirement program. This will allow the City to reduce costs while providing members a faster path to retirement.
We are setting up meetings with the top finance employees at PBOT, BES, and Parks and Recreation to learn more about each bureau's specific budget challenges.
To be clear, at this time we are not recommending the membership take any potential cuts package. We are assessing the situation in order to understand the City's financial situation and provide the membership with accurate information and potential options. We are committed to ensuring any decisions that are made are done democratically and with as much information as possible.
We understand this is difficult news. Our members are working hard in tough circumstances to keep this City running through a global pandemic. The idea of layoffs or cuts to hard earned wages is gut wrenching.
We will keep you up to date as more information about this situation comes available. If you have questions or thoughts, please don't hesitate to reach out to your Lead Steward:
APRIL 8th
-Laborers' Local 483 has filed a grievance concerning essential employees receiving deferred holidays (or pay) during citywide closures. The City of Portland, in violation of article 9.7, has not been paying employees the deferred holidays or compensation required in the contract. We will keep the membership updated as this grievance moves forward.
Redeployment Opportunities for Laid-Off Recreation Employees:
Here is a list of links to opportunities for laid-off Recreation employees to be redeployed to City of Portland jobs. Workers who successfully apply will maintain their current wage rate.
-Delivery Driver
-Emergency Communication Center Positions
Multiple positions including Documentation Lead, Administrative Assistant, and Staff Scheduling Assistant. We recommend applying even if you have not previously performed this same type of work. Many of the skills used to perform Recreation work are transferable.
-Warehouse Coordinator
Note: you do not need previous warehouse experience to apply for this job.
-Disaster Resource Center (Homeless Shelters)
APRIL 7th
-Laborers' Local 483 is preparing to file a grievance about essential employees receiving deferred holidays (or pay) during citywide closures. The City of Portland, in violation of article 9.7, has not been paying employees the deferred holidays or compensation required in the contract. We will keep the membership updated as the grievance is filed and moves forward.
Redeployment Opportunities for Laid Off Recreation Employees:
Below is a list of links to opportunities for laid off Recreation employees to be redeployed to City of Portland jobs. Workers who successfully apply will maintain their current wage rate.
-Emergency Communication Center Positions
Multiple positions including Documentation lead, Administrative Assistant, and Staff Scheduling Assistant. We recommend applying even if you have not previously performed this same type of work. Many of the skills used to perform Recreation work are transferable.
-Delivery Driver
-Warehouse Coordinator
Note: you do not need previous warehouse experience to apply for this job.
-Disaster Resource Center (Homeless Shelters)
APRIL 6th
-Laborers' Local 483 is continuing to monitor worksite safety measures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Please contact a Lead Steward if you have questions or concerns about safety in the workplace.
-Some members are encountering situations where City managers or HR employees are unaware or possibly ill informed about the rights afforded members under our recent COVID-19 Letter of Agreement. If you are having any trouble using the paid leave provided in the LOA, please contact a Lead Steward immediately. We will work to clear up miscommunications and quickly transition members with COVID-19 related issues out of the workplace.
Redeployment Opportunities for Laid Off Recreation Employees:
Below is a list of links to opportunities for laid off Recreation employees to be redeployed to City of Portland jobs. Workers who successfully apply will maintain their current wage rate.
-New! Emergency Communication Center Positions
Multiple positions including Documentation lead, Administrative Assistant, and Staff Scheduling Assistant. We recommend applying even if you have not previously performed this same type of work. Many of the skills used to perform Recreation work are transferable.
-Delivery Driver
-Warehouse Coordinator
Note: you do not need previous warehouse experience to apply for this job.
-Disaster Resource Center (Homeless Shelters)
Note: if you have concerns with safety protocol related to these positions please see the attached DRC FAQ document.
April 1
Tomorrow Laborers' Local 483 members will be able to access emergency paid sick leave for leaves related to COVID-19. Workers who want to use this leave should contact their HR Business Partner. Please contact your Lead Steward if you have any issues taking leave. See the March 31st update below for more info about the leaves program.
LiUNA has a new app for download that provides up-to-date information about COVID-19 and worker safety. You can download the app by following this link: https://www.liunatraining.org/
Laborers' Local 483 is continuing efforts to redeploy these laid-off Rec workers to help community members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today we spoke with the Oregon Nurses Association to see how members could potentially make PPE for nurses on the frontline of the pandemic. We are also working to establish a pathway to extra support for Local 483 members laid off as a result of COVID-19 through our partner's at Labor's Community Service Agency.
NEW! Delivery Driver: Apply to become a delivery drive at the following link.
March 31
Laborers' Local 483 is hearing about members who have not received information about the recent COVID-19 agreement. Please help spread the word about this agreement and the important leave it provides members. The following are documents explaining the agreement and the extra benefits members receive. After April 1, members will be able to access additional emergency leave. We want everyone to know about this leave and be able to access it when needed. Note: only employees currently employed by the City are eligible for emergency leave.
To view the COVID-19 Response Leave Sharing Program and Eligibility, click here.
To view the flowchart of your Leave Options Due to Illness or Self-quarantine, click here.
To view the flowchart of your Leave Options For High Risk Employees, click here.
To view the flowchart of your Leave Options for Dependent Care, click here.
Laborers’ Local 483 COVID-19 Letter of Agreement
Explanation of Worker Benefits
Protecting Worker Pay
Employees who were scheduled for shifts between March 12, 2020 and April 1, 2020, but whose shifts were cancelled, will receive pay for their scheduled shift.
The City and Union will work together to provide new work opportunities for employees facing layoff.If you have an idea for necessary community services during this time of crisis that can be provided by a work group threatened with layoff, please contact your union office.
Protecting Worker Healthcare
If an employee must take an unpaid leave due to COVID-19 pandemic, the City will maintain their health insurance coverage.
Employees whose healthcare is dependent on an hours look back period will not be disqualified from future health insurance eligibility due to a loss of hours during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Protecting Worker Health
Employees who are expected to work will receive proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Safety Coordinators will check-in frequently with the workforce.
Safety efforts will be given added emphasis.
If you have safety concerns that management is not being responsive to, please contact a Union steward or representative.
Emergency Working Out of Classification
When issues stemming from the state of emergency occur, management may work employees out of classification.
When worked out of classification, employees will receive their normal pay rate.
This is primarily to allow employees in the Parks Bureau who may otherwise lose their jobs to be redeployed in other roles.
Schedule Changes
Employee schedules may be changed to limit social interaction and potential exposure to COVID-19.
When the emergency is lifted, employees will return to their previous schedule.
Healthcare Documentation
Employee need only be “seeking a medical diagnosis” for COVID-19 related symptoms to access sick leave.
The City will provide flexibility to workers who are unable to get healthcare documentation from their healthcare provider in a timely manner for conditions unrelated to COVID-19.
Vacation Caps
Employees who are required to work will be allowed to accrue leave over their vacation cap for the duration of the emergency.
When the emergency is over and normal operations resume, the Union and City will meet to agree on a date by which employees must use vacation leave beyond the cap or lose it.
Work Plans for Members at High Risk
Employees who are at high risk for complications from COVID -19 have the right to communicate with a supervisor, manager, or human resources business partner to develop a specific work place accommodation plan.
The Centers for Disease control lists high risk individuals here.
If you are having difficulty receiving accommodation, please contact a Union Steward or Representative.
Dependent Care Limits
During the state of emergency, the City will lift the 104 hour limit on dependent care. Members will be able to use all of their sick leave accrual to provide dependent care.
Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The COP COVID-19 Letter of Agreement also incorporates benefits provided by the recently enacted Federal Families first Coronavirus Response Act. Please see attached flow chart for sequencing of benefits.
Other Important Information
If you have used all of the leave possible under this agreement (see leave flow chart), please contact the Union Office. We will try to work with the City on behalf of individuals with particularly difficult circumstances to extend benefits on an individual or small group basis.
We are encouraging members to reach out to your Lead Steward with safety concerns on the worksite. This can include lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), access to hand-washing or hand sanitizer, and other issues concerning barriers to COVID-19 transmission.
Laborers' Local 483 is continuing efforts to redeploy laid-off Recreation workers to help community members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today we contacted different non-profits to provide more opportunities for work.
A new opportunity as a Warehouse Coordinator is available for Recreation members slated for layoff. Workers who successfully apply will maintain their current wage rate. This is a great opportunity for folks who have storekeeping or similar experience. You can find the job posting by following this link.
March 30
Laborers' Local 483 is talking with the City about ways to redeploy laid-off Recreation workers to help community members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have proposed redeploying interested members to deliver Meals on Wheels for seniors, provide childcare for first responders, sewing masks and other PPE, and staff resource line centers. If you have an idea for how workers could be redeployed, please send it directly to this email.
Currently, members who are slated for layoff can apply to work at homeless shelters to maintain their City employment. Workers who successfully apply will maintain their current wage rate. Please see this link.
We are encouraging members who are in the high risk category for COVID-19 or who have a member of their household who is at high risk to take advantage of the leave options provided under the agreement signed last week with the City. Please see attached flow chart.
City of Portland workers: Disaster Resource Center Recruitment
Laborers’ Local 483 is identifying opportunities for the City to redeploy employees slated for layoff in order to maintain their employment. Currently, approximately 500+ workers in Rec are facing layoff in early April. Members who are slated for layoff can apply to work at newly opened homeless shelters to maintain their City employment. Workers who successfully apply will maintain their current wage rate. Please see this link.
March 25
We are sharing information provided by the City of Portland in regard to the announcement that seasonal and casual employees will be temporarily laid off. This is a suspension of work, not separation or termination of your position. The intent is that you will be called back when facilities reopen. Even so, we are saddened at the financial impact this will surely have and feel it is important to provide information in a consolidated way. Current directives from the City of Portland for casual and seasonal employees are as follows:
All Portland Parks & Recreation community centers will remain closed and programs are canceled until at least April 28.
Effective at the end of this payroll period, April 1, all seasonal and casual employees will be temporarily laid off.
Seasonal and casual employees who have been working may be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits through the Oregon Employment Department while you are temporarily out of work.
You can find unemployment information, specific to COVID-19, by visiting the Oregon Employment Department’s website at www.oregon.gov/employ/Pages/COVID-19.aspx This webpage lists information on how to file a claim during the current, declared a state of emergency.
When filing a claim, be sure to list Portland Parks & Recreation Bureau as the “Employer”. This will help ensure the claim gets to the right place for verification and is processed as quickly as possible.
Here is additional information about a temporary moratorium on all residential evictions in the City of Portland and Multnomah County for tenants on the basis of nonpayment of rent, due to wage loss resulting from COVID-19. The high points of this policy are that:
No late fee can be charged or collected for rent that is delayed for the reasons stated in the moratorium.
Renters must inform their landlords before rent is due that they will be unable to pay.
After the emergency declaration is lifted, renters will have 6 months to repay the rent they owe. This action does not freeze rents; it gives people extra time to pay. Here is an FAQ with additional information.
COVID-19 Letter of Agreement
At 10:40 a.m. on March 25, the Portland City Council unanimously passed the COVID-19 Letter of Agreement. The agreement comes into effect immediately. A link to the ordinance and the Letter of Agreement can be found at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/auditor/article/757555.
This agreement contains increased protections for our members during this difficult time of the pandemic. While the City did not meet all of our demands, this agreement provides for benefits and rights that significantly increase worker safety. This was a unique process that included bringing together a coalition of almost every City Union and rapid bargaining to reach agreement within approximately one week.
It is important to note that benefits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act recently passed by Congress are integrated into this agreement and are part of the reason for the complexity of the agreement.
This agreement is not the end of our efforts to protect workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation changes, we will continue to work with the City to increase worker protections through future agreements. We encourage you to reach out if you have a situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic that is not covered by this agreement. If you have any questions about this agreement, please contact your Lead Steward (list above) or email Laborers’ Local 483 main office at liuna483@liuna483.org.
Union Representative Tom Colett has been appointed to the Mayor's Economic Impact and Intervention Task Force—a group of business and unions tasked with helping develop plans to support the local economy during the current pandemic. The group's first meeting was held this morning. The message from the Mayor was clear: economic support to the community would not be coming from the State or Federal Government for 6-8 weeks, limiting resources to those contained within the current City Budget. Longer term plans will be discussed in coming weeks.
We want to share the below link to community resources put together by Congressman Earl Blumenaur's office. This spreadsheet is one of the most comprehensive resources we have come across.
Click here for community resources.