November 8, 2024 — After an 11-hour mediation session yesterday, the Benton County workers represented by Oregon AFSCME Local 2064 left negotiations with no agreement from County management.
The union offered a proposal to County management yesterday that came within $460,000 of the County’s last best offer. Despite this significant concession, the County gave no indication that they would agree to the proposal. In a troubling development, Management backed out of a previous agreement on vacancy costing that could have brought the two sides much closer to a deal on wages.
Chief Union Steward Joe Moore voiced deep disappointment over the County’s bait-and-switch, saying, “The County agreed to one thing, and now they’re holding up a contract over salaries and benefits for 55 fictional people that they are not even planning to hire. We were ready to settle yesterday, but we need honest, good faith bargaining that addresses the needs of our workers.”
The County bargaining team has continued to hold firm that the Benton County Board of Commissioners has not authorized any new funding for this contract since their previous work session.
In addition to the County’s abrupt reversal on costing, the union is now filing new Unfair Labor Practice complaints. Union leaders have received reports that some County managers are questioning members about their strike involvement, leading to allegations of unlawful surveillance.
“These closed-door meetings are a way for management to intimidate workers, and they are a violation of the law. We won’t stand for it,” said union bargaining team member Sarah Siddiqui. “Our members have a right to engage in collective action, including a strike, and we will hold the County accountable.”
The two teams have one more mediation session on Tuesday, November 12. Unless the County is prepared to come to the table with a fair proposal, members are prepared to begin a strike on November 13.
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