PORTLAND, OR - After over 16 months bargaining their first contract, New Avenues for Youth (NAFY) workers have reached a tentative agreement with management on a three year contract, averting a one day unfair labor practice strike scheduled for April 1st.
NAFY workers serve some of the Portland area’s most vulnerable youth, assisting them in finding housing, education and job training.
“This speaks to the power we have as workers. We came together to form our union because of the immense pride we have in the work we do and the communities we serve, with a goal of improving working conditions and decreasing turnover which we all know lead to better outcomes for the youth we’re helping” said Kat Clark, a Housing Navigator and Case Manager with NAFY.
Highlights of the three year tentative agreement include:
- Minimum wage increased from $17 to $21/hour
- A 3.25% annual COLA with a wage reopener in 2027
- $500 ratification bonus and a $1,500 retention bonus at 6 months
- Agreement that management will not receive raises above those of union represented workers for the life of the contract
- And much more, including just cause employment protections, and accountability mechanisms to hold management accountable to the contract.
“NAFY workers are vital in helping Portland’s most vulnerable youth find the safety and support they need to get on the path to safety and to thrive. These workers deserve fair wages and benefits and we’re so proud of the work they did to settle this contract” said Joe Baessler, Executive Director for Oregon AFSCME.
NAFY workers will hold a vote on their tentative agreement in the coming weeks.
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