Five day strike results in 13% wage increases over the life of the contract
Yamhill County workers represented by the Yamhill County Employees Association/AFSCME Local 1422, ended their five day strike after a 12 hour day of mediation, reaching a three-year tentative agreement with Yamhill County. Next, members of Local 1422 will vote to ratify the contract.
“The level of solidarity workers showed throughout the bargaining process was instrumental in making this strike successful” said Michelle Mendoza, President of YCEA/AFSCME Local 1422.
The tentative agreement includes the following gains:
- COLA increases of 7% in Y1 retroactive to July 1st, 2023, 3% in Y2, and 3% in Y3.
- Market study for all AFSCME-represented positions that were not covered by HB 4004, wage study to be completed by July 2024.
- Longevity pay begins at 5 years plus one year topped out, and will be a percentage of salary, retroactive to July 1st, 2023.
- 6% bilingual pay differential retroactive to July 1st, 2023.
- Holiday pay will be based on workers’ regular scheduled shifts.
- Streamlined grievance procedure.
“We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of the Yamhill County community,” Mendoza added. “Between neighbors sending the Commissioners letters, dropping off pizzas or cases of water, stopping by a picket and grabbing a sign, or driving by with a raised fist or honk, we heard you, and we appreciate you.”
After over nine months of bargaining for a fair contract, county workers voted to go out on strike for wage increases that would allow them to actually be able to live in the county they work for. With the rapid cost of living increases happening in Yamhill County, many workers are not able to afford housing and basic necessities and many are eligible for state assistance due to low pay.
YCEA represents more than 400 county workers in Yamhill County who work in behavioral health and public health clinics, developmental disability services, victim advocacy with the county District Attorney, public works, and many other departments.
Oregon AFSCME believes in economic and social justice for all Oregon workers and their families. Our mission is to empower and unite workers to create change in their workplaces and communities. Oregon AFSCME represents over 37,000 workers in the public sector. Our members work for the State of Oregon in addition to counties, municipalities and behavioral health nonprofits across Oregon as well as self-employed child care providers. For more information visit: www.OregonAFSCME.org.
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