City of Corvallis Workers Ratify Tentative Contract Agreement

CORVALLIS, OR – After six days on strike, City of Corvallis workers, represented by Oregon AFSCME Local 2975, have reached a tentative contract agreement with the City of Corvallis.

The union bargaining team met with the city’s bargaining team at an all-day mediation session on Wednesday, in which the parties worked together to reach a deal that puts off increased healthcare costs for workers and makes investments in long-term employees. The union put the tentative agreement to a vote with membership on Thursday October 22nd, and it was overwhelmingly ratified by members. Employees will return to work by Friday, October 23rd.

Some of the contract highlights include:

• A seventh step to be added to the wage schedule in the fourth year of the contract,
• A $1,000 ratification bonus, 
• No increase to healthcare premiums until 2030
• Vastly improved safety language

“We are glad that we were able to come to a deal that meets most of our members’ needs, while also addressing the limitations of our city budget,” says Evan Newton, President of Local 2975. “I’m so proud of this union for coming together to make this happen. This is what happens when workers stand united to fight for what we deserve.”

The tentative agreement still needs to be approved by the City Council at their next public meeting on November 2nd.

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