Polk County Workers Make Plea to Board of Commissioners for Fair Wages, Good-Faith Bargaining

Amongst all local government workers in Oregon, Polk County workers represented by AFSCME Local 173 are among the lowest paid. While the cost of living has continued to skyrocket in Polk County and the surrounding area, and inflation is currently over 4%, county leadership is offering just 2% in wage increases to the workers who keep Polk County safe, healthy, and running smoothly. In contrast, the county bargaining team offered a 2.5% increase to workers at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Just last month, workers at the City of Dallas won wage increases between 3.35% - 4.6%.

Not only has Polk County’s leadership team offered low wage increases, but they have made very few proposals at all and the bargaining process has been at a standstill for most of the past 5 months.

During the public comment section of the July 29th Board of Commissioners meeting, Amy Everetts, President of AFSCME Local 173 demanded the county provide wages that will provide real relief as the cost of goods and services continues to rise. One worker’s testimony read: “We're losing talented, dedicated workers because they simply can't afford to stay here. Those of us who remain pick up the extra work, carry heavier workloads, and continue serving our community with pride. Yet we're expected to settle for wages that continue to fall behind.”

As testimony ended, Commissioner Craig Pope asked his leadership team if the presentation of worker statements constituted so-called “bad-faith bargaining”. Rather than show empathy to the workers under his watch, he chose to antagonize and question the protected actions of workers seeking to provide for their families.

Workers spoke out to convey what it means to struggle with rising costs, increasing work loads, and dangerous working conditions to those who should be the most receptive. Instead they were met with a dismissive and combative tone.

Bargaining will continue on August 12 and workers are hopeful that the County will come to the table with a proposal that will meet the needs of workers and their families.