Portland City Council to discuss legal action against worker union over alleged contract violations

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Next week, Portland City Council will discuss filing a formal complaint against AFSCME alleging union members violated their contracts by picketing twice this fall.

AFSCME, which represents over 1,000 state, county and city employees across the metro area, is one of three unions currently in negotiations with the city as most bureaus are set to face budget cuts in the coming year.

Before the first planned picket in early October, the city claimed they told the union leaders their current contract prohibited members from picketing or striking before its expiration on Dec. 31. However, the city said the union went ahead and marched outside a Portland Water Bureau facility in North Portland.

After the city sent a letter of warning to the union, another picket was held on Nov. 4 outside Portland Police Bureau's central precinct. Four days later, the city filed a grievance against AFSCME.

If City Council votes Wednesday to pursue a formal response, the City Attorney’s Office will then file an unfair labor practice complaint with the Oregon Employment Relations Board, a City of Portland spokesperson said.

KOIN 6 News also reached out to AFSCME for comment. They haven't provided a comment yet.

In the meantime, contract negotiations will continue, with mediation scheduled for Dec. 12.