The ongoing strike at Portland Community College has entered its second week, marking a historic labor action involving more than 2,000 faculty and staff members.
The walkout, which began last Wednesday, is the first strike in the college’s history and the first involving a community college in Oregon. Workers from two unions—the faculty association and classified employees—took to picket lines after months of stalled contract negotiations.
Union leaders say the central issue is a lack of adequate cost-of-living adjustments. They are pushing for annual pay increases of around 3%, arguing that current compensation does not keep pace with rising living expenses.
College officials, however, have proposed a different structure, offering no salary increase in the first year followed by a 4% raise in the second year. The proposal also includes a one-time payment, with lower-paid employees receiving up to $3,000 and higher earners receiving smaller amounts.
Administrators say financial constraints are limiting their ability to meet union demands, citing a significant budget shortfall driven by declining enrollment and rising operational costs.
Union representatives have also pointed out that Adrien Bennings, the college president, recently received a salary increase—an issue they argue highlights disparities in compensation priorities.
As negotiations continue, some classes are being held online when instructors are available, while disruptions persist across multiple campuses.