The City of Portland has approved a new budget which has resulted in fewer layoffs than anticipated, marking an unprecedented shift for the newly formed 12-member city council.
Initially, plans included cutting 127 positions, but the final layoff count stands at only 54, less than half of what was expected earlier this year.
Union leaders representing city workers closely monitored the budget discussions, highlighting the chaotic and rushed nature of the process, yet acknowledging the city council members for their attentiveness to the potential impacts on workers.
Kari Koch, president of the City of Portland Professional Workers (CPPW), noted that in light of earlier budget recommendations, which had estimated 28 job losses, the final number for CPPW members is now reduced to just 12.
Other unions also witnessed a lessening of layoff figures as the City Council finalized the budget on June 18.
Back in February, union representatives proactively engaged with city councilors and the mayor to advocate for alternative funding sources to avert layoffs.
Detected in Mayor Keith Wilson’s proposed budget released on May 5, several measures aimed at preserving jobs emerged.
City Council members collaborated on more than 160 amendments to the proposed budget, many of which limited staffing cuts even further.
Among the impacted unions, Laborers Local 483 represents around 1,600 city workers, including 830 recreation workers and approximately 700 laborers.
The final budget meant that only one recreation worker will be laid off, down from an initial proposal that sought to eliminate 18 positions.
Laborers Local 483 business manager Ryan Sotomayor mentioned that while 36 laborer positions were initially slated for cuts, the exact number of layoffs stands between 18 and 25 as of July 1.
Sotomayor attributes the progress made to a new, pro-labor city council, saying it has mobilized unions into heightened advocacy efforts.
He conveyed cautious optimism regarding upcoming budget cycles, expressing concerns primarily at the state and federal level, but commended the city council’s effective representation of worker interests.
Northwest Oregon Labor Council executive secretary Laurie Wimmer emphasized the importance of their presence at city council budget meetings, reinforcing accountability and support for the new pro-labor leadership.
Wimmer noted, “Our very presence is a reminder that we’re watching and hoping that those values are translated into what they produce.”
Significant layoffs were initially anticipated within the Portland Permitting and Development sectors; however, these were largely averted at least temporarily, although there remains potential for future layoffs if revenues do not improve.
Mark Hinkle, chief negotiator for the District Council of Trade Unions, commented on the situation, indicating that while this outcome was beneficial, it could also mean delaying inevitable cuts.
In the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), layoffs have also been minimized, but concerns linger.
The bureau relies on an expected $11 million in state funding which lawmakers failed to secure before the end of their session. Without this necessary funding, over 50 workers may face layoffs.
Governor Tina Kotek has suggested a special session might be called to rectify the funding deficit affecting transportation.
Elliot Levin, research director for PROTEC17, shared mixed feelings regarding the budget, stating, “I wish we could have saved more jobs.
I wish that this was a layoff-free budget.
But I think we ended up in a better place than we started.”
This new budget process has marked a significant moment for Portland’s city workers, showcasing a collaborative effort between union leadership and the newly elected city council.
image source from：nwlaborpress
