Press Release
Media Contact: David Kreisman, 971-271-7818, [email protected]
Oregon AFSCME Behavioral Health and Supportive Housing Worker Settle Strong Contracts With Central City Concern and Transition Projects
Oregon AFSCME Local 88 members working for Central City Concern and Transition Projects have settled two historic contracts after more than seven months of bargaining, covering hundreds of behavioral health and supportive housing workers at two of Multnomah County’s most prominent non-profits.
“Everyone at Central City Concern has been asked to do more with less since the start of COVID19 pandemic, and this contract represents real progress as far as supporting the people who make CCC a great place to receive care,” said Amy Simpson, a Mental Health Specialist.
“We stood together throughout bargaining, and as members of our union, we were prepared to take action if needed. I just really appreciated being heard on the issues facing everyone at CCC,” continued Simpson.
Central City Concern workers voted 152 to 1 to ratify the three year contract which includes:
- Minimum 17.5% raises over the course of the contract
- Retro pay and a $300 ratification bonus for all AFSCME-represented employees
- 0% health insurance premium increases in year one with CCC picking up the first 6% increases in 2023 and 2024
Following CCC’s successful bargaining, Transition Projects, Inc (TPI) workers, members of AFSCME Local 88-3, ratified a two-year contract after nearly 7 months of bargaining.
“When we set out to bargain, the thing we heard from our coworkers on the frontlines, was that the wages were not enough to live off. This created an unsustainable situation with massive turnover and burnout all throughout the agency. With this contract we made great strides towards making TPI competitive so we can retain our staff and ensure that those we serve receive a continuity of care” said Tim Ledwith, a Wellness Access Specialist I at TPI.
Transition Projects Inc workers overwhelmingly ratified their two-year agreement which includes:
- Retroactive increases back to July 1, 2022 for all job classes
- Minimum wage of $20.25/hr
- Anniversary step raises of 2% and minimum 2% across-the-board raises July 2023
- Graveyard shift differential increase from 40 cents/hour to 75 cents/hour
Oregon AFSCME believes in economic and social justice for all Oregon workers and their families. Our mission is to empower and unite workers to create change in their workplaces and communities. Oregon AFSCME represents over 33,000 workers in the public sector. Our members work for the State of Oregon in addition to counties, municipalities and behavioral health nonprofits across Oregon as well as self-employed child care providers. For more information visit: www.OregonAFSCME.org.
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