PCC, classified employees union reach tentative deal that could end strike for 700 workers

Source: KATU

by KATU StaffWed, March 25, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Updated Wed, March 25, 2026 at 10:32 PM

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Portland Community College and its Federation of Classified Employees union have reached a tentative agreement that could end a strike involving about 700 classified employees and move the college closer to resuming normal operations.

The tentative agreement, posted at 6:18 p.m. March 25, includes a 0% cost-of-living adjustment for this year and a 5% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026-27. Classified employees also would receive a $1,350 lump-sum payment upon ratification on the next payroll cycle and would be able to cash out up to 40 vacation hours.

In a statement, PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings said the tentative agreement with the classified union comes amid financial pressure for higher education in Oregon and nationwide, citing rising costs, uncertainty around future state and federal funding, and enrollment declines following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in returning to the table and working toward a resolution,” Bennings said. “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with our classified union. This outcome reflects the value of continued dialogue and good-faith collaboration. It also underscores the ongoing challenge community colleges face in Oregon and across the nation, where state funding has not kept pace with the true cost of delivering high-quality instruction and the support students need to succeed.”


Striking faculty and staff from Portland Community College march on Monday, March 23, 2026. PCC is working on contingency plans for its spring term, which starts next week, as the strike at all its campuses continues amid contract negotiations. (Barry Mangold/KATU)

Read more: https://katu.com/news/local/pcc-classified-employees-union-reach-tentative-deal-that-could-end-strike-for-700-workers-portland-community-college-labor-union-bargaining-affordability-strike-protest-rally-federation-of-faculty-and-academic-professionals