November 3, 2023 – Yamhill County: Labor Negotiations Communication #4 – Union Strike and Mediation Update
Yamhill County is currently in negotiations with the Yamhill County Employees Association, AFSCME Local 1422 (“AFSCME”), regarding contract terms for what we hope will be a new three year (20232026) collective bargaining agreement (CBA). AFSCME is the largest of five unions that represents Yamhill County employees. We have been negotiating in good faith with AFSCME since March 2023 and ten bargaining sessions were held between March and July. AFSCME requested mediation in July and six mediation sessions were held between July and September. AFSCME declared impasse on 9/25/23; however, we have continued to bargain via mediation. Final offers are available for view at the ERB website: https://www.oregon.gov/erb/Pages/FinalOffer.aspx On 10/24/23 Yamhill County received written notice from AFSCME of their intent to strike effective 11/3/23. We respect AFSCME’s right to call for a strike, however, we were very disappointed that they chose to take this aggressive step when they did rather than waiting to see if the parties might reach agreement on a successor collective bargaining agreement (CBA) at our next scheduled mediation session, which was scheduled for 10/27/23. The County and AFSCME bargained for over 13 hours on Friday 10/27/23. Multiple proposals were exchanged in good faith and, while the parties were not yet able to settle a successor CBA, some progress was made. The County responded substantively to each proposal put forward by AFSCME. On Wednesday, 11/1/2023, the parties again met in mediation and the County received one proposal from the Union. In an attempt to reach agreement and hopefully avoid a strike, the County presented three different counter proposals for AFSCME to consider. These proposals included the full bargaining authority of the County’s bargaining team and information about these offers are available on the County website. AFSCME representatives rejected the County’s last proposals and declined to provide any further counter proposals. At the request of ERB mediators, the County again attended a mediation session scheduled for the afternoon of 11/2/23. AFSCME again declined to present the County with any counter proposals, so mediation adjourned at approximately 3 PM. We are disappointed we could not come to an agreement. The County feels strongly that we have made good faith proposals in hope of moving closer to an agreement and averting a strike. However, County proposals were rejected by the union. The Yamhill County Board of Commissioners approved implementation of the County’s final offer at their weekly Formal Session on 11/2/23. The final offer can be viewed at the ERB website and the County plans to make this package available for view on the County’s website in the coming days. Although the Board approved implementation of the County’s final offer, the County remains committed to negotiating a successor agreement and stands by its mediation offers, should the union reconsider and accept what has been proposed. Another mediation session is scheduled for 11/7/23. Yamhill County values the hard work and dedication of all its employees. Choosing to work in public service reflects a commitment to a shared purpose and the desire to be a part of developing stronger, healthier communities. The union has decided to strike on 11/3/23 and the union has the right to do so.
The County’s management team has been preparing for an imminent strike and now that a strike is underway, we are assessing impacts to services and operations, and will be posting updates and changes to office hours and contact information. The County is committed to ensuring the continuation of critical services to the public while represented employees engage in their right to strike. Additional information and updates can be found on the front page of our website under “Labor Negotiations Update” at www.co.yamhill.or.us. The County remains committed to continuing to work with AFSCME to reach an agreement. However, any agreement will need to reflect an equitable balance between the wants and needs of our AFSCME represented employees, the level of available funding and the interests of the taxpaying public. We remain committed to continuing to provide the critical services our community expects and deserves.
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