Employees in Clackamas County’s largest union are on the verge of a potential strike as negotiations with county officials have hit an impasse. The Clackamas County Employee Association, representing 1,300 employees, is demanding backpay on new cost of living adjustments and better benefits, including a reduction in over $200 increase in insurance premiums. Union members have expressed frustration and are preparing for a strike, with both parties currently in a 30-day cooling off period. The union is asking for a 4.1% boost in pay retroactively applied to the months without a contract, while the county has offered a $1,000 bonus instead. The county and union are also at odds over insurance rates and vacation accruals. The union has accused the county of retaliatory tactics, including threatening to increase insurance premiums if a contract was not signed by the end of December. County managers are allegedly denying or holding vacation requests, further fueling tensions between the parties. Despite ongoing disagreements, both sides are scheduled to meet again on March 17 to continue negotiations. The county’s goal is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement and avoid a potential strike that could impact services across Clackamas County. For more updates on this developing situation, contact Austin De Dios at adedios@oregonian.com or subscribe to OregonLive.com.
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