YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. — Union members went on strike Friday morning after a final mediation session on Thursday failed between Yamhill County officials and the Yamhill County Employee Association, AFSCME Local 1422. Workers planned to march outside the Yamhill County courthouse.
The union began bargaining with the county in March over a new, three-year contract. Their last contract expired June 30 and they entered mediation in August. At the top of their list, union officials said workers want higher pay. They cited general inflation and an increased cost of living in Yamhill County.
"It's hard to pay our rent or pay certain bills," said Union President Michelle Mendoza. "We have to decide whether we're going to pay this bill or pay for gas or pay for groceries and it's really, really difficult."
Mendoza said the county rejected their best final proposal, which asks for a 15% wage increase over three years. The county offered two counter proposals with wage increases ranging from 10% to 14%. The union is also asking for better holiday pay and a streamlined grievance process.
"[The county] wanted to know what our bottom line was, we gave them what our bottom line was," said Mendoza. "There was nowhere to move. We didn't feel like we were asking for too much."
Yamhill County Officials turned down KGW's request for an interview, but offered statements by email.
"We are disappointed we could not come to an agreement," said wrote County Administrator Ken Huffer. "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 strike could impact a number of Yamhill County services. According to the union, that includes services offered by the health department, public works and even mental health services. In his statement, Huffer said the county was committed to ensuring the continuation of critical services during the strike.
KGW spoke with one county services client who asked to remain anonymous. She said her grief counseling had already been canceled due to the strike.
"It affects a ton of people in Yamhill County and we already have a mental health crisis going on," said the woman. "To stop services, it's ridiculous for the commissioners not to be giving the wage agreement that they're looking for."
The next mediation session is scheduled for Nov. 7, though either side can propose meeting again before that.