Corvallis Workers Strike After City Rejects Union Proposal on Pay

About 245 Corvallis city employees represented by AFSCME Local 2975 began a strike on Oct. 14 after mediation failed to produce a contract. The union says the city rejected its latest proposal without a counteroffer and cites disputes over raises for experienced workers, higher health insurance contributions, retroactive pay and other workplace provisions. The city’s offer includes a 6% wage increase in the first year and 3% increases in each of the next two years, while raising employees’ share of health premiums from 7% to 10%; officials say the proposal balances competitive compensation with a projected $20 million budget gap and other long-term financial needs. The city has activated plans to maintain services, though some facilities may adjust hours or postpone programs; police, 911, fire and ambulance emergency response are expected to continue.