Portland Community College Strike Forces Remote Classes
Portland Community College strike forces remote classes after nearly a year of stalled contract negotiations.
Faculty and classified staff say they have reached their limit.
Now, hundreds plan to walk off the job across the Portland metro area.
The strike starts at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday on all four campuses.
As a result, the college told students to prepare for disruptions.
Some classes may still meet if instructors choose not to strike.
Others may move online through Zoom or shift to independent work.
If students hear nothing, their classes may face interruption.
Why Workers Decided to Strike
Union leaders say pay remains the biggest issue.
For months, both sides argued over raises and the college’s finances.
Workers want salary increases that keep pace with inflation.
However, PCC leaders say the school faces serious budget pressure.
They point to declining enrollment and a projected $21 million deficit.
Because of that, negotiations dragged on without a breakthrough.
In January, both unions declared an impasse.
Then, members overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike.
Who Joined the Walkout
The strike includes two major unions at PCC.
The faculty union represents about 1,600 instructors and academic employees.
Meanwhile, the classified union includes nearly 700 support workers.
That group includes clerks, custodians, IT staff, assistants, and public safety officers.
Notably, neither union has ever gone on strike before.
This action also marks a first for Oregon’s community college system.
No other community college in the state has faced a strike.
What the Unions and PCC Want
The classified union wants a 3% raise this year.
It also seeks a 3.5% raise in the contract’s final year.
At the same time, the faculty union wants 4.25% now.
Then it wants a 4.5% increase in the final year.
PCC offered much smaller structure increases instead.
College leaders said step increases could still lift total pay growth.
Even so, union members rejected that argument.
Students Face a Tough Week Ahead
The timing creates extra stress for students.
Final exams for the winter term begin next week.
So, many students now worry about classes, grades, and campus services.
Still, college leaders say they will keep essential support running.
That includes instruction, advising, and financial aid help.
For now, Portland Community College strike forces remote classes and uncertainty across Oregon’s largest college.
