No agreement reached as City of Portland and AFSCME conclude Nov. 6 mediation

The City of Portland and AFSCME concluded mediation without reaching an agreement on a new labor contract for 11 Independent Police Review employees, who began striking on November 5. The primary contention revolves around the union's request for guaranteed placement in the newly established Office of Community-based Police Accountability, which voters approved in 2022. Mayor Wilson reiterated the city's adherence to the City Charter, indicating that any changes require voter approval. In support of IPR employees, the City has proposed measures such as six months' notice before hiring, guaranteed interviews, and job placement assurances. Employees not transitioning to the OCPA would receive equivalent job offers with no pay loss.

The next mediation session is scheduled for November 10, indicating ongoing negotiations. This situation underscores the complexities of labor relations and the implementation of new oversight structures. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the future of IPR employees within Portland's policing framework.