City Council Caught in the Middle of Police Oversight Labor Strike

Eleven employees of Portland's Independent Police Review (IPR) initiated a three-day strike on Wednesday, protesting stalled labor contract negotiations with the city. Union members, represented by AFSCME Local 189-005, demand job security as the city transitions to a new police accountability office. IPR coordinator Gayla Jennings emphasized that negotiations have progressed slowly, with only one tentative agreement reached, which did not address critical economic concerns. The city’s labor negotiators cannot guarantee job security for IPR employees due to the pending hiring of the new office's director. City Councilor Eric Zimmerman has voiced support for the employees but encountered pushback from fellow council members, who view his actions as politically motivated.

The strike has already impacted local governance, resulting in the cancellation of the City Council's November 5 meeting. AFSCME representatives assert that IPR staff, already performing the necessary work, should retain their roles in the new oversight system. The ongoing labor dispute underscores tensions surrounding police accountability reforms in Portland.