Portland Community College Strike Looms as Negotiations Stall
Portland Community College (PCC) is bracing for a potential strike as contract negotiations with its two unions, the Federation of Faculty and Academic Professionals (PCCFFAP) and the Federation of Classified Employees (PCCFCE), reach a critical impasse. More than 2,000 faculty and support workers are prepared to walk off the job as early as Wednesday, March 11, 2026, marking the first strike in PCC’s history and the first at a community college in Oregon.
Sticking Points in Negotiations
The primary issues dividing PCC and its unions center around wages, healthcare benefits, and the allocation of college funds. Union representatives state that the college’s offers fail to address the rising cost of living and increasing healthcare premiums.
PCCFFAP, representing approximately 1,600 full- and part-time faculty and academic professionals, and PCCFCE, representing nearly 700 classified staff including administrative assistants, IT staff, and custodians, are seeking wage increases between 6.5% and 8.75% over a two-year period. However, PCC has offered less than 1% over the same timeframe, with a proposed increase of 0.35% in the first year and up to 0.5% in the second year. [OPB]
Union Response and Impasse Declaration
Both unions declared an impasse in negotiations on January 30, 2026, initiating a strike timeline. [OPB] Union leaders have expressed frustration with the negotiation process, emphasizing the need for a cost-of-living adjustment to offset rising expenses. Jeff Grider, President of PCCFCE, stated the unions’ main goal is to secure a cost of living adjustment that prevents a pay cut and helps members afford increasing health insurance costs. [OPB]
Ben Cushing, who leads PCCFFAP, indicated that the college’s offers are insufficient. [OPB] Workers authorized a strike on February 23, 2026. [KPTV]
PCC’s Perspective and Contingency Plans
PCC acknowledges the challenging financial situation facing higher education, citing rising costs, uncertainty surrounding state and federal funding, and declining enrollment since the pandemic. The college maintains that expenses have exceeded revenue, necessitating budget cuts. [KATU] PCC stated it remains focused on reaching resolutions that are fair, sustainable, and aligned with long-term institutional stability. [KATU]
In the event of a strike, PCC plans to continue offering classes and student services to the fullest extent possible. [KATU]
Ongoing Mediation
Negotiations, including mediation sessions, were ongoing as of late Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in an effort to avert the strike. [KGW] [KATU]