Portland Community College Faculty and Staff on Strike

Hundreds of Portland Community College (PCC) faculty and staff are on strike, marking a historic labor action at the state’s largest higher education institution. The strike began on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, after nearly a year of failed contract negotiations between PCC and its two unions: the Federation of Faculty and Academic Professionals (PCCFFAP) and the Federation of Classified Employees (PCCFCE).

Strike Details and Demands

The core issue driving the strike is compensation. Union members are seeking wage increases that keep pace with the rising cost of living. Ben Cushing, president of PCCFFAP, stated, “We’re ready to strike for as long as we demand to in order to get a fair deal. Our members are really resolved. People are not in the mood to settle for a contract that’s below the cost of inflation.”

PCCFFAP represents over 1,600 full and part-time faculty, while PCCFCE represents nearly 700 classified workers, including administrative assistants, IT staff and custodians. Both unions authorized the strike in February after overwhelmingly voting in favor of the action. 94% of members voted to authorize the strike.

PCC’s Response and Financial Concerns

PCC President Adrien Bennings expressed disappointment but reaffirmed the college’s commitment to reaching an agreement. “While we are disappointed in these developments, Portland Community College remains committed to reaching agreements and will continue meeting with union leadership in good faith,” Bennings said in a statement. “Our focus is a settlement that is fair and sustainable, one that supports our employees while protecting the long-term stability of the college and our ability to serve students.”

Negotiations have been complicated by PCC’s financial situation, including a projected budget deficit of approximately $37 million over the next two years and declining enrollment. The college initially offered a wage increase of less than 1%, later increasing it to 4% over two years, but this offer was insufficient to avert the strike. PCC officials have stated that their proposals were initially based on the possibility of cuts to statewide education funding, but Governor Tina Kotek has since indicated that such cuts are off the table. OPB

Impact on Students and Classes

The strike is expected to disrupt classes for PCC’s more than 30,000 students. PCC has announced that it will operate remotely during the strike, and some classes will be impacted. Students have voiced support for their teachers, expressing frustration with the administration’s handling of the negotiations. “All the unionized workers are asking for is fair pay,” said PCC student Mando Larson.

Current Status and Next Steps

The strike is the first in the history of Oregon’s 17 community colleges and the first joint strike by faculty and support workers at an Oregon institution. The next negotiation session is scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026, but all sides have indicated a willingness to meet again later in the week. Final exams for the winter term are scheduled to start next week, adding urgency to the negotiations.