94% of Benton County union members vote to strike, citing unfair wages and safety

BENTON COUNTY, Ore. — An overwhelming number of Benton County workers represented by the Oregon AFSCME have voted in favor of a strike beginning Thursday, October 24, 2024.

The decision comes after months of negotiations aimed at better wages and safety measures for workers in the province. According to the Oregon AFSCME, they have been at the negotiating table with the province for months since February.

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According to the Oregon AFSCME, 94% of the Benton County workers they represent voted in favor of the strike; this comes after the union filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the province on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, joining four others filed since negotiations began nine months ago.

“It is unfair that while non-rep workers receive significant raises, union workers struggle to make ends meet while doing the same work,” said Dave Malone, surveyor with Benton County Public Works. “Housing costs have skyrocketed and basic needs are becoming harder to afford. The province must take action and show that they value us by paying employees the wages we deserve.”

In March, non-union workers received significant pay increases, ranging from 30 to 50 percent raises.

“The Oregon AFL-CIO and the entire Oregon labor movement stand firmly with the Benton County workers who have been forced to strike because the county is failing to provide a fair contract that addresses both wage and safety concerns,” said the Oregon AFL-CIO Executive Director. Graham Trainor: “We urge provincial leaders to take responsibility, return to the table and negotiate a fair deal that respects these workers and the essential services they provide.”

Oregon AFSCME says union and county bargaining teams will hold their next mediation session on Nov. 1, and workers are prepared to strike if an agreement cannot be reached on their top priorities.