Portland Community College (PCC), Oregon's largest community college district serving over 50,000 students annually across four main campuses and numerous centers, has been at the center of a historic labor dispute. The strike, which began on March 11, 2026, marks the first work stoppage in the history of any Oregon community college. Involving approximately 2,000 unionized employees, the action stems from 11 months of stalled contract negotiations over wages, healthcare, working conditions, and job security amid rising living costs in the Portland metro area.

Negotiations broke down despite mediation efforts, leading the Federation of Classified Employees (FCE), representing about 700 support staff such as administrative assistants, custodians, and technicians, and the PCC Federation of Faculty and Academic Professionals (FFAP/AFT Local 3882), representing around 1,300 instructors and academic professionals, to walk off the job. Unions argued that stagnant wages failed to keep pace with Portland's inflation rate, which has hovered above 4% annually, making it difficult for workers to afford housing and essentials in a region where median home prices exceed $500,000.

The Classified Staff Agreement: A Breakthrough After Two Weeks

On March 25, 2026, PCC and the FCE announced a tentative agreement following intensive mediation sessions. The deal, ratified by 82% of voting members on March 26 with an 89% turnout, ends the classified staff strike and allows their return to campus as early as March 27 to prepare for students. Key provisions include:

• No cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the 2025-26 fiscal year but a 5% salary structure increase for 2026-27—one percentage point above the college's initial offer.
• A one-time lump sum payment of $1,350 per full-time equivalent (FTE) member upon ratification, nearly double the original proposal.
• Enhanced healthcare benefits, including caps aligned with faculty proposals and Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions starting October 2026.
• A one-time vacation cash-out of up to 40 hours by May 15, 2026, a 90-day severance package with insurance continuation, and a $200 monthly opt-out incentive for health coverage (prorated by FTE).
• Acceptance of sick leave bank contributions and paid participation in the TRUPP Taskforce, plus a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on career development.

The total cost to PCC is estimated at $5.2 million, a 190% increase from the college's February offer of $1.79 million but still within fiscal constraints. FCE President Jeff Grider hailed it as a victory for 'dignity, fairness, and the basic right of workers to afford to live in the community where they work,' emphasizing solidarity's role.

Faculty Strike Persists: Demands for Restorative Pay at the Forefront

While classified staff return, the FFAP remains on strike into its third week as of March 30, 2026. The primary impasse is 'restorative strike pay'—compensation for days not worked during the walkout. Faculty argue that without it, lower-paid adjuncts and part-timers suffer disproportionately, as many live paycheck-to-paycheck. FFAP President Ben Cushing stated, 'If the college was willing to make us whole for strike days, we could have been back to work.' The union has appealed to Governor Tina Kotek for intervention.

Other faculty demands include competitive salaries (starting around $60,000 for full-time, less for part-timers), improved healthcare, degree stipends ($1,000+), and protections against layoffs amid enrollment drops. PCC counters that as a public institution reliant on taxpayer dollars, it cannot fund unworked time, prioritizing fiscal sustainability.

PCC's 'Last Best Offer' to Faculty: Details and Deadline

On March 29, PCC presented what it calls its final counterproposal to FFAP, totaling $11.597 million—a near 200% jump from February's $3.9 million ask. Highlights:

• 2% salary increase for 2025-26 and 3% for 2026-27, plus mid-contract adjustments.
• Lump sums: $1,400 for full-time, $700 for part-timers who taught in 2025-26 (prorated).
• Part-time pay schedule raised to 76% from 75% effective September 2026.
• Degree stipends ($1,000 full-time/$1,500 at 1.5 FTE part-time; $500 for under), healthcare caps, prorated part-time insurance (minimum 65% FTE), HSA contributions, and vacation cash-out.

The offer expires at 10:00 a.m. on March 30, 2026. Acceptance triggers return-to-work on March 31, with grades due April 1 and classes starting April 6. No strike pay included, but no benefit losses for participants, restored leave, and no retaliation.PCC's official bargaining updates page details the full proposal.

Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash

Budget Woes and Enrollment Challenges Fuel the Dispute

PCC faces mounting deficits: $11.1 million (FY2022-23), $15.2 million (2023-24), $26.1 million (2024-25), and a projected $37.7 million over two years. Enrollment has plummeted 25% since 2019, with fall 2024 headcount at 20,861, exacerbated by post-pandemic shifts and competition from online options. A $7.5 million contingency fund allocates half to bargaining, but further cuts loom, including $21 million planned for 2027-29.

Unions point to administrative salaries averaging over $100,000 for upper roles, questioning priorities. PCC highlights prior reductions and state revenue shortfalls, arguing offers exceed sustainable levels.

Student Impacts: Delayed Term and Financial Aid Disruptions

The strike has postponed the spring term from March 30 to April 6, compressing it to 10 weeks (9 instruction + finals). This affects ~25,000 students, delaying financial aid disbursements by a week for one in seven, refunds, and housing. Winter grades are prioritized, with faculty tasked to submit by April 1 upon return. PCC offers remote support and contingencies like alternative instruction if needed.OregonLive coverage notes potential cascading effects on transfers and summer plans.

Union and Administration Perspectives: A Tale of Two Narratives

FCE Chair Justin Eslinger stressed ongoing solidarity: 'We are going back to serve our students, but our eyes are on the picket lines.' FFAP frames the strike as essential for equity, especially for adjuncts comprising over half of faculty. PCC President emphasizes student-first approach, with phased resumption plans: immediate restart, student recovery, and long-term improvements via a cross-functional workgroup.

Contingency Measures and Return-to-Work Protocols

PCC's Resumption Workgroup outlines four phases: immediate operations, student continuity, recovery, and policy enhancements. Strikers retain benefits until April 7, with full restoration of positions, seniority, and leave. No discipline for participation, and strike notations expunged. Part-timers get full pay for prep during March 30-April 3.

Photo by Sean Benesh on Unsplash

Broader Implications for U.S. Community Colleges

This dispute mirrors national trends: 2025 saw over 100 higher ed strikes, driven by inflation outpacing wages (national CC faculty average $85,000 vs. PCC's lower tiers). Enrollment declines (3% nationally post-COVID) strain budgets reliant on state funding (Oregon: 40% of PCC revenue). Successful classified resolution may pressure faculty, but prolonged action risks permanent enrollment loss. Experts predict more labor actions unless states boost funding, as in California's recent CC wage hikes.

Future Outlook: Resolution on Horizon or Escalation?

As the FFAP ratification vote looms, acceptance could normalize operations by week's end. Rejection triggers contingencies, potentially hybrid instruction or term adjustments. Long-term, PCC eyes enrollment recovery via marketing and partnerships. For workers, contracts set precedents for biennial bargaining. Stakeholders watch for gubernatorial involvement or legislative aid, underscoring community colleges' role in workforce development amid economic pressures.

For those eyeing careers at PCC or similar institutions, monitoring outcomes offers insights into labor dynamics. Resources like community college job listings highlight opportunities post-resolution.