CORVALLIS, Oregon – Their strike worked.  

Six days after walking off the job, workers who keep the City of Corvallis running called off their strike when management agreed to a fair deal. The workers, represented by Local 2975 (Oregon AFSCME), returned to work last Friday.  

The two sides met at an all-day mediation session on Wednesday, during which the workers’ bargaining representatives and the City of Corvallis reached a deal that puts off increased healthcare costs for workers and invests in long-term employees.  

Members of Local 2975 overwhelmingly approved the deal on Thursday. The City Council plans to vote on the member-ratified agreement on November 2. 

“We are glad that we were able to come to a deal that meets most of our members’ needs, while also addressing the limitations of our city budget,” said Evan Newton, president of Local 2975. “I’m so proud of this union for coming together to make this happen. This is what happens when workers stand united to fight for what we deserve.”  

Some of the contract highlights include: 

• A seventh step to be added to the wage schedule in the fourth year of the contract; 

• A $1,000 ratification bonus; 

• No increase to healthcare premiums until 2030; 

• Vastly improved safety language. 

A majority of the 250 workers represented by Local 2975, joined by city residents and other union allies, went on strike on Oct. 14. They demanded that city leaders – who walked away from negotiations – return to the table to finish bargaining a contract that allows city workers to continue serving their community and supporting themselves and their families in the face of rising costs.  

AFSCME President Patrick Moran joined the workers on the picket line last Monday in what was the first-ever strike by City of Corvallis employees. Watch a video of Moran addressing the striking workers.