FAQs
Answers to common questions about AFSCME Local 2975 and our 2026–2031 contract with the City of Corvallis.
For a plain-language guide to the contract, see Our Contract . For how we got here, see Bargaining Updates and After the Strike .
About Local 2975
Who does Local 2975 represent?
Approximately 270 represented positions at the City of Corvallis. Our members work in Public Works, the Library, Parks & Recreation, Community Development, Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, and the City Manager’s Office, and in civilian roles supporting the Police and Fire departments. We are the largest union of City employees.
How do I join, and what do members get?
See Membership and Getting Involved for joining, dues, and the difference between being covered and being a member. New to the City? Start with New Employees: Start Here .
Our new contract
Is the contract final?
Yes. Members ratified it on October 22, 2026, by a vote of 152 to 12, and City Council approved it unanimously on November 2. It runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031. The full signed text will be posted on Our Contract once it is signed. Until then, read the highlights (PDF) .
What raises does it include?
A 2% adjustment to the whole salary schedule, plus a 4% cost-of-living increase in the pay period after ratification. Then 3% on June 16, 2027 and June 16, 2028, and 2.5% on June 16, 2029 and June 16, 2030 (Article 18.1). A new Step 7 is added on June 16, 2029 (Article 18.4).
What about the signing bonus?
Regular employees employed at ratification receive a one-time $1,000 bonus (Article 18.1). It was paid November 6. The $1,000 is the before-tax amount, so the deposit is less.
What else changed?
A bigger comp time bank, double time for holiday callbacks, more leave options during weather closures, stronger safety and equal-treatment language, a process for retirees returning to work, and changes to health premiums starting in 2030. Our Contract lists each change with its article number.
After the strike
Can I be treated differently for having been on strike?
No. Retaliation for union activity is illegal, and that includes probationary employees. If it happens, write down what was said, when, and who was there, and tell your steward the same day.
What about coworkers who kept working?
They are still our coworkers, and the new contract covers them too. Please don't harass, exclude or retaliate against anyone for the choice they made. If you have a concern, bring it to your steward.
I lost wages during the strike. Is there help?
The Hardship Fund may still be able to help dues-paying members. See After the Strike for how to apply.
What's next
What does the union do between contracts?
We enforce the contract through stewards and the grievance procedure (Article 8), and we work with management on day-to-day issues through the Labor Management Advisory Team (Article 7) and joint committees (Article 34). If something isn't working in your department, tell your steward.
For Corvallis residents
How can I stay connected?
Thank you to everyone who stood with City workers this fall. Sign up for email updates at the bottom of this page to hear about events and news from the people who keep Corvallis running.
Still have a question?
Email AFSCME2975@gmail.com or talk to your shop steward. For questions about your rights on the job, Oregon AFSCME's Member Services Center is at 1-844-758-6466, weekdays 9 to 5.