New Employees: Start Here

Welcome to the City of Corvallis. If your job is in the bargaining unit, AFSCME Local 2975 is your union. Here's what to know in your first weeks.

The basics

  • You're covered by our contract from day one. It sets your pay, steps, benefits, leave, schedules and rights at work.  See what's in it →
  • The union is your coworkers. Members elect our officers and bargaining team and vote on every contract. Oregon AFSCME Council 75 provides staff and training.
  • Your steward is your first contact. Stewards are coworkers trained to answer contract questions and help when something goes wrong.  Find a steward →
  • You have the right to a union representative. If you are called to a meeting that could lead to discipline, you can ask for a steward or union representative before it starts (Article 29).
  • You'll meet us at orientation. The contract gives a steward or union representative paid time to meet new employees at City orientation (Article 2.7).

Your first year

  • Probation lasts up to one year (one season for Park Seasonals) (Article 25). You get a written evaluation at least every three months.
  • Your first step increase comes when you finish probation, then one a year with a satisfactory evaluation until you reach the top step. If your evaluation is more than 30 days late, the step is granted automatically (Article 18.3).
  • Health and dental coverage starts the first of the month after 30 days on the job (Article 22.2). Turn in your enrollment forms on time, or you'll be placed in default single coverage until the next open enrollment.
  • Sick leave can be used after your first 30 days (Article 14.1). Vacation starts after six months, when full-time employees are credited 48 hours (Article 15.1).
  • Keep your own records of your schedule, overtime and anything you're told about your job. If a question comes up later, notes made at the time help.

Joining

  • Only members vote on the contract and in union elections. Non-members are covered by the contract but have no vote.
  • Dues generally run about 1.27% of base pay, through payroll deduction. Overtime and premium pay aren't counted.
  • You can join during probation, and joining early means you have a vote sooner.  Join Local 2975 →

Get involved

  • Monthly membership meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Works Fitness Room, 1245 NE 3rd St., with a virtual option.  See upcoming meetings →
  • Want to do more? Ask your steward how to get involved.

Want more detail?  What is a union? →   Membership and getting involved →

Questions:  AFSCME2975@gmail.com  or your steward.