Soccer stadium deal contains union neutrality and living wage

A deal has been reached between the City of Portland and Portland Timbers’ owner Merritt Paulson’s Peregrine, LLC to turn PGE Park into a major league soccer stadium.

Included in the $31 million pact is an agreement guaranteeing that the stadium will be built by workers who earn a family wage and get health and retirement benefits, and an agreement by the stadium operator to stay neutral during any union organizing campaign. The City has set a goal of 30 percent minority-owned contractors and 10 percent women-owned contractors on the redevelopment project.

The City has committed $11.9 million in bonds to help pay for the changes.

In a press release, Portland Mayor Sam Adams said the deal will “bring immediate construction jobs to Portland and continuing revenue, visitors, and vital spending to Portland’s central city in the long term.”

Renovating the stadium will create approximately 200 construction jobs. Initial work has already begun. Construction will cease during the baseball season and start up again in early September. Turner Construction is the general contractor. 

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