The City of Silverton declared impasse in bargaining with Laborers’ Local 483 after walking out of two mediation sessions early this summer. The 17-worker unit and the city started mediation this summer after failing to make progress in bargaining.
Local 483 field representative James O’Laughlen said the city declaring impasse is part of a campaign to stonewall instead of engaging.
“When you secure a mediator, their time is really precious,” O’Laughlen said. “Blowing off half the day that you have with them, twice … speaks to the lack of seriousness (the city has) had in having these negotiations in good faith.”
Workers in the unit maintain city property — patching potholes, building fences, landscaping parks, and repairing water systems.
Current wages range from $19.18 per hour for a new facilities maintenance worker to $36.64 per hour for the highest classification of sewer and water system operator.
Local 483 is seeking raises of 11.5% to 38% effective July 1, 2025. The city is offering 2% up to 11% for the lowest paid positions, plus a 2.5% raise for inflation. Both sides have proposed cost of living raises in 2026 and 2027, but the union wants an additional 5% over the two years while the city has offered 3%.
The union also wants to remove the 4% cap on annual inflation-based raises, increase longevity pay, move workers up the wage scale faster, and give workers more pay for having certifications. It also wants to shorten the probationary period from 12 months to nine months and secure seniority protections in the event of layoffs.
“The financials are a key sticking point, but so are just basic standards of protection under the contract,” O’Laughlen said.
