Almost two years after unionizing with AFSCME Local 1790, workers at the nonprofit homeless shelter operator Do Good Multnomah still have no union contract. But they’ve become expert at negotiating over layoffs.
On Aug. 15 and 31, 11 workers will have their last day. Do Good Multnomah case manager Davis Nafshun, a member of the union bargaining team, says it’s the fourth round of layoffs in the last year. During that time, the non-profit’s workforce has shrunk from about 250 to about 195, even as the number of homeless in Portland has risen.
Workers at Do Good Multnomah make at least $26.30 an hour, but have received no raises since they unionized in September 2024 and began bargaining March 2025. They’re proposing raises of 5% to 10% and a pay scale that rewards years of service. On the other side of the bargaining table, Davis says management’s wage proposal would cut pay $1,500 a year for more than 90% of staff.
Sign the letter of support: Workers are circulating an online letter asking Do Good Multnomah’s board and CEO to settle a fair contract and make cuts from the top to save front line staff. More than 2,000 have signed so far. You can find it here.
