Employment Relations Board requests one new mediator in HB 5008 as caseloads and strikes rise

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Employment Relations Board told the General Government subcommittee on Feb. 3, 2025, that the governor’s proposed budget in House Bill 5008 would add one permanent mediator to the agency’s staff to help handle rising case filings, declarations of impasse and a recent spike in strikes.

“We are 13 FTE,” Board Chair Adam Reinard said. “As Miss Chase mentioned, the governor's budget includes an additional mediator position that'll make it 14.”

The board described three core programs — administration, mediation/conciliation and hearings — and said mediation resources have been stretched by a marked increase in high‑conflict collective bargaining disputes. Stacy Chase of the Department of Administrative Services’ Chief Financial Office, who presented the governor’s budget overview, told the committee the budget “invests in 1 additional permanent full time mediator position” and noted other standard adjustments for personal services and statewide price list items.

Why it matters: Employment Relations Board mediators help prevent or resolve disruptions to public services such as school operations, transit and emergency response. Board leaders said prolonged disputes and multiple strikes occurring at once increase pressure on the agency’s limited staff and on local communities.

Rising workload and service mix

Reinard told committee members the board’s workload has increased in recent years across hearings, representation…