Multnomah County board ratifies three-year contract for county physicians and psychiatrists

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 18 to ratify a successor collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 88-2 representing the county's physicians and psychiatrists.

Interim labor relations director Elizabeth Calixtro summarized the agreement: it covers a three-year term from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028; includes a 2.4% cost-of-living adjustment for the first year (retroactive to July 1, 2025); a 3.4% market adjustment for psychiatrists upon ratification; ongoing COLA adjustments in years two and three; a new 2% premium for providers who deliver services in more than one non-English language; increased professional development reimbursements from $2,500 to $3,000 per fiscal year (prorated by FTE); and increased board certification/recertification reimbursement from $1,000 to $1,250 every three years (to include stethoscope replacement). The bargaining teams met eight times after negotiations began May 2, 2025, and reached a tentative agreement on Nov. 17, 2025; the union submitted its ratification notice to HR on Dec. 2.

Board members thanked the bargaining teams and the county's labor relations and budget staff for the expedited agreement. Commissioner Moyer asked about the timeline for member ratification and staff confirmed the unit's ratification came through on Dec. 2. Following a roll-call vote, the board approved the agreement.

Quote: "I am really proud of all the employees who have been working hard to develop agreements on our labor contracts," Elizabeth Calixtro said during the presentation.

Ending: The agreement becomes effective as specified in the contract (07/01/2025) and staff will administer retroactive pay and the new reimbursement schedules under the county's payroll processes.