Our Bargaining Team has made a lot of strides over the past couple of months and we've reached several Tenative Agreements updating the lanaguage of the contract.  But when it comes to our economic asks...silence.  The city is simply not responding to our proposal.  The last time the city slow-walked the economic package, we went nearly two years without a successor contract and, even then, came within minutes of a strike.  We will not be stonewalled again.  It's time to turn up the volume.  Join us at the Water Bureau's North Interstate Offices, 664 N Tillamook, on Wednesday, Oct 9, from 3:30-5:30 for our first practice picket. Let's make it clear that AFSCME 189 members stand behind our coworkers and fellow members serving on the Bargaining Team.  There's still time to bargain in good faith and negotiate a fair contract before our current contract expires.  But time is running out.  And if we have to welcome the New Year and the new City Council with a picket line in order to win a fair and timely contract, we intend to be well-practiced and ready.