Unionized faculty and classified staff at Portland Community College walked out this week in a historic strike demanding larger cost‑of‑living adjustments and improved benefits. Hundreds rallied across the district’s campuses despite rain; college leaders moved many operations online and said safety and continuity drove the decision to shift instruction. The dispute follows nearly a year of negotiations and centers on the college’s limited discretionary funding amid state budget pressures. PCC proposed a small supplemental pay increase tied to state allocations; unions authorized strike action after voting margins overwhelmingly favored a walkout. The strike affects roughly 2,300 employees across two unions and risks disrupting spring‑term instruction and student services. Union leaders say the action aims to force renewed bargaining on compensation; administrators warn prolonged work stoppage could further deplete an already strained institutional budget.