Unionized faculty and staff at Portland Community College walked off the job this week after contract negotiations over pay and benefits failed to produce an agreement. The two American Federation of Teachers chapters — representing roughly 2,300 employees — instructed members to stop teaching, grading and performing non‑essential duties beginning March 11, while the college shifted many classes online. Union leaders say the college’s proposed additional raises of 0.35%–0.5% don’t cover local cost‑of‑living increases; negotiators counter that proposals reflect state funding constraints. The strike forced the college to pivot operations remotely and raised questions about how long class disruptions and service interruptions will last as budget uncertainty looms. For community colleges nationwide, the dispute highlights mounting pressure on public two‑year institutions: constrained state support, rising labor demands and the operational impact of prolonged labor actions on access and completion.