Unionized faculty and staff at Portland Community College initiated a strike over stalled contract negotiations about pay and benefits, moving instruction online as picket lines began. The two AFT‑affiliated unions represent roughly 2,300 employees; union leaders called for a halt to email, grading and online course updates beginning at 10:30 a.m. on the strike date. PCC administration said it shifted operations online to maintain campus safety and has not determined the number of affected classes; negotiators have declined to resume talks until Monday, prolonging disruption. The action underscores growing labor pressure at community colleges facing state funding constraints and contested bargaining outcomes.