City of Portland Enters Mediation with DCTU. Union Rallies.

Today marks the first day of mediation for the City of Portland and the District Council of Trade Unions, the umbrella group that represents about 2,000 city employees.

Next week, on Wednesday, Sept. 29, the union will stage a rally at City Hall urging a resolution to the months-long process. Here's a summary from the union [PDF] of significant issues still at play.

The city has reached agreement with four of seven labor groups who have agreed to forgo cost-of-living increases for 2010.