In Article 30, Sections 3 (c) and 3 (d), the COLA is based on the CPI-U for Portland Salem. The new table has been published.
The rate for the first half of 2017 was 4.4%. The CBA limits the increase to 3.5% if the COLA on this chart is larger than 3.5%. Hence we expect the increase will be 3.5% effective January 1, 2018 and February 1, 2018 as per Article 30 Section 3.
The contract provides that this rate needs to be confirmed by Human Resources. We have requested confirmation and have not received a response.