[1] The issues driving the strike included raises to match inflation, lower class sizes, and increased planning time.

In 2003, PAT teachers voted to strike, but then changed course, accepting a contract that included 10 days of unpaid work and a 1 percent raise.

[10] As PAT and PPS entered final mediation at the end of October, there was still a large gap between their offers on the negotiated issues.

PPS's chief of research claimed PAT's proposal would require the district to make $277 million in cuts.

[14][15] On 8 November, Oregon's chief financial officer, Kate Nass, met with PAT and PPS bargaining teams.

The proposal introduced cost-cutting measures such as a more flexible approach to class size reductions, adjustments to middle school planning time, and the removal of special education teacher stipends.