Health Care

Access to health care is a human right. But in America, it’s considered a benefit that must be bargained with an employer. Employer-paid full-family health coverage is one of the biggest differences between the typical union workplace and a non-union workplace. But the costs keep going up, and health coverage is today one of the biggest sources of labor disputes.

Hospitals flouting Oregon’s new staffing ratio law

Oregon Health Authority has received over 360 complaints from nurses alleging that hospital managers are violating the safe staffing law.

UFCW Local 555 health trust drops Kaiser, citing wait times

The decision to drop Kaiser Permanente as a health care option for members will cost Kaiser $18 million a year.

Breakthrough bill in Oregon Legislature would set safe hospital staffing

Oregon lawmakers have the chance to make historic improvements to healthcare, thanks to the collaboration of labor and hospital management.

AFT launches ‘code red’ campaign to pass hospital staffing ratios

The union will spend half a million dollars on a radio, Pandora, Facebook and Instagram ad buy asking for pressure on policymakers.

Nurses are getting vocal

Hospitals don’t seem to be taking aggressive action to address overwork and unsafe staffing levels, which is leading to a vicious cycle of burnout.

State task force lays out plan for universal health care in Oregon

Eleven union representatives gave input and raised logistical concerns about how system changes would impact contract negotiations.

Unions call for Medicare to lower drug prices

Supporters of Medicare expansion rally outside Congressman Kurt Schrader's office in September 2019.

Congress repeals ‘Cadillac’ tax

Two features of Obamacare that were opposed by organized labor were eliminated in a bill President Donald Trump signed into law Dec. 20.

Labor in the thick of the debate over Medicare For All

Unions representing a majority of organized workers have endorsed national Medicare For All legislation, and polls show public support as high ast 70% for the idea.

Medicare-for-all: The time has come

The proposal has record support in Congress and in polls.

Merkley co-sponsors Medicare for All legislation

Polls suggest that Medicare for All has majority public support.

‘It’s Not Over’ — Unions join fight to defend Obamacare

Sens. Merkley and Wyden, and Rep. Bonamici urge Oregonians to keeping pushing back on GOP efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare.

Kaiser nurses issue warning: Short staffing could diminish patient care

Nurse union members, frustrated with slow progress on staffing committees, rally outside Kaiser's Northwest headquarters.

The end of Obamacare?

The American Health Care Act, dubbed Trumpcare, would worsen Obamacare’s flaws.

Congress delays Cadillac tax

Labor has two more years to kill the tax on costly health plans – Obamacare’s most hated feature

Bipartisan push to kill Obamacare ‘Cadillac tax’

What do Hillary, Bernie and Paul Ryan have in common? They want to dump the looming Cadillac tax

Don’t let sleep deprivation take a toll on your health

Union members won the eight-hour day. Now it may be time to fight for the eight-hour night.

At Local 290, retirees get strong union support to stay healthy

The Plumbers and Steamfitters retirees get a $575 incentive payment to attend wellness classes.

Premiums continue to outpace inflation and workers’ wages

Deductibles triple in 10 years, and family premiums now average $17,545 a year.

Health Care for All rally brings hundreds to Salem

A coalition calls for single-payer health care in Oregon

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Health Care

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