July 2021 - NW Labor Press

Collective bargaining

A day after the lopsided vote to reject SPCO's offer, a competing contractor group offered $4.30 an hour over the same time frame.

Worker safety

It took a frightening three-day heat wave to get action, but on July 8, Oregon OSHA said employers must protect workers during extreme heat.

National

In the Portland area, Plasterers Local 82 and OPEIU Local 11 could undo pension benefit cuts almost immediately.

Politics

As tallied by the AFL-CIO, Southwest Washington has some of the most pro-worker legislators in the state, and some of the most anti-worker.

In Memoriam

As business representative at IBEW Local 48, Joy helped found the union's Edison pension trust in 1969. He was 95.

Union democracy

Garnett, 56, has served as business agent since 2011, during what has been a boom time in the local construction industry.

Union democracy

Elizabeth Goetzinger, president of 430-member AFSCME Local 3580 at the Metro regional government, was elected president of Oregon AFSCME.

Analysis

ITC says 40 years of trade deals didn’t help much. Our assessment: They accelerated the loss of American manufacturing.

Comment

As the recent extreme heat and last year’s historic wildfires become more rule than exception, workers need more from our state government.

Worker safety

IBEW rep Scott Zadow, hospitalized with the virus, says COVID is no joke. This month local labor is partnering PBGC to host vaccine clinics.

Washington

Washington’s 2021 primary helps determine city councils and school districts. Ballots are mailed July 16 and must be postmarked by Aug. 3.

Monthly Archives: July, 2021