April 2022 - Page 2 of 3 - nwLaborPress

Pandemic showed flaws in Oregon’s workers comp

Privately-insured and self-insured employers are rejecting worker comp claims at a greater rate than the state-chartered non-profit SAIF.

Teamsters battle with Hood River Distillery continues

Two years ago, workers at Hood River Distillers went on strike. HRD responded by illegally firing them. Company lawyers are still fighting.

Strike vote at Providence St. Vincent

A unit of 1,600 nurses at Providence St. Vincent hospital in Southwest Portland will vote April 19 to May 3 on whether to authorize a strike.

Oregon’s first union Starbucks

Workers at a Eugene Starbucks voted 17-0 to unionize. In the next month, ballots will be counted at a dozen more Oregon stores.

UFCW rejoins NW Oregon Labor Council

Local 555 represents grocery workers. Both before it left and now that it’s back, Local 555 was NOLC’s largest affiliate.

Fire, possibly arson, at Voz day laborer center

Early morning April 6, a fire destroyed a minibus and damaged offices of nonprofit Voz Workers Rights Education Project.

Collective Bargaining

Penske technicians get raises in 3-year contract

The three-year contract contains wage increases of 5.5% in the first year, 3.5% in the second and 3% in the third.

Pacific Power linemen ratify new contract

The contract raises wages, increases the 401(k) match, and adds sick leave hours and floating holidays for 285 utility workers.

Tree trimmers reject tentative agreement

A IBEW Local 125 unit of about 430 tree trimmers last month rejected a tentative agreement by an overwhelmingly margin—98%, with turnout of about 60%.

KILLED ON THE JOB IN OREGON IN 2021

Last year more than 69 Oregonians died from injuries sustained while working, not including the 169 who died after workplace COVID outbreaks.

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