Monthly Archives: December, 2022

Hot chocolate. Warm winter coats. And a chance to climb into Engine 8.

Students at Marshall Elementary in Vancouver got a visit from fire fighters—and Santa Claus—Dec. 6 as part of a union effort to provide coats for kids.

Biden and Congress force a contract on rail workers

History may remember the episode as a betrayal by the man who pledged to be the most pro-union president in U.S. history.

Minimum wage rises in 23 states

Meanwhile, the federal minimum wage - which is all there is in 20 states - has been stuck at $7.25 an hour since 2009.

Workers launch union drive at New Avenues For Youth

Three dozen workers and supporters marched into the nonprofit's offices in downtown Portland on Dec. 6, demanding voluntary union recognition.

More nurses go union at Bend hospital

The St. Charles Health System nurses provide home health and hospice care for patients in Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond.

Pierce Pacific workers decertify from union

After 40 years of union representation, workers at Portland manufacturer Pierce Pacific will no longer be members of Machinists District Lodge W24.

Workers unionize at two more New Seasons stores

New Seasons Labor Union has now won four elections since filing its first union petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in May.

Tillamook workers stay union

With 87% turnout, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) workers voted 111 to 91 to stay with Teamsters Local 58.

When faith meets labor, it fuels a fight for the common good

Reverend Dr. David Wheeler, a local labor advocate, situates himself in a long line of progressive, socially engaged Baptists.

Rideshare driver protections start Jan. 1 in Washington

They include minimum per-minute, per-mile and per-trip rates drivers must be paid; paid sick leave; workers compensation; and more.

Cities look at banning natural gas

A handful of unions say prohibiting natural gas in new construction is bad for workers, for energy diversity and for cost.

City workers practice picketing as management continues to stall

In the month since the City of Portland pledged to present its wage proposal to Laborers Local 483, workers still haven’t received an offer.

Celebrating across the Generations

Cement Masons Local 555 and Plasterers Local 82 on Dec. 10 gathered to recognize newly graduated apprentices and longtime members.

Rite Aid pharmacy techs form independent union

The proposed bargaining unit covers all pharmacy technicians at Rite Aid, at 2080 NW 9th St. in Corvallis.

NLRB: Unfair employers must pay more than just lost wages

Workers face financial pressure beyond lost wages when they're illegally fired. Now, the NLRB says employers should generally cover those costs.

Teamsters Central States pension gets federal rescue

The Central States pension, which covers 357,056 workers and surviving spouses, will receive $35.8 billion in “special financial assistance."

United Airlines unions unite on bargaining

Together, the 78,000 workers represented by the five member unions make up 85% of United Airlines’ workforce.

2022: The rest of the story

Since the start of 2022, we’ve reported over 400 stories - here, we check in on what’s happened since we last reported on some of them.

Presents from Partners

The annual charity drive is a way to make holidays a little brighter for union families that find themselves in hardship.

Massive graduate worker strike shuts down UC system

The University of California work stoppage is the biggest U.S. strike of 2022, and also the biggest higher education strike in U.S. history.

Labor commisioner picks deputy straight out of the house of labor

Oregon AFL-CIO political and legislative director Jessica Giannettino Villatoro will serve as deputy to incoming BOLI Commissioner Christina Stephenson.

New leader sworn in at Oregon AFL-CIO

Aida Aranda was unopposed for secretary-treasurer at the Dec. 8 meeting of the union federation’s Executive Board.