Lake Labor is no more. Though it wasn’t listed on any map as a body of water, the fact is after any heavy rain, the parking lot at the Oregon Labor Federation (formerly known as the Oregon AFL-CIO) turned into a giant puddle.
Now, thanks to construction union apprentices and journeymen from six local unions, the lot at 3645 SE 32nd Ave. — just south of Powell Boulevard in Portland — is newly repaved and sloped, with new concrete sidewalks and brick walls around HVAC units and dumpsters. It also has better security, with a new automated gate, motion-activated lights, and the removal of an unloved hedge.
The work was done by members of Operating Engineers Local 701, Laborers Local 737, Cement Masons Local 555, Bricklayers Local 1, IBEW Local 48, and Ironworkers Local 29. In the case of brick and cement mason apprentices, it was a chance to do work that’s built to last as opposed to practice work that would be demolished. Work began at the end of March and wrapped up mid-June.
The parking lot makeover is the latest phase of an ongoing spruce-up since the state labor federation acquired an old union hall from Machinists District Lodge 24 in 2011. Since then, the building has been beautified with wall murals, labor history displays, and framed pieces of landmark labor legislation, among other improvements. It’s in near constant use for all manner of meetings, trainings, canvass operations, union election vote watch gatherings, and even the occasional welcome party or memorial service.
