Analysis

In Oregon, having a union at work means an extra $4,701 a year, and better benefits

A new report from the University of Oregon’s Labor Education and Research Center finds that Oregon workers covered by a union contract earn 11 percent more than non-union workers.

The latest figures on union membership

The latest BLS report shows Washington as the nation's third most-unionized, while Oregon is tied for #11.

2018 in review

As chronicled in the Northwest Labor Press, here are some of the most important developments for labor and working people in 2018.

How to restore the power of unions

Unions have been under decades of attack, but several labor thinkers have put forward ideas to spark the comeback that working people need.

Lessons of the West Virginia teachers strike

One of the strike’s leaders will be visiting Portland July 23.

Janus is upon us, ready or not

More than ever, public sector unions will need to engage members to take on the work of the union, and focus on bargaining for the common good.

STRIKE! Could the red-state teacher walkouts herald a return of labor’s long-forgotten tactic?

In an era when the strike seems all but dead, it feels like the beginning of a strike wave.

Union membership rates held steady in 2017

10.7 percent of American workers are union members.

2017 in review

As chronicled in 24 issues of the Northwest Labor Press: some of the year’s most important developments for labor and working people.

White Working Class: Overcoming Class Cluelessness in America

Ivy Leaguer says elites had better start treating the ‘White Working Class’ with respect.

Public education is under attack, but the public is coming to its defense

AFT president Randi Weingarten says Trump and DeVos have galvanized public support for public education as never before.

Class War in the Capital City

In his new book, Gordon Lafer argues there's a top-down class war under way, in which business groups are using state legislatures to remake America.

The Strike: U.S. labor’s long-lost weapon

Major work stoppages have declined over 95 percent since the 1940s.

Could unions be getting more popular? New poll shows surge in support

The latest Pew poll shows 60% of Americans favor unions, the second-highest level since 1985.

Annual survey records further union membership declines

Union membership fell to 10.7 percent of the U.S. workforce, and 6.4 percent in the private sector.

LOOKING BACK ON THE OBAMA YEARS

Obama ignored labor on trade and healthcare, and pro-worker reforms came mostly too late.

2016 in review

As chronicled in 24 issues of the Northwest Labor Press, here are some of the year’s most important stories.

Big night: A preview of what’s at stake November 8

In the Northwest and around the country, working people have a lot at stake on Election Night.

Five corporate lies (and two truths) about Measure 97

$18.3 million in mostly out-of-state corporate money buys a lot of ads and spreads a lot of disinformation, doubt and fear about Measure 97. Don’t be fooled.

On core union issues, conventions showcase a growing partisan divide

Democrats approve a strongly pro-union platform. Republicans call for a prevailing wage ban, and laws to weaken unions.

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