Northwest Labor Press is an independent union-supported newspaper founded in 1900. Our print version is mailed twice a month to about 45,000 members of over three dozen local unions in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our online version has been maintained here since 1997.
Graham Trainor
Oregon AFL-CIO president Graham Trainor joined the Oregon labor movement in 2006 as state director for Working America, the community affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Today he is a proud member of IBEW Local 48. Since coming to the Oregon AFL-CIO in 2008, he served in nearly every role — organizer, campaign manager, lobbyist, and chief of staff — before being elected president in 2019.
The truth about project labor agreements
The Oregon labor movement strives to create a fair and just economy for all workers, and PLAs are a crucial part of this effort.
A powerful year of labor action in Oregon
With all the noise over the threats we expect from the Trump Administration, it’s easy to forget how powerful and inspiring 2024 has been.
We need solidarity now more than ever
Presidential administrations change, but the values of the labor movement do not.
Dan Rayfield: A labor champion we can count on
Dan Rayfield has stood with workers in countless ways. The Oregon labor movement is all in for him to be our next Attorney General.
Oregon labor is ‘all in’ for Harris-Walz
This energy and excitement is deeply rooted in the countless accomplishments of the most pro-union administration in American history.
May 30: You won’t want to miss it
We’re excited to host our annual Oregon Labor Organizing Summit on May 30 at the LiUNA Local 737 union hall in Portland.
Critical mission: workplace safety
More than 50 years ago on April 28 the Occupational Safety and Health Act went into effect, promising every worker the right to a safe job.
Oregon labor is all-in for Julie Su
Despite confirmation as deputy secretary of labor in 2021, a few senators have been trying to block a vote on her nomination as secretary.
Oregon labor is still strike ready
This is our time to push back on the rigged economic system and win what’s ours from the wealth our labor creates.
In 2024 it’s still better in a union
The labor movement will never stop fighting to unrig the rules of the economy and welcome any worker dreaming of a better life.
Closing out 2023 with a UAW bump
Over 46 days this fall, the world watched as nearly 150,000 autoworkers did something that had never been done before.
Student workers are making history
Recent campaigns at University of Oregon and Reed College show us that young people are hungry to make change.
Leaving Bend united and hopeful
This year’s convention could not have come at a more opportune time for labor to strategize about how to harness the moment we’re in.
88% – A Number to Inspire and Harness
Among young people, approval of labor unions is at 88%. And support for strikes is at 90%.
A betrayal of Oregon workers
Over the last few years Oregon has led the nation with the most legislative walkouts and the second-longest walkout in American history.
Solidarity is our lifeblood
This is proving to be one of the most consequential summers of labor action, with hundreds of thousands on strike or near striking.
They will never stop us striking
The U.S. Supreme Court showed its true anti-union colors yet again in their wrong-headed ruling on Glacier Northwest v. Teamsters Local 174.
The Movement to Meet the Moment
More workers are turning to labor than at any point in recent memory. It’s going to require us to be strategic about how we build power.
Less talk and more action this Workers Memorial Day
Oregon is often seen as a model for strong labor standards, but it ranks lowest in the nation when it comes to OSHA penalties.
Rest in power, Sister Aida
The Oregon labor movement suffered a great and devastating loss on Feb. 27 when our sister Aida Aranda passed away suddenly.
