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.
Collective bargaining
Union members bargain collectively with their employers. Nonunion workers are on their own. In this section, we report on all aspects of collective bargaining: negotiation, mediation, and arbitration; impasses, lockouts, and strikes; and tentative agreements, votes, and ratification of new union contracts.
Nurses and doctors strike eight Providence hospitals
The largest healthcare strike in Oregon history started Jan. 10. Once again, Providence staffs up with strikebreakers.
Dispute looms at Portland and Seattle shipyards
Nine unions represent around 800 workers at Vigor’s Portland and Seattle shipyards through the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department.
New union contracts at nursing homes
SEIU Local 503 represents roughly 4,200 workers at 59 Oregon nursing homes owned by six companies — half of the nursing home beds in Oregon.
Portland city unions at impasse
City of Portland workers could strike as soon as late January to win across-the-board raises and personal days.
Teamsters strike at Amazon
Amazon has argued that Teamster-represented delivery drivers are employed by subcontractors, so it doesn’t have to bargain with the union.
City of Portland threatens legal action over union pickets
Attorneys for the City of Portland say "practice pickets" are prohibited by the contract Local 189 signed with the city.
Biggest-yet Providence strike could be coming
Thirteen Oregon hospitals and clinics in the Providence health care chain could shut down as early as next month.
Oregon State University grad strike ends with 13% raise
After nearly four weeks on strike, graduate student workers at Oregon State University ratified a new contract.
City of Portland could be inching toward labor disputes
Union contracts covering 1,300 City workers expire Dec. 31, on the eve of the city’s shift to a whole new leadership structure.
After Thanksgiving eve strike, New Seasons union announces boycott
Nearly two years into contract bargaining, the company revealed its wage proposal: a 25 cent raise — in exchange for dropping health benefits.
Springfield Franz Bakery strike ends in deal
The new contract gives Bakers Local 114 members an immediate $2.50 per hour raise, with $1 raises in years two and three.
Bigfoot moves to bust union
Bigfoot Beverages has withdrawn recognition of Teamsters Local 324 and Local 206, terminated the contract, and halted pension contributions.
First-ever strike at Benton County
After a week-long strike — the first in the union’s history — Benton County workers represented by AFSCME Local 2064 ratified a new contract.
Albany teachers back to work with contract gains after 21-day strike
Members of the Greater Albany Education Association (GAEA) won smaller class sizes and a 7% cost-of-living raise.
OSU grad student workers on strike since Nov. 12
More than 1,000 graduate student workers went on strike after more than a year of negotiations over a new contract.
After 54 Days, Boeing strike is over
Boeing Machinists in Oregon and Washington returned to work Nov. 6 with historic contract gains, including raises totaling 43.65%.
Strike at Franz bakery in Springfield
Roughly 180 members of Bakers Local 114 at the Franz Bakery in Springfield have been on strike since Oct. 31.
AMR slow to reach first union contract at its new Washington County unit
In Washington County, AMR’s starting wage for EMTs is $18.39 per hour. In Multnomah County, under the union contract, it's $22.57 per hour.Â
Boeing workers say no to 35% raises
They’ve waited years to send a message: After lives spent building planes, they deserve a secure retirement.
UFCW 555 reaches agreement with Kroger
The Fred Meyer boycott is over. New contracts covering 11,000 workers will raise wages $4.50 over three years for the most senior workers.
