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
Central City Concern workers push for better wages
AFSCME Local 88’s previous three-year contract with Central City Concern expired June 30. Wages are a sticking point in bargaining.
IBEW tree trimmer talks heat up
Tree trimmers represented by IBEW Local 125 rejected the final offer from a group of employers, paving the way for escalating action.
Nonprofit Causa of Oregon shuts down amid labor conflict
The immigrant rights group Causa recognized a union two years ago, but never reached agreement on a first contract.
ILWU: No strike imminent at West Coast ports
The International Longshore & Warehouse Union and West Coast ports say they’re focused on negotiating, rather than escalating action.
Providence nurses reject tentative agreement
If they don't reach a deal soon, Oregon Nurses Association members could strike at three Providence hospitals July 11.
Union busters file for decertification at Precision Castparts
The Milwaukie, Oregon-based company never accepted a 2017 vote by its welders to join the Machinists union.
St. Vincent nurses reach a deal, but others authorize strike
Providence St. Vincent nurses would get up to 14% raises and a stronger commitment from management to follow staffing levels.
Nurses at two more Providence hospitals hold strike votes
Nurses at Providence hospitals in Oregon City and Milwaukie are voting through June 2 on whether to authorize a strike.
Longview newspaper ratifies first union contract
Hammered out in 10 months, the union's first contract with newspaper owner Lee Enterprises will be up in a year.
In bargaining, Multnomah county workers prioritize workplace safety
AFSCME Local 88 is focused on worker safety, wages and equity in its first full contract negotiation with Multnomah County in five years.
Providence St. Vincent nurses are ready to strike
After more than six months of unsuccessful bargaining, about 1,600 ONA-represented nurses could walk off the job with 10 days notice.
New contract raises Insulator wages $10
Wages are set to rise up to $10 an hour in two Insulators Local 36 master agreements covering about 255 members.
AFSCME 189 files charges after City Auditor orders workers to return to office
AFSCME says Portland city management bargained in bad faith and implemented its re-entry plan without union agreement.
Shipyard workers approve contract by 70%
Wages rise $3.95 an hour under the new agreement, which covers nearly 1,000 metal trades workers at Portland and Seattle shipyards.
For shipyard workers, contract … or strike
Union shipyard workers in Portland and Seattle will decide April 28 whether to approve a new tentative agreement with employer Vigor Marine.
Strike vote at Providence St. Vincent
A unit of 1,600 nurses at Providence St. Vincent hospital in Southwest Portland will vote April 19 to May 3 on whether to authorize a strike.
Penske technicians get raises in 3-year contract
The three-year contract contains wage increases of 5.5% in the first year, 3.5% in the second and 3% in the third.
Pacific Power linemen ratify new contract
The contract raises wages, increases the 401(k) match, and adds sick leave hours and floating holidays for 285 utility workers.
Tree trimmers reject tentative agreement
A IBEW Local 125 unit of about 430 tree trimmers last month rejected a tentative agreement by an overwhelmingly margin—98%, with turnout of about 60%.
Over 700 Providence nurses rally in show of unity
Providence nurses want staffing ratios, adequate breaks, affordable health insurance, and adequate pay increases.
