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
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.
Shipyard workers vote again to authorize strike
The Metal Trades Council is planning a community support rally at the Portland shipyard’s main gate at 9:30 a.m. April 9.
In tulip capital, farm workers strike
Flower and bulb harvest workers in Washington struck for three days—until management agreed to come to the bargaining table.
Shipyard workers reject tentative agreement
Metal trades unions will hold a second strike vote after 900 Portland and Seattle shipyard workers rejected a deal with Vigor Marine.
Portland Nabisco maintenance workers get raises
Machinists, electricians and operating engineers at the Mondelez-Nabisco bakery in Portland have new contract agreements.
Nurses say strike could be coming at Providence
Two years into the pandemic, nurses at Providence health facilities statewide are at a breaking point. Will Providence listen?
UFCW reaches tentative deal with Safeway, Albertsons
Fred Meyer and Safeway/Albertsons bargained separately this time. Safeway and Albertsons are owned by Boise-based Albertsons Companies.
First union contract for behavioral health workers in the Columbia Gorge
After 16 months of negotiating, employees of the Mid-Columbia Center for Living will see pay increases totaling 13% over the next three years.
The Daily News offers 13¢ raise
The Longview newsroom joined the NewsGuild last May. But bargaining with Lee Enterprises—which owns 77 newspapers—isn't going well.
After two years, a new union contract for Portland police
The union and City have been negotiating the contract since early 2020, and have been in mediation since mid-2021.
