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
John Deere battle ends with historic gains for strikers
Workers stood solid for five weeks and won big, doubling their raises and rejecting a plan to cut pensions for new hires.
Kaiser Permanente strike called off
The massive strike was averted when management dropped its anti-union two tier demand and agreed to raise wages 10% over the next four years.
Union reaches agreement with Burgerville
Roughly 100 workers at 5 Portland-area Burgerville locations are about to be the first fast food workers in America to have a union contract.
IATSE ratifies new film and TV contract
By an extremely narrow margin, IATSE members ratified a pair of nationwide contracts covering 60,000 workers in film and video production.
IBEW 48: $9 in raises, and an end to marijuana testing
The new agreement covers inside wiremen — about 3,900 Local 48 members, plus travelers from other IBEW locals working in the jurisdiction.
IATSE: Hollywood strike on hold pending vote on a tentative agreement
A tentative agreement provides 3% raises and addresses union concerns about overwork and pay equity. Vote results will be announce Nov. 15.
Daimler Machinists: $4 raise plus essential worker bonus
Four unions at the Portland truck plant ratified new five-year agreements that raise wages $4, and hold the line on health insurance costs.
Bus drivers win raises up to $6 an hour
At the school bus contractor for Portland Public Schools, about 300 workers won an immediate $6 an hour increase.
Workers authorize strike at Vancouver Public Schools
Priority issues are inadequate pay and a short staffing crisis. They’ve been working without a contract since Aug. 31.
Kaiser unions are set to go on strike Nov. 15
Bargaining has rarely been so contentious at Kaiser, which for decades touted itself as a union partner and model employer.
Kaiser courting massive strike
Units totaling over 34,000 Kaiser Permanente employees in Oregon and California have signaled they're ready to strike after 10 days notice.
Film/TV strike would be biggest ever
The strike by 60,000 members of IATSE will begin on Oct. 18 if no deal with producers has been reached by then.
Frontline healthcare workers strike McKenzie-Willamette
Members of Service Employees Local 49 are fighting for wage increases, improved job safety, and to stop the hospital from outsourcing jobs.
Nationwide strike at Kellogg’s
No contract? No Corn Flakes. About 1,400 Kellogg’s workers in Mich., Neb. Penn., and Tenn. struck Oct. 5 after months of mandatory overtime
Nabisco strike beats back demand for concessions
SOLIDARITY IS A MUSCLE In Portland and elsewhere, Nabisco strikers encountered extraordinary support, both on the picket lines and off. (Photo by Dan O’Donnell)
Hollywood strike could be coming
If 60,000 behind-the-scenes production workers walk out, it would be the biggest ever strike in the film and television industry.
Beneficial State Bank signs first union contract
CWA says it's the first group of bank employees to unionize in more than 40 years. At $20.50 an hour and over, wages may top the industry.
360 Sheet Metal management: “We do not agree with the law.”
Negotiations aren’t going well at 360 Sheet Metal in Vancouver. Union leaders say the company is going through the motions in bargaining.
Showdown looms as Kaiser sticks to pay-slashing proposals
Increasingly, Kaiser's union partnership appears to be unraveling, and for the second time in two years, it could be nearing a strike.
Nationwide Nabisco strike intensifies
‘No contract, no snacks’ Nabisco strikers are saying—their livelihoods on the line in a nationwide struggle against corporate greed.
