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
OHSU’s postdoc researchers reach impasse
The two sides have been negotiating since September 2023, and OHSU has refused to offer raises of any amount.
TriMet deal comes amid union leadership change
The 4-year agreement was finalized after members voted in new leadership, with a ratification vote set for two days before they were sworn in.
Laborers rise $9.25/hr in new agreements
Traffic flaggers — who have one of the most dangerous jobs — will get even bigger raises, starting with an immediate raise of $8 an hour.
Providence locks out striking nurses
The three-day strike wrapped up on June 21 but Providence wouldn’t allow all striking nurses to return to work for two more days.
Ironworkers Local 29 voting on $15/hour increase over four years
Union members had previously voted to reject an offer of a $7.50 an hour compensation increase over three years.
Second contract ratified at Grand Central
The new three-year agreement raises wages and modifies an attendance policy workers felt was unnecessarily harsh.
Union ironworkers vote down $7.50 employer offer
Under the current regional master agreement, ironworkers in the Portland area make $43.82 an hour plus $33.98 an hour in fringe benefits.
Nurses strike at six Providence hospitals
Providence notified the union that it won’t let strikers return to work on Friday, extending the work stoppage as a two-day lockout.
Drywall finishers get $9.25 an hour over three years
The agreement covers about 400 workers employed by contractors in Associated Wall & Ceiling Contractors of Oregon.
Franz and Bakers union far apart in bargaining
If there’s no movement from the employer at a July 10 negotiation session, Local 114 may consider scheduling a strike vote.
Local 11 wins big contract gains at NW Natural
Workers won a commitment to return to a defined benefit pension if details pass muster, plus wage increases totaling 24% over four years.
Springfield hospice nurses settle contract with PeaceHealth
The new agreement raises wages but fails to deliver the demand of the strike: for them to be paid the same as in-hospital nurses.
UFCW Local 555 ends dispute with Kaiser
Five months after Kaiser pharmacy and imaging workers struck in Oregon, UFCW Local 555 says members ratified new four-year agreements.
Tensions rising between NW Natural and union
The utility company informed union workers that it plans to train non-union staff to do their jobs in case there is a strike.
PeaceHealth offer would lock in lower pay for home care
Home care RNs have a critical decision to make: agree to be paid less than hospital nurses, or go on strike a second time for equal pay.
United Auto Workers wins big at Daimler Trucks North America
A new four-year contract will raise wages more than 25% and end an unfair “two-tier” wage system that pays new hires less than senior workers.
Oregon Health and Science University’s wage offer: 0%
Bargaining with about 250 postdoctoral researchers, OHSU's wage offer is remarkable: a three-year contract with raises of 0% each year.
New contract at Portland Hilton, after two years bargaining
A new agreement with UNITE HERE Local 8 raises wages and restores automatic daily room cleaning at the Hilton and Duniway hotels in Portland.
New contract at Clarios
Workers at the Clarios auto battery plant in Canby, Oregon, ratified a new four-year agreement Feb. 20 that limits mandatory overtime.
Union arts employers pinched by rising rents, falling support
Oregon Symphony is paying 50% more for the Schnitzer, and arts tax funds are being diverted to smaller groups.