Culture

Labor Day picnic will return in 2023—but not at Oaks Park

The Northwest Oregon Labor Council's event, which drew 12,000 in a typical year, went on hiatus during the COVID pandemic.

Celebrating across the Generations

Cement Masons Local 555 and Plasterers Local 82 on Dec. 10 gathered to recognize newly graduated apprentices and longtime members.

To stop harassment, make it inconvenient

Portland-area construction leaders take stock of progress toward more welcoming workplaces over the past two years.

For a Portland fire fighter, pipe dreams now reality

Backed by their union, Portland fire fighters debuted a pipe and drums troupe that has now played played dozens of engagements.

A new hall for Salem’s Teamsters

Members and officers of Teamsters Local 324 gathered Aug. 20 to dedicate their new union hall, named in honor of a longtime leader.

Why the Oaks Park Labor Day picnic is no more

Event organizers say the long-running annual picnic was killed off by the park’s own management, which implemented a slew of recent changes.

Labor Day Picnics return for 2022

After a COVID hiatus, Labor Day picnics organized by central labor councils (CLCs) are mostly back this year and are set for Monday, Sept. 5.

THE PICNIC. IT’S BACK!

IBEW Local 48 members and their families attended the union's annual picnic outside the union hall on Sunday, July 9.

Washington’s best straight truck driver? A Boeing machinist

Carl Gibson will compete in the 'straight truck' category at the National Truck Driving Championships Aug. 16-19 in Indianapolis.

Construction unions push for job site culture shift

Two years after a noose incident on a downtown Portland job site, signs of change are percolating in the construction industry.

SAG Awards set for Feb. 27

Tired of the tedium, the pomposity, the gaffes of the annual Academy Awards? That’s management’s award ceremony.

What do women in construction want? Respectful treatment, like anyone else

Support from their unions, and anti-harassment policies, could make a difference, says the biggest-ever survey of women in construction. 

Iron Workers Local 29 Retirees Club is back to meeting again

Unable to meet for 18 months because of coronavirus restrictions, the group began meeting again this month.

Want diversity in construction? Hire union

Local union apprenticeship programs have had much more success than non-union getting Black, Hispanic, and women workers into construction.

Working Class Literature?

Portland Community College offers an English class about class – the working class.

Safe From Hate panel says culture change is coming in construction

UNITED FOR A HATE-FREE WORKPLACE “Safe from Hate” panelists, from left: Lisa Palermo of Oregon Tradeswomen; Lou Christian of Plumbers & Fitters Local 290; Sheldon Wormley of Laborers Local 737; Kelly Haines of Worksystems Inc.; Scott Zadow and Garth Bachman of IBEW Local 48, and Zach Culver of Laborers Local 737.

Labor Day picnics cancelled

For the second year in a row, all official Labor Day picnics in Oregon and SW Washignton are cancelled due to the continuing pandemic.

CBS’ Tough As Nails casting Season 4

The reality show celebrates hard-working men and women who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.

The Stand: boosting labor and labor’s story

Washington state’s best (and only) news outlet dedicated to unions and working people, The Stand just turned 10.

Union logos get a little love

A new Twitter account dedicated to sharing union logos has quickly developed a fan base in the union Twitter world.