January 16, 2026 issue

Portland’s pro-labor City Council

One year into the newly reconstituted form of government, it’s clear there’s a dramatically improved relationship with labor.

Oregon Legislature faces revenue crunch as unions prepare to rally at the Capitol

Oregon lawmakers meet from Feb. 2 to no later than March 8 for their biennial “short session,” and this one is expected to be challenging. 

Student workers at Portland State form a union

The massive unit would mean nearly wall-to-wall unionization at PSU.

Portland City Council aides unionize

Two unions are vying to represent 41 Portland City Council staffers, triggering a public-sector union election.

Job Corps: Not dead yet

The Trump administration wants to close the program, but Congress hasn't acted yet, and a judge blocked an order closing some centers.

Schoolhouse Electric lays off Local 48 members as Food52 files for bankruptcy

Food52 hopes to sell to America’s Test Kitchen, which could include the Portland maker light fixtures and home furnishings.

Legacy workers ratify contract after 29-day strike

The agreement covers around 135 nurse practitioners and physician assistants at Legacy hospitals and clinics.

New crane contract adds $12.50 over four years

The terms mirror those in the agreement the local ratified with Associated General Contractors in December.

Multnomah County workers vote on new contract

The new agreement sets a $21 minimum wage and raises of 2.4% or at least $1 per hour retroactive to July 2025.

Rocky Hanes signs off after 26 years leading IAFF 1660

The longtime president helped double Local 1660 and negotiated safer staffing, shorter workweeks, and stronger contracts for firefighters.

Providence Portland medical techs unionize

The unit includes surgical technicians, occupational therapy assistants, and technologists who run ultrasound, MRI and mammogram equipment. 

Transformer factory fined nearly $1M for repeat safety violations

Faulty cranes and electrical burns: This Idaho plant is a repeat offender. 

SAG-AFTRA’s 2026 TV and movie awards to air live on Netflix

The 32nd annual awards event, formerly known as the SAG Awards, this year was rebranded as the Actor Awards.

Newly found crime novel captures turmoil and triumph of strikes

The late Elmore Leonard's novella dives into a 1970s farmworker strike, capturing picket line tension, humor, and hard choices.

IAFF Local 452 returns incumbents amid plans for regional fire authority

The union kept most leaders in place in late 2025 elections as the Vancouver firefighters union manages growth and change.

Local 23’s Larzalere appointed as Western region organizer

The Portland-based Elevator Constructors union local will elect a new business manager next month.

PSU deserves funding that works for Oregon’s workers

Portland State serves working, first generation and transfer students, powering Oregon’s workforce. Its mission needs funding to match.