October 17, 2025 issue

Kaiser Permanente workers on strike in four states 

Following decades of labor peace, it’s the fourth strike at Kaiser since 2023.

IBEW Local 280’s $5 million Redmond hall nears completion

The new union hall is close to UA Local 290’s hall and the Redmond airport.

A Union Guide to the November 2025 election

There’s a low-key election this Nov. 4. Turnout will be low. Union households can make a difference — if they vote.

BOLI ends $25.34 threshold for wage complaints

BOLI earlier stopped investigating wage claims except for low-wage workers — because it was far behind trying to investigate all wage claims.

New novel revives 1913 Camas millworkers strike

Novelist Dede Montgomery drew on a dissertation about the strike by Bradley Richardson, executive director of Clark County Historical Museum.

AFSCME Local 88 presses Multnomah County for $3 raises

Bargaining with Multnomah County has now stretched out three months past expiration of the most recent contract.

Vancouver school employees sign a new contract after voting to authorize a strike

Over 800 school support staff in Vancouver Public Schools got a new three-year contract several weeks after authorizing a strike.

Oregon Nurses Association staff get union contract

The unit of 64 union reps, organizers and support staff is represented by Teamsters Local 223, and had been without a contract since June 30.

Workers ratify two-year deal with State of Oregon

The contracts with SEIU and AFSCME cover 29,500 workers and provide a 2.5% raise Feb. 1, 2026, and 4% on Jan. 1, 2027.

Starbucks fires three pro-union baristas 

Starbucks fired three Portland-area union supporters last month. Their crime? Writing union slogans on the sidewalk outside their store.

University of Oregon trampled student worker rights, agency says

The violations stem from a union organizing campaign among undergraduate student workers in 2022 and 2023.

Toolbox Gallery aims to elevate the art of the trades

Thursday, Liz Nichols was pouring concrete near McDaniel High School. Saturday, she attended an art exhibit: her own. 

A Roofers Local 49 apprentice is the best in the West … again

Held in Livermore, California, the competition showcased skills in roofing, plus a math test, tool identification and safety test.

Building a legacy of help for fellow union members

Seeing Local 290 members struggling, Dave Stahly rolled up his sleeves and got busy.

Albany steelworkers exposed to toxic gas

Seven workers were transported to the hospital after zirconium tetrachloride was released at ATI Millersburg Operations Sept. 9.

Deep cuts coming to Oregon higher ed

PSU's proposed cuts could result in the elimination of more than 200 full-time faculty and staff positions.

Oregon is not a military target

This blatant federal overreach endangers our families, freedoms, and futures.