October 3, 2025 issue

Union millworker takes on Longview mayor

In a community divided by partisan feeling, a retired member of AWPPW wants a return to common sense and good government. 

Local 16 says NW College of Construction flouts state law

‘Employee’ reps in non-union apprenticeships feel like an episode of ‘Undercover Boss’ as portrayed in a complaint to the State of Oregon.

Union members have superior benefits

BLS data shows union employees are more likely to have employer-provided health insurance and retirement benefits than non-union workers.

ATU Local 757 sets up minority caucuses

ATU Local 757 members now have Black, Latino, LGBTQ+, and women caucuses to discuss work and community challenges.

Disney to pay quarter billion dollars to settle wage lawsuit

Disney is set to pay $233 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over non-payment of a local minimum wage. 

Wyden Merkley sponsor bill to exempt strike fund pay from federal income tax

The Tax Cut for Striking Workers Act, a measure supported by the AFL-CIO, would make union strike benefits non-taxable.

Everett Herald signs union contract

Journalists and photographers ratified their first union contract, securing wages, working conditions, and no story quotas.

Kaiser Permanente staff may strike over pay, staffing

4,000 Kaiser Permanente employees in Oregon and Washington are set to strike Oct. 14 for up to five days. Their contract expired Sept. 30.

Contract negotiations break down in Silverton

Laborers Local 483 and the City of Silverton are clashing over pay, inflation raises, and seniority protections.

Metro workers win inflation protection in new contract

AFSCME Local 3580's new contract guarantees 2–5% annual wage increases tied to inflation, improving pay and conditions for 500 union workers.

Workers at Portland’s independent police review unit hope contract bargaining can save their jobs

Portland’s IPR workers picket as contract talks stall, seeking job security in the new Office of Community-based Police Accountability.

Port of Portland deal keeps container port open at Terminal 6

Port of Portland struck a deal with Harbor Industrial to keep Terminal 6 open, preserving hundreds of longshore and port jobs.

Roofers and Laborers ride to the rescue of a Mounted Explorer post

Union volunteers from Roofers Local 49 and Laborers Local 737 saved a Gresham hay barn for Mounted Explorer Post 686 in September.

Jobs with Justice honors Labor Press

The group’s sold-out annual fundraising event also honored Federal Unionist Network, CWA Local 7901 and others.

Murder-suicide of Local 48 apprentice

A Local 48 apprentice committed a murder-suicide Sept. 6, leaving his union and family grieving and seeking funeral support.

Congress cuts to CPB lead to end of NW nonprofit newsroom

After losing $3.5 million from CPB, Cascade PBS shut down Crosscut, laying off a dozen journalists including Lizz Giordano.

Union nurses say Tylenol is safe for pregnant women

Oregon Nurses Association condemned recent statements by President Donald Trump that advised pregnant women to “avoid Tylenol at all costs.”

Introducing … Oregon Building Trades Unions

At its 61st convention, Oregon State Building Trades Council renamed itself Oregon Building Trades Unions and endorsed Kotek and Stephenson.

Miller Paint now union

Following its purchase by Rodda, Miller Paint workers rejoined Painters Local 1094 as production shifts to Rodda’s Portland plant.

Business and union leaders square off on the green

At the 35th annual BULL Session, Operating Engineers Local 701 won top golf honors as unions and employers raised funds for charities.

Roseburg plywood mill closes

Roseburg Forest Products abruptly closed its Dillard plywood mill Sept. 25, laying off 107 union and administrative workers.

Carpenters sisters feel the love at Tradeswomen Build Nations

Carpenters sisters showed up despite a national pullout of support by their union and were welcomed by fellow tradeswomen in Chicago.

Burger, not Gandarilla, will serve on apprenticeship council

Iris Gandarilla's nomination was since withdrawn because she no longer works for the union training center.

SAG-AFTRA Portland rejects challenge slate

In a heated public union election, SAG-AFTRA Portland kept its current officers, with a majority rejecting the #PortlandComeback challengers.

New officers at Portland Metal Trades Council

Delegates elected new officers to lead the Portland Metal Trades Council, which represents shipyard workers at Vigor Marine.