November 21, 2025 issue

The late great union label

A century ago, boycotts and the union label were as important as the strike in labor’s tactical arsenal. Today, they’re largely forgotten strategies. But the time could be right to bring them back.

Starbucks workers escalate to open-ended strike

To demand a contract, baristas at 65 stores launched an open-ended Red Cup Rebellion strike on one of the chain’s busiest sales days.

After 34 months of talks, New Seasons workers set strike date

After years without a first contract, NSLU members may strike Dec. 17, citing low pay, healthcare cuts, and chaotic scheduling practices.

Portland police oversight staff strike for their jobs

After a three-day strike, workers secured modest safeguards during the transition to a new police oversight office—but not guaranteed jobs.

House members force a vote on a bill to reverse Trump federal union-busting

Trump’s order stripping union rights from up to 1 million federal workers is facing a bipartisan pushback in Congress.

Court orders three years of back pay for striking Pittsburgh journalists

The long-running Post-Gazette strike saw a breakthrough as a court ordered the company to reinstate contract terms and rehire Guild members.

8,000 OHSU workers poised to strike

While ONA clinicians secured a tentative deal with big pay boosts, 8,000 AFSCME workers at OHSU prepare for a possible December strike.

How to fly union

American, Southwest, United and Alaska are mostly union; Delta and JetBlue, not so much.  

Yes, you can hire a union plumber

UA Local 290 now offers homeowners a $200 instant rebate for plumbing or HVAC work, boosting union contractors in Oregon and SW Washington.

Lacrosse union joins house of labor

A new AFL-CIO affiliate, it represents about 400 professional lacrosse players on the 14 teams of the National Lacrosse League.     

PSU ordered to reinstate faculty with back pay

Administrators bypassed union contract rules when they eliminated 10 faculty positions.

Fake union at SkyWest airlines?

Last year the Department of Labor sued SkyWest alleging that its in-house pilot association violated federal laws governing unions.

AFSCME political director appointed to Oregon House

Chosen to fill Hòa Nguyen’s seat, Lamar Wise will shift from union political director to legislator amid looming budget cuts.

A labor look at the November 2025 election results 

Every local candidate and measure endorsed by labor won election.