November 7, 2025 issue

All-out Starbucks strike brewing  

With no contract after three years, Starbucks workers vote to strike, demanding fair pay and real bargaining progress.

Federal workers miss pay as Congressional standoff drags on

Agencies have gone dark for a month, and in November the food stamp and Head Start programs began to stall.

Federal charges reduced against California labor leader who took part in immigration protest

After union rallies and public outcry, SEIU’s David Huerta has his protest-related felony reduced to a misdemeanor.

New California law gives union rights to rideshare workers 

California’s new law lets 800,000 rideshare drivers unionize—while keeping them classified as contractors.

Kulongoski wants an end to party primaries

Ten years after voters said no, a “top two” primary proposal returns — backed by the former governor and former GOP state rep Cheri Helt.

Oregon Labor Board rules PSU broke labor law

Part-time instructors win back withheld funds and interest.

Oregon AFSCME elects Baessler to top post

In a re-run election, Oregon AFSCME delegates reaffirmed Joe Baessler’s election and kept the current leadership team in place.

After the strike, still no deal with Kaiser Permanente

Nearly 45,000 Kaiser workers struck for better pay and respect; weeks later, unions say little progress has been made.

Proposed railroad mega-merger has rail workers worried 

“Synergies” from an $85 billion merger could mean fewer jobs and more power in corporate hands.

A union Solidarity Fund in action

A first-term Local 701 apprentice found herself with Stage 3 cancer at age 28. But her union wouldn’t let her fight alone.

How to avoid costly wrong turns in workers comp

If you know your rights, you can successfully navigate a Workers’ Comp claim to get the benefits you have a right to.

Providence pulls the plug on workplace health

The closure of 4 occupational medicine clinics will deepen a shortage of Portland-area Workers’ Comp providers.

Wheelchair attendants keep jobs at PDX

No lost paychecks at PDX: SEIU 49’s master contract protects wheelchair agents as Alaska Airlines switches vendors.

Support for ironworker injured on the job

The Local 29 member suffered serious injury, requiring surgery and over a week of hospitalization. He'll be off for months as he recovers.

IBEW 48’s Kennitha Wade in battle with cancer

Wade, 43, is an instructor and recruiter at the union’s training center and former president of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus.

Fundraising gala honors women in the trades

Oregon Tradeswomen honored trailblazing women in the trades at its annual dinner celebrating leadership and solidarity.

Plasterers hires first organizer to fuel growth in booming Boise

Local 82’s new organizer is hitting the road to grow union power.

Laborers Local 737 throws a party to celebrate its 10th birthday

Formed from the merger of three unions, the local now tops 2,900 members and spans construction, roads, shipyards, and public works.

Break bread, build back, grow power

Like any family, labor’s strength depends on unity—breaking bread across differences to grow collective power.