February 6, 2026 issue

A nurse is killed — and labor erupts in protest

ICE agents deployed teargas as thousands of Portlanders participated in a labor-led march. 

Lithium project promises union jobs in the high desert

A mining project on the border of Oregon and Nevada could spell 1,000 construction jobs for three years.

KGW producers vote on whether to join IBEW Local 48

As tech reshapes their newsroom, workers are looking to the union for protection.

They help riders in crisis — Now TriMet safety workers want a union

Most TriMet workers are unionized. Now the agency’s crisis-response safety team wants recognition from its private contractor.

AFSCME ratifies deal at Central City Concern 

A newly enlarged unit of homeless services workers has ratified a contract with 13% raises, $21 minimum wage, and a $1,500 bonus.

Washington may require suicide prevention training in construction 

In 2023, 982 U.S. construction workers died in job site accidents, but five times as many died from suicide.

Slow bargaining at C-TRAN

About 70 C-TRAN office workers finalized a new contract, but 240 bus and paratransit van operators are still without one.

OHSU’s largest unit ratifies contract

Roughly 8,000 workers represented by AFSCME Local 328 have a new contract, approved by 84% of those voting.

OHSU researchers authorize strike

Contract bargaining between Oregon AFSCME and OHSU has stalled over wages and cashing out unused paid time off.

PSU backs down, agrees to rehire laid-off profs

After union pushback, PSU agrees to reinstate 10 professors laid off in 2024, though it disputes the arbitrator’s authority.