June 21, 2024 issue

Nurses strike at six Providence hospitals

Providence notified the union that it won’t let strikers return to work on Friday, extending the work stoppage as a two-day lockout. 

Hospitals flouting Oregon’s new staffing ratio law

Oregon Health Authority has received over 360 complaints from nurses alleging that hospital managers are violating the safe staffing law.

A study of work at the Port of Seattle shows project labor agreements also control costs.  

PLAs enhance competition and diversity, according to a newly published study of 95 construction projects at the Port of Seattle.

GOP Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer backs pro-union ‘messaging bill’ that would dump Janus

The bill is thought to have zero chance of passing the GOP House, and didn't get a hearing when Democrats were in charge either.

Drywall finishers get $9.25 an hour over three years

The agreement covers about 400 workers employed by contractors in Associated Wall & Ceiling Contractors of Oregon.

Franz and Bakers union far apart in bargaining

If there’s no movement from the employer at a July 10 negotiation session, Local 114 may consider scheduling a strike vote.

Annual labor awards

The Northwest Oregon Labor Council honored eight individuals at its 24th Annual Labor Appreciation Dinner.

Union Pride: IBEW Local 48 hall gets a major overhaul

A top-to-bottom remodel of Local 48’s union hall is in the final stages of completion. More than a makeover, it's a showcase of union talent.

Roofers Local 49 apprentice declared # 1 in national competition

Dylan Butler went to the union's national event in St. Louis after winning the West Coast apprentice competition.

Amazon union joins Teamsters

ALU represents about 8,300 workers at Amazon’s warehouse in Staten Island, New York. But they've struggled to win a first contract.

Gail Rosebrook, 1955-2024

She put her organizational skills to work for CWA, the Northwest Labor Press, and Oregon State Industrial Union Council.

Personnel changes

David Groves left the Washington State Labor Council after 32 years. Mike Burlingham left Bakers Local 364 to work for Oregon AFSCME.

Best wishes to Mallory … and welcome to Grant

Reporter Mallory Gruben has left for a job as a union organizer. Grant Stringer joins us after writing for The Oregonian and Willamette Week.

Lynn McDonald elected at IBEW Local 280

Drew Lindsey, business manager since 2015, opted not to run again this year. Dispatcher Lynn McDonald outpolled VP Bob Sapp to succeed him. 

25 years!

Have I learned anything in a quarter century as a labor journalist? Do I feel any differently about the labor movement’s prospects?

Change makers: Electrical Workers Minority Caucus turns 50

The second Tuesday of each month, about two dozen members meet at the union hall to mentor and encourage fellow minorities.