August 1, 2025 issue

Trump NLRB nominee dodges questions at Senate hearing

Crystal Carey was aggressively grilled by Missouri Republican Josh Hawley at her July 16 Senate confirmation hearing.

Union jobs at risk as Cowlitz Tribe takes over nonprofit

“Will I still be in a union?” Columbia River Mental Health Services staff get few answers.  

Privatize the postal service? Postal unions say no

David Steiner, who started July 15 as postmaster general, is a former Waste Management CEO who served on the board of USPS competitor FedEx.

Missouri Legislature repeals sick leave law passed by voters

Missouri Jobs with Justice will try to restore the law with a constitutional measure to be placed the 2026 ballot.

Kotek calls special session to look at transportation funding

The Aug. 29 session will take up legislation to pay for basic road maintenance at the state and local level and to bolster transit funding.

Keeping contractors honest: Volunteers help Multnomah County protect prevailing wage

Who’s making sure construction workers aren’t getting cheated by employers? A small team of county workers and union volunteers. 

As wildfire hits neighborhood, a union crew rushes in

The fire destroyed five homes, multiple automobiles, and a former church that was serving as Boardman’s food pantry.

CEO pay now 285 times the average worker’s

Starbucks tops the nation in the CEO-to-worker pay gap.

UNION PRIDE

About 200 union members marched together in the Portland Pride parade to celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Public scrutiny of contractors grows after Rotschy accidents

New responsible bidder rules at several local governments in Southwest Washington could keep dangerous builders off public projects.

Albina library plasterwork is a showcase of union skill

The restored library was first opened in 1912, and the arches, cornices, and plaster rosettes show the careful craftsmanship of that era.

Our voice. Our power. Our movement

At the Washington State Labor Council convention in Vancouver, union activists set an agenda and celebrate victories.

New union contract raises Oregon homecare wages to $25 by 2027

The proposed contract also adds four new holidays, where workers will make 1.5 times their normal rate for the first eight hours worked.

Transit cuts hit home

Rogue Valley Transit District and TriMet are preparing to slash jobs amid state and federal funding shortfalls.

The lock whisperer

One locksmith, 156 parks: Laborers Local 483 member Scott Morris keeps public spaces in Portland Parks & Rec secure.

Salem needs to empower Oregon to build a thriving economy

Oregon is a state of builders, but it’s stalled by policy. Its future hinges on infrastructure and innovation.