September 19, 2025 issue

Nurses call out Providence Portland for short-staffing

Oregon is supposed to get tough in its enforcement of minimum staffing rules. Health care workers have filed 2,200 complaints since June.

Evergreen school staff win raises after 17-day strike

Amid district threats of legal action, paraeducators and bus drivers held out for fair pay. Then La Center teachers struck.

2025 Oregon AFL-CIO Convention Report

Delegates celebrated victories, honored strikers, and set a progressive agenda on climate, housing, and rights.

Newport Symphony goes union

The symphony’s board granted voluntary recognition in July, pending a check of signed union authorization cards that was completed in August.

Portland scrap metal workers answer with a ‘hard no’ to Toyota demand for concessions

Members of Operating Engineers Local 701 at the Radius Recycling scrap metal yard approved a new contract after coming close to striking. 

Gallup poll: Unions are still popular

Poll results show union approval has been holding steady for the last five years, following a steady rebound over the previous decade.

Near strike at Roth’s in Salem

UFCW Local 555 reached agreement with Roth’s Sept. 10 on a new three-year union contract, just ahead of a strike that was to start Sept. 11. 

Powell’s Books faces public embarrassment for using ‘AI slop’

Union workers said there was something wrong with the new merchandise, but higher-ups ignored complaints until a public outcry. 

Trump closes de minimis trade loophole

Since Aug. 29, products delivered by mail to individual consumers have faced the same tariffs as those arriving in shipping containers.

LCSA: Labor’s safety net in times of crisis

LCSA helps union members who have been referred by their union — 1,039 of them in 2024. 

New Seasons Labor Union votes to join UE union

Members also considered affiliating with Teamsters Local 162 but in an online membership vote held July 31, 65% chose UE over Local 162.

Starbucks bargaining at a standstill

Nearly four years after the first Starbucks coffee shop unionized, workers still don’t have a contract.

Apprentices test drive 85-ton crane in heavy equipment rodeo

Excavator, forklift, skid steer, backhoe, and crane operating skills were put to the test Sept. 13 at the Local 701 training center.

Anderson elected to fourth term at Operating Engineers 701

All candidates for Operating Engineers Local 701 office were unopposed this year except for District 4 in Eastern Oregon.

Kotek names unionists to advisory boards

The Senate Committee on Rules is expected to consider and approve the nominations this month.

Strength through Solidarity

This year’s convention, the largest gathering of the Oregon labor movement, couldn’t have come at a more consequential time.