Our Jobs

Washington County could pick a union ambulance firm

For the first time in decades, American Medical Response (AMR) has a chance to outbid anti-union Metro West.

Cities look at banning natural gas

A handful of unions say prohibiting natural gas in new construction is bad for workers, for energy diversity and for cost.

Washington sues to stop Albertsons’ $4 billion dividend

Unions representing grocery workers say the outsized payout could destroy the nation’s number two grocery chain.

Airlines plagued by delays, canceled flights

Airlines have faced growing criticism for a surge in flight delays and cancellations, and failure to refund customers.

Metro pushes to privatize Convention Center AV department

The Metro regional government wants to contract out audio/visual jobs at the Oregon Convention Center - jobs that are currently held by union workers.

Portland steel foundry to close

Columbia Steel Casting Co. is permanently closing this fall after 121 years of operation, leaving 225 workers without jobs.

Portland uniform maker will lay off union workers

Dennis Uniform is moving some of its operations to Texas, leaving 71 Oregon workers - including UFCW Local 555 members - without a job.

Toxic Work Environment

You name it, AFSCME-represented hazardous waste workers handle it. The job combines science, a strong stomach and a whole lot of caution.

Raising the roof

Union members are getting experience with mass timber at Portland International Airport's new terminal roof.

TriMet starting pay jumps 48% in a year

Amid a severe bus driver shortage, starting pay jumped from $17 to $25.24. Plus a $7,500 sign-on bonus. These are union jobs with benefits.

Biden in Portland: ‘Union workers are the best’

During a brief visit to Portland, President Joe Biden said union workers and apprenticeships will be vital in rebuilding U.S. infrastructure.

Metro jurisdictions ratify high-road commitments

The Regional Workforce Equity Agreement, which was led by local building trades union reps, will lead to dozens of project labor agreements.

Behind the badge, police support staff face backlog and burnout

AFSCME’s Portland Police chapter chair says understaffing is causing delays retrieving towed cars or getting police reports for insurance.

From workers to business owners, but union all the way

They spent years working on pipelines. Now they deploy water trucks to wind and solar farms and areas with wildfires.

KGW-TV is being sold to a hedge fund … and that could be okay for workers

Media giant Tegna Inc. is being acquired by the New York based hedge fund Standard General for $5.4 billion.

Amazon shuts out union workers in Woodburn

Local building trade unions have been picketing the colossal construction site to protest out-of-state contractors and subpar wages.

Local 82: Bringing beauty to the halls of justice

In a major renovation of the Oregon Supreme Court, union plasterers are retaining the building’s historic character.

Metro votes 6-1 to move forward on I-5 Bridge Replacement

Building trades leaders were steamed when Metro commissioner Mary Nolan voted "no" on funding for a bridge over the Columbia River.

A “SMART” business decision

By signing with SMART Local 16, Clint Ochampaugh gets access to the highest-skilled employees in the industry through its hiring hall.

Eugene School District commits to use high-road construction contractors

Eugene 4J is the first Oregon school district to commit to lift worker standards and set a goal for more women and minorities in construction.

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