Our Jobs

TransAlta shuts first of two coal-fired power plants in Centralia

The closure means layoff for 64 workers, but thanks to a $55 million coal transition fund, they'll get a lump sum payment of about $44,000.

High-bidding nonunion firm wins more Portland Public Schools work

Local building trades union leaders are baffled as an accused wage thief bids high and gets the worst rating, but wins contract.

On the job with Bakers Local 114

Bite into a burger at any Portland-area Wendy’s or Burger King, and there’s a one in three chance the bun began with Mario Aldaco.

Nabisco threatens more plant closures

If Nabisco closes its N.J. and Georgia plants in 2021, just three would remain: Portland, Chicago, and Richmond. And lots of Mexican product.

Albany titanium plant to close

The Oremet plant has been in operation since 1956, but nearly all its product goes to Boeing, which has largely halted airliner production.

Corporate vandalism

The Newberg mill used to be where Oregon sent its recycled paper. Now it’s being scrapped. And its $28/hour union jobs won't be coming back.

IBEW Local 48 offers a $1,000 bounty for new members

There’s so much work right now for members of IBEW Local 48 that the union is offering a bounty for qualified electricians who sign on.

Is municipal broadband feasible in Multnomah County? Maybe

A county-wide, publicly financed fiber-to-the-premises network would cost $966 million, and residents support the idea by more than 2-1.

Jobs on the ballot

Two local ballot measures could make the difference between jobs and joblessness for thousands of workers.

At a model library, cuts and turmoil

Multnomah County Library workers are mourning last month's cut of 128 positions as a major blow to one of the nation's top library systems.

New Multnomah County Courthouse: Built by union labor

The four-year, $324.5 million project both set and met goals for the participation of women and minority workers and contractors.

New Pearl District neighborhood: union-built

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler called it one of the most complex and ambitious development projects the City has ever taken on.

Library reduces number of planned layoffs

After weeks of organized public outcry and behind-the-scenes union lobbying, Multnomah County Library averted most layoffs announced in July.

New Beaverton arts center tops out

The $51 million 43,000-square-foot complex will feature a 550-seat performance venue, an art gallery, meeting rooms, and a showcase plaza.

Former USPS site will be a model of high-road development

Portland City Council is scheduled to vote Sept. 23 on an agreement that will ensure years of employment for union construction trades workers and enhanced opportunities in construction for women and minorities.

Budget’s fine, but library layoffs loom

Multnomah County Library is about to lay off one sixth of its workforce, even though its budget is under no threat.

Breakthrough on community benefits agreement for Broadway Corridor

The 12-block public-private project on the former post office site will use union labor.

Furloughed workers tighten belts waiting for WorkShare benefits

It seemed like a win-win when unions approved the furloughs, but Workshare benefits promised by the Oregon Employment Department have been slow to arrive.

Union-community coalition asks City Council to break impasse over labor standards for Broadway Corridor

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty will meet July 20 with the developer and the coalition to see if the impasse can be broken.

Union sours on Scottie’s Pizza

COVID forced the union pizzeria to close. Now laid-off union workers fault owner Scottie Rivera for reopening with a skeleton crew.

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