Northwest Labor Press is an independent union-supported newspaper founded in 1900. Our print version is mailed twice a month to about 45,000 members of over three dozen local unions in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our online version has been maintained here since 1997.
Jobs
Daimler AG to split in two: Mercedes, and Daimler trucks
It's part of a “pure play” trend in which publicly-traded companies focus on one line of business, so that stock correlates with its sector.
Eugene Register-Guard outsources its union printing operation
Eugene's once-great Register-Guard has seen rapid decline since its family owners sold it in 2018—and waves of staff cuts and outsourcing.
Unions worry layoffs could be coming in City permitting bureau
Jobs reviewing plans and inspecting buildings may be at risk because a drop in construction activity and related permit fees.
Blazers workers left out in the cold
Union crews that typically work Portland Trailblazer home games at the Moda Center have been replaced with non-union workers.
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.
