Labor History Archives - nwLaborPress

When Vancouver teachers went to jail for striking

May 17, 2023

Return to work or go to jail. That was the ultimatum a judge gave teachers at Evergreen School District 50 years ago this month.

When the Labor Press battled the Klan

Jan 4, 2023

Here’s the story of how this newspaper led a gutsy crusade against the hate group a century ago—then abruptly fell silent while the Klan rose to power.

Labor History

A new self-guided tour of Portland Labor History

Nov 30, 2022

It includes Francis Murnane Memorial Wharf, a public memorial to a longshore union leader; a labor history mural at PCC Sylvania; and more.

SEIU Local 49 celebrates 100 years

Nov 30, 2022

The union’s history began in Portland’s performance venues in 1922, when theater and dance hall janitors decided to improve their working conditions.

Solidarity Forever

Sep 2, 2022

In honor of Labor Day, the Labor Press commissioned artist Jim Kettner to produce a graphic look at labor’s anthem, and the man who wrote it.

A forgotten strike

Aug 26, 2022

105 years ago, well before any law recognized union rights, a paper mill strike spread like a match to paper across Oregon and Washington.

They believed in what they believed in

Jul 13, 2022

The example set by Bunny Kuiken reminds us that the immigrant working class is an integral part of our history.

The law that poisoned labor: Taft-Hartley turns 75

Jun 29, 2022

Taft-Hartley brought 12 years of explosive union growth to a sudden end, and it contributed to what has now been a 75-year decline.

OPB to air new documentary on 1934 West Coast longshore strike

Jun 29, 2022

One of the most thrilling episodes of American labor history will soon come to life on Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB).

What’s it like to strike?

Mar 2, 2022

Strikes, once common, are rare today. We asked Northwest Labor Press readers to share their strike stories.