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.
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Think global. Act local. It’s where democracy is most hands-on.
Conversation with Tiffany Koyama Lane
If re-elected to Portland City Council, she wants to pass a domestic worker bill of rights and lift standards for app-based drivers.
Conversation with Olivia Clark
The incumbent member of Portland City Council for District 4 talked about her focus on potholes and restoring police and fire budgets.
Conversations with Portland City Council candidates
The Labor Press invited all eight union-endorsed candidates for Portland City Council to talk about their records and their plans. All eight were willing...
Portland looks at hiking its CEO pay tax … and cutting taxes on small business
The council’s Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole took public testimony Oct. 8 on the proposal.
Portland looks at ban on AI-driven grocery pricing
An ordinance sponsored by Portland City Councilor Eric Zimmerman will get its first hearing Sept. 22.
Portland will phase out Cesar Chavez Boulevard
The former 39th Avenue will be called Campesinos Boulevard.
City of Portland to contract out 350 union jobs
As Metro exits management of the Schnitzer and Keller venues, the “City that Works” doesn’t want the work either.
Portland police staffing initiative falls short
City elections officials disqualified 498 signature sheets for reasons like sloppy circulator signatures or dates having been overwritten.
Portland measure mandating more police turns in signatures
The initiative would require at least 2 police officers per 1,000 residents, up from 1.2 per 1,000, one of the lowest ratios in the nation.
Fire and police unions back Portland measure to hire more police
A city ballot initiative campaign to add 400 more police officers needs to raise 40,437 valid signatures by July 6.
Portland may look at capping Uber/Lyft’s grab of driver earnings
Driver pay is down even though rider cost is up. It's no mystery as to why.
City unions plan rally against job cuts
City unions want the city to consider layoff alternatives like curtailing management bloat and the use of expensive outside contractors.
Street named for labor leader Cesar Chavez may come down
Instead of returning to 39th Ave., City Council could change Cesar Chavez Boulevard to Campesinos Boulevard — at a cost of about $200,000.
Portland’s pro-labor City Council
One year into the newly reconstituted form of government, it’s clear there’s a dramatically improved relationship with labor.
A Union Guide to Washington’s August 5, 2025 primary election
It’s a short ballot, but some registered voters in Southwest Washington have a decision or two to make in Washington’s Aug. 5 primary.
Gains for Clark County unions in new set of contracts
“Me too” arbitration win plays a big role in contract gains.
Strike averted at Clackamas County
The independent union saw decent contract gains after taking a strike vote for the first time ever.
Facing $93M deficit, city unions push alternatives to job cuts
Leaders of seven labor organizations visited Portland City Councilors and Mayor Keith Wilson’s offices to discuss how to avoid layoffs.
New city council sets new tone for city unions
The previous city council had rubber stamped an aggressive stance by city attorneys who threatened legal action after "practice pickets."
Portland City Council sets up labor committee
Headed by labor ally Loretta Smith, the Labor and Workforce Development Committee will be one of eight policy committees.
