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.
Portland
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.
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.
Labor Council launches website for union-backed candidates
The group is a joint labor effort led by the Northwest Oregon Labor Council and backed by 18 organizations in all.
Portland City Council candidates spurn Portland police union
At least 14 candidates running for Portland City Council this year signed a pledge not to take contributions from police unions.
New Labor PAC forms in Portland
Working for a Better Portland PAC will advocate for pro-worker candidates for Portland’s new 12-seat City Council.
Laborers 737 pulls its backing of Rubio for Portland mayor
The union's political director says her record of unpaid parking tickets and other infractions was ‘beyond the pale.’
Portland police union ballot initiatives won’t move forward
Initiatives sponsored by Portland Police Association to hire more officers and overhaul a new police oversight board won’t be on the ballot.
Portland police union files initiative petitions
One of the potential initiatives would undo features of the police accountability measure voters approved in 2020.
Union officer launches run for Portland City Council
Housing Bureau employee Chris Flanary, a member of AFSCME Local 189, is one of the first to file for the all-new Portland City Council.


