Oregon/Washington

Federal lawsuit targets companies for labor trafficking

EEOC is suing companies that trafficked hundreds of foreign workers to Washington, Hawaii, Texas, and Mississippi.

Agencies near and dear to labor mostly spared cuts by Legislature

Among state agencies of concern to labor - BOLI, LERC, ERB - the scenario is belt-tightening but no disabling cuts.

Activists tell grain exporter to ‘Respect the Union Waterfront’

Union activists are pushing EGT to sign on with ILWU to operate a new grain terminal at the Port of Longview.

Thousands at Capitol rally for a ‘Better Way’

State workers call for more efficient government, fewer managers, and more taxes on the wealthy.

Koch brothers have presence in Oregon

Georgia-Pacific has changed since it was bought in 2005 by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch.

Oregon labor leaders to Congress: End the war

A group of 13 Oregon labor leaders urge the state's congressional delegation to the costly war in Afghanistan.

UFCW’s Witt explores possible congressional race against Wu

Union member (and state rep) Brad Witt is considering a primary challenge to Congressman David Wu.

Bob Tiernan will oversee bargaining at Dosha Salon

Newly unionized Dosha Salon and Spa hired former Oregon Republican Party chair Bob Tiernan to oversee bargaining.

Judge rules against Sizemore in suit over calling him a racketeer

A circuit court judge has ruled against anti-union ballot measure sponsor Bill Sizemore in his lawsuit against people who called him a "racketeer."

Labor scrambles to find ways to lessen state budget cuts

Oregonians would rather see some taxes increased than watch wholesale cuts to education, public safety and social services. But Republicans are calling for further tax cuts.

US Bank gets use of state funds, but nicks unemployed with fees

US Bancorp has a contract with Oregon to make unemployment and child support available through ATMs.

Congressman Wu says he’ll oppose Korea FTA

A teary-eyed U.S. Rep. David Wu thanked labor for standing with him, and announced his opposition to the Korean Free Trade Agreement.

Oregon AFSCME recommits to message of solidarity

At Oregon AFSCME's convention, delegates approved a new media fund and a strengthened political fund.

Oregon Legislature passes unemployment extension

Two bills signed March 24 will extend unemployment benefits to Oregonians still looking for work.

Oregon Legislature one third of the way through

Several bills backed by organized labor are progressing through the legislative process. Others are still at the starting line.

Bills banning collective bargaining are buried

Washington State Labor Council is tracking dozens of bills that could help or harm union members and working people.

Why workers fell out of love with Boeing

In the last 15 years, Boeing downsized, reorganized, merged, digitalized, and outsourced. The result: Employees are disenchanted and less committed to the company.

Hundreds rally in Salem for jobs and solidarity

Oregon AFL-CIO sponsored a March 7 “Jobs Rally” on the Oregon Capitol steps

SEIU 49 scores Oregon’s biggest private-sector win in decades

Support and maintenance workers at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend voted 267 to 261 to unionize.

Bill proposes ‘bereavement’ be added to Family Leave Act

A member of Bakers Union Local 114 is behind a bill in the Oregon Legislature.

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