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.
Oregon/Washington
Laborers Local 483 re-elects Beetle
In mail ballots counted June 15, Richard “Buz” Beetle was elected to a third three-year term as business manager of Laborers Local 483, outpolling challenger Ron McKinney 173 to 134.
Steelworkers ratify pact at Georgia-Pacific’s Wauna mill
At a paper mill in Wauna, Oregon, USW ratified Georgia-Pacific’s final contract proposal.
SEIU Local 503 adds 7,700 new home care members
Over 7,000 state-paid personal service providers joined SEIU Local 503 June 2, making it the state’s largest union.
ILWU protests the spread of the non-union waterfront
Over 1,200 longshore workers and allies rallied June 3 outside the downtown Portland office of EGT Development.
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.
