Oregon/Washington

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.

Single-payer summit draws 400

The Oregon Single Payer Conference drew attendees from around the state.

Carpenters dissolve 15 locals, charter four new locals

UBC created four new super-locals of general carpenters, millwrights, pile drivers, and drywall carpenters.

IBEW’s Malbin to co-chair prevailing wage advisory panel

Norman Malbin is in-house counsel for the IBEW Local 48.

Kitzhaber taps Shepard for labor adviser

Duke Shepard has been Oregon AFL-CIO political director since January 2006.

Unions prepare to defend working families agenda in Salem

Oregon’s citizen legislature convenes Feb. 1.

Machinists, Woodworkers district lodges consolidate

A new group, 6,000-member International Association of Machinists District W24, is born of merger.

Kulongoski report takes aim at state employees’ compensation

 Oregon's outgoing governor is proposing that next year's Legislature make a series of cuts to state employee compensation.

AFSCME’s Ridderbusch named to governor-elect’s transition team

Oregon AFSCME staff rep Randy Ridderbusch has been named to Governor-elect John Kitzhaber’s transition team regarding the Department of Human Services, the Department of Corrections and the Oregon Youth Authority.

Mohlis, Byrd named to governor-elect’s transition team

Oregon Governor-elect John Kitzhaber campaigned on job creation, and even before taking office announced the formation of five teams aimed at helping grow Oregon’s economy. Each team will develop statutory and regulatory recommendations for the legislative session that begins Feb. 1.

VIEW RECENT ISSUES