Oregon/Washington

Oregon, Washington labor weigh election results

Oregon voters mostly returned labor-backed Democrats to office, bucking the national Republican tsunami in the midterm elections. But for Washington's union movement, election night was bittersweet.

Unions fight Washington ballot measure to privatize workers comp

A lot is at stake on the Washington ballot this year, and the Washington State Labor Council, the statewide body of the AFL-CIO, is working to get the word out about ballot measures that will impact workers — like a measure to privatize Washington's workers' comp system.

Labor pulling hard for Kitzhaber

In an Oregon governor's race close enough to hinge on union member turnout, organized labor is pulling hard for John Kitzhaber, while Chris Dudley lacks any union endorsement. That’s because Kitzhaber’s platform is much closer to what the union movement has been advocating in Salem. It’s also because Kitzhaber has sought union support, and Dudley has not.

Organized labor in agreement: ‘Give Congress Heck!’

By DON McINTOSH, Associate Editor One of the most closely-watched electoral races in America is taking place in Washington’s Third Congressional District. Money is pouring...

Portland meeting with Trumka and Kitzhaber draws over 500

National AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, on a Aug. 23-24 visit to Portland, rallied local union activists to stay politically active despite disappointments, and to help elect John Kitzhaber as governor of Oregon.