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.
Washington
Washington labor will push major worker-friendly reforms in 2025
Washington State Labor Council wants the state to be first in the nation to mandate paid vacation.
Union Guide to the November 2024 general election
Union members have the power to decide elections … when they vote.
A labor look at Washington primary results
Turnout was low in Washington’s Aug. 6 primary but results were mostly favorable for organized labor at the state level and in SW Washington.
Union laborer takes on an incumbent in SW Washington
If elected, Clark County Laborers union organizer Deken Letinich would bring a work ethic and union values to Olympia.
A Union Guide to Washington’s August 6, 2024 primary election
Washington's Aug. 6 primary will determine which candidates for state and local office will go on to the general election in November.
Workplace Wins in Washington: A look at the 2024 legislative session
A bill to extend unemployment benefits to striking workers died, but lawmakers passed other measures to bolster workers rights.
Washington House votes to allow unemployment benefits for strikers
HB 1893 passed the Washington House of Representatives 53-44 on Feb. 13 and now goes to the Washington Senate.
Bills would give unemployment benefits to strikers
Washington could join New York, New Jersey, and Maine in providing unemployment benefits when workers go on strike.
Union Voter Guide to the SW Washington Election
Washington's Nov. 7 general election covers local races for school board, city council, and special districts.
Washington gives Uber drivers more workers rights
On May 15, Washington became the first state to extend unemployment insurance and paid family and medical leave to Uber and Lyft drivers.
In Olympia, steps forward for workers
Washington’s 2023 legislative session concluded April 23 with wins for worker safety, workers compensation, and affordable housing.
Bill would require ‘good faith’ by workers comp administrators
Self-insuring for workers comp may set up too strong an incentive to deny claims. Firefighters and other unions are pushing for reform.
Rideshare driver protections start Jan. 1 in Washington
They include minimum per-minute, per-mile and per-trip rates drivers must be paid; paid sick leave; workers compensation; and more.
Union Guide to the 2022 General Election
This ballot guide lists candidates who have at least one labor organization endorsing them and who have opponents on the ballot.
Primary propels SW Washington labor candidates on to November
Every labor-backed candidate in SW Washington’s Aug. 2 primary will advance to the general election, and two ballot measures were approved.
A Union Guide to Washington’s August 2022 primary
This union-focused ballot guide for Southwest Washington keeps it simple: It only lists candidates who have at least one union endorsement.
Washington closes 2022 legislative session with short list of worker gains
Lawmakers supported apprenticeship and green energy, but punted again on proposals to set standards for hospital staffing.
Labor bills moving in Olympia
Measures to expedite energy facility siting, promote apprenticeship, and set minimum health care staffing have passed their first chamber.
An early look at Washington labor’s 2022 legislative agenda
The Washington State Labor Council will push a “Workers’ Recovery Agenda” that prioritizes workers’ health and safety, and job creation.
Labor tallies election wins in Southwest Washington
In the Nov. 2 election, all but one of the city and school board candidates endorsed by the SW Washington Central Labor Council won office.
