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
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.
A union guide to the 2021 general election for Southwest Washington
Washington’s 2021 general election determines who leads city councils and school districts. Ballots are mailed Oct. 15 and are due Nov. 2.
Washington State Labor Council releases state lawmaker ratings
As tallied by the AFL-CIO, Southwest Washington has some of the most pro-worker legislators in the state, and some of the most anti-worker.
A union guide to the 2021 primary election for Southwest Washington
Washington’s 2021 primary helps determine city councils and school districts. Ballots are mailed July 16 and must be postmarked by Aug. 3.
How working people and unions fared in the 2021 session of the Washington Legislature
Washington State Labor Council will soon report on the 2021 legislative session. Judging by a draft version, it was a good session for labor.
Washington labor legislation update
Bills to give farm workers the right to overtime pay and create a COVID-19 workers’ comp presumption look likely to pass.
Labor prepares 2021 state legislative agendas
The union movement will be pushing fairly modest proposals when state legislatures meet in Salem and Olympia in 2021.
A union guide to Washington’s Aug. 4 primary election
Ballots will be mailed July 17 and must be return postmarked by Aug. 4. The top two vote getters, regardless of party preference, go on to the November general election.
