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.
People
When faith meets labor, it fuels a fight for the common good
Reverend Dr. David Wheeler, a local labor advocate, situates himself in a long line of progressive, socially engaged Baptists.
Labor commisioner picks deputy straight out of the house of labor
Oregon AFL-CIO political and legislative director Jessica Giannettino Villatoro will serve as deputy to incoming BOLI Commissioner Christina Stephenson.
Amazon Labor Union: ‘a marathon, not a sprint’
Leaders of the new union were the guests of honor at the annual Portland Jobs with Justice dinner this month.
New leader at LCSA
Labor’s Community Service Agency executive director Eryn Byram is leaving for a job leading the Metropolitan Alliance for Workforce Equity.
Clif Davis retires and is succeeded by Wayne Chow
Clif Davis, former IBEW Local 48 business manager who held a business development position with IBEW District 9, retired in April.
Dwain Panian goes back up the hill
Panian, 60, retired July 1 after 38 years working at the Freightliner truck plant, the last five as a Machinists rep
On the job with the Portland Police Association
Portland Police officer Jordan Zaitz says she’s frustrated and discouraged by worsening crime. She looks to her union as a source of support.
Dave Tully hits the road
After 32 years as a union organizer, rep and officer, Teamsters Local 223 president Dave Tully, 61, retired on May 31.
ONA names new director
Oregon Nurses Association has hired Anne Tan Piazza as executive director following an eight-month nationwide search.
Bob Tackett heads home
Bob Tackett will return to Arkansas after decades of Oregon union involvement, most recently with the Northwest Oregon Labor Council.
Homecoming for Liz Shuler
In 1993 U of O grad Liz Shuler went to work at Portland-based IBEW Local 125, her father’s local. Today she’s America’s top union leader.
IBEW honors life savers
Three Local 48 members helped save the lives of two ironworkers after a roof collapse on a construction project in summer 2020.
Introducing Colin Staub
NW Labor Press brought on a new labor reporter Jan. 3. Colin Staub has reported for the Newberg Graphic and trade papers the last 7 years.
Labor Press editor to retire
Michael Gutwig, 65, is retiring Dec. 31 after 35 years as editor of the Northwest Labor Press.
For a lifelong labor educator, the end of the ninth inning arrives
Bob Bussel did security for Cesar Chavez. He had lunch with the real Norma Rae. And he spent 27 years training generations of labor leaders.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Portland JwJ has a new leader, as does Unite Oregon, and Governor Brown appoints a new batch of labor officials to state advisory boards.
Back on the job with Musicians Local 99
Eighteen months after the Oregon Symphony went silent, Alicia Waite and her fellow members of AFM Local 99 are back making music.
On the job with Iron Workers Local 29
Courtney Newberg found her dream job in a tough, traditionally male construction craft.
Labor peace at TriMet?
With a new general manager at TriMet, an era of antagonism between the transit agency and its union may have come to a close.
Belinda Reagan closes the book on decades of involvement
Reagan was president of Portland Federation of School Professionals, AFT Local 111, representing 1,400 staff at Portland Public Schools.
