Politics

Unions prepare to defend working families agenda in Salem

Oregon’s citizen legislature convenes Feb. 1.

Labor applauds Clackamas County for Sellwood Bridge funding vote

Clackamas County Board voted Dec. 9 to increase vehicle registration fees to pay for replacing the crumbling Sellwood Bridge.

Labor vote makes the difference in tight Oregon races

In Oregon, organized labor’s get-out-the-vote campaign propelled Democrat John Kitzhaber to the governor’s mansion. Kitzhaber defeated political newcomer Chris Dudley by the narrowest of margins. Labor-endorsed candidates also fared quite well down the ticket.

Merkley will push for rule change to end filibuster abuse

Oregon’s freshman Democratic U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley favors reforming a parliamentary procedure known as the filibuster, in hopes that doing so will allow the Senate to get some work done.

AFL-CIO Poll: Voters punished Dems, but no mandate for GOP

Though Republican victories in the 2010 elections will put the union Congressional agenda in jeopardy, labor leaders took some consolation from a pair of election night polls commissioned by the national AFL-CIO.

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.

U.S. House resolution recognizes Labor Press

Oregon Congressman David Wu (D-1st District), introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives recognizing the 110th anniversary of the Northwest Labor Press. It has one co-sponsor, U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-3rd District).

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.

Union electrician runs for Oregon House

In suburban South Salem, career union electrician Claudia Kyle is making an energetic run for state representative. Kyle, a Democrat, is challenging two-term incumbent Republican Kevin Cameron, owner of a 12-location restaurant chain, Cafe Today. Kyle is a licensed electrician and a 31-year member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Bashing teachers unions: AFT talks back

Is a coordinated attack on teachers unions under way? Recent front-page magazine articles, op-ed pieces, news stories —and a documentary — bash teachers unions, but mostly they don't give unions a chance to respond. To make up for that, the Northwest Labor Press contacted American Federation of Teachers and spoke with Rob Weil, director of field programs.

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...

SEIU locals back Collymore for county position

Services Employees International Union Locals 49 and 503 have endorsed Karol Collymore for Multnomah County commissioner.

What Obama could do for workers without Congress

With support from labor organizations, the think tank Demos has teamed up with The American Prospect magazine to figure out what Obama can do — without waiting for Congress — to create good living-wage jobs.

Union ‘Jobs Tour’ comes to Portland and Vancouver

Painters and Machinists leaders came to town to support politicians pledging job creation.

Jobs Well Done: What Obama could do for workers without Congress

Change to Win and Demos teamed up to consider how government can raise workplace standards.

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.

Union members running for seats in May 19 special election

Local unions hope to get some of their own elected in Oregon’s May 19 special election, which fills low-profile non-partisan positions like school boards...