Not just endorsements and political involvement, but ratings, follow-up, and holding politicians accountable.
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.
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.
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.
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 into the contest between Democrat Denny Heck and Republican Jaime
Services Employees International Union Locals 49 and 503 have endorsed Karol Collymore for Multnomah County commissioner.
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.
Painters and Machinists leaders came to town to support politicians pledging job creation.
Change to Win and Demos teamed up to consider how government can raise workplace standards.
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.
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 and port commissions. AFSCME member Scott Bailey, regional economist for Southwest
