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.
Tag:
IBEW Local 48
Washington
The Local 48 member challenging a 12-term incumbent
Outraged when his state rep voted against a child labor law, Longview Port Commissioner Evan Jones decided to run.
Training the Next Generation
Facelift at Oregon’s House of Labor
Thanks to construction union apprentices and journeymen from six local unions, the Oregon Labor Center is looking better than ever.
Culture
Look for union entries in Rose Festival parades
This year the Portland Rose Festival Foundation is combining the Grand Floral and Starlight Parades. Both will take place Saturday, June 6.
Union Organizing
KGW workers stand firm against anti-union campaign
How far will Tegna go to avoid accepting workers’ choice to unionize?
Retirement
Packed turnout as IBEW Local 48 re-launches its retirees group
After a decade hiatus, retirees flock back to the hall to revive the club and contribute ideas for trips, service, and fellowship.
Collective bargaining
Nabisco settles five-year dispute over temps
Mondelez-Nabisco violated its union contract when it brought in temps to do work that union members could have done.
Union Organizing
KGW producers vote on whether to join IBEW Local 48
As tech reshapes their newsroom, workers are looking to the union for protection.
Jobs
Schoolhouse Electric lays off Local 48 members as Food52 files for bankruptcy
Food52 hopes to sell to America’s Test Kitchen, which could include the Portland maker light fixtures and home furnishings.
Analysis
2025: The rest of the story
Since the start of 2025, we’ve reported over 400 stories. Here's an update about what’s happened since we last reported on some of them.
People
Personnel Report
Staff changes at IBEW Local 48, Ironworkers Local 29, and the office of Portland City Council member Eric Zimmerman.
Building our communities
IBEW 48’s Kennitha Wade in battle with cancer
Wade, 43, is an instructor and recruiter at the union’s training center and former president of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus.
National
Portland unionists protest immigration raids
The event was organized by the Federal Unionist Network (FUN), an informal network of federal union members.
Collective bargaining
Contract talks hit a sour note at All Classical Radio
Workers at KQAC — 89.9 FM All Classical Portland — are represented by IBEW Local 48. They’re ready to strike.
Union democracy
Bachman wins third term leading IBEW 48
Members have seen record wage growth and a full pension recovery, but the work picture is slowing right now.
Building our communities
Sharing stories of recovery and resilience
Workers in construction face high rates of addiction. But there’s support to be found among union brothers and sisters.
Worker safety
IBEW Local 48 member gets Red Cross lifesaving award
Bryan Barker's actions on the job saved the life of a fellow worker who fell 20 feet and suffered a severe cut on his arm.
Union Organizing
NIETC apprenticeship instructors join union
The union-sponsored electrical training center voluntarily recognized the unit after all instructors signed a petition seeking recognition.
Training the Next Generation
Ambassadors for the electric trade
To recruit the next generation, IBEW Local 48 enlists members in a program of outreach.
Analysis
2024: The rest of the story
We’ve reported over 300 stories in 2024. At year's end, we update readers about what happened since we published some of those stories.
Culture
Local 48 pin swap meet
Many IBEW locals produce coins, pins, sweatshirts and other swag, and many members collect and trade them.
