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:
Laborers Local 483
Union democracy
Sotomayor steps in as business manager at Laborers 483
The public sector LiUNA local is currently preparing for a strike at its biggest unit: the City of Portland.
Collective bargaining
Portland laborers closer to strike
Laborers Local 483 and the City are far apart on wage negotiations, meaning workers across three City bureaus could strike in early February.
Collective bargaining
City workers practice picketing as management continues to stall
In the month since the City of Portland pledged to present its wage proposal to Laborers Local 483, workers still haven’t received an offer.
Collective bargaining
What do airport workers want? Raises that beat inflation
Portland International Airport workers represented by IBEW Local 48 and Laborers Local 483 are tired of working without raises.
Collective bargaining
Contract fight looms for City of Portland laborers
After seven months of bargaining, workers across three City of Portland bureaus have signaled they’re willing to strike.
Politics
One-time union steward runs for governor
John Sweeney, 82, is a former union officer with Laborers Local 483 and is running for Oregon governor in the Democratic primary.
Worker safety
Unsafe streets: Deteriorating public safety is impacting workers on the job
Attacks on parks workers. Assaults on bus drivers. Safety concerns are driving some employees to leave their jobs altogether.
Jobs
Portland Parks and Recreation is hiring
The jobs are union and include park maintenance, rec center customer service, exercise instructors, camp counselors, and aquatic staff.
People
A dedicated union volunteer retires
Ellen Ino, a tenacious union volunteer and political campaigner, retired recently after decades of service to the labor movement.
Union democracy
Richartz reelected to lead Laborers Local 483
Local 483 represents over 1,000 workers who maintain roads, sewers and parks and staff rec facilities for Portland, Metro, Silverton, Mt. Angel, and PDX.
Collective bargaining
City of Portland unions will vote on furloughs in which workers could actually come out ahead
The federally funded Work Share program will make up for wages lost during furloughs, and city budget savings are earmarked to prevent layoffs.
Collective bargaining
City of Portland asks unions for pay freeze
Nothing has been agreed to yet, and union negotiators for the District Council of Trade Unions and Laborers Local 483 want more detail about the budget hit.
Jobs
Portland City Council votes to end funding for five community recreation facilities
Up to 56 newly unionized workers will be laid off.
Portland
Laborers Local 483 fights to stop cuts to Portland Parks and Rec
Portland City Council will vote tomorrow on whether to close community recreation centers and lay off about 50 front line staff like lifeguards and swimming instructors.
Collective bargaining
Oregon Zoo contracts out food service
Reversing the usual narrative, workers will be better off at Aramark, thanks to skillful union negotiations.
People
Sam Gillispie signs out
Gillispie, 69, is retiring after a 43-year career in the union movement working for AFSCME and UFCW Local 555.
Workers Rights
Trump cabinet nominee Andy Puzder headlines Portland fundraiser for union-busting group
Freedom Foundation is attacking Laborers Local 483 and others.
Collective bargaining
At City of Portland, Laborers and COPPEA ratify new contracts, but DCTU still waiting
Though several other City of Portland bargaining units have ratified new contracts, District Council of Trade Unions is headed to mediation with the City.
Collective bargaining
Tentative City of Portland agreement delivers sizable raises for members of Laborers Local 483
If ratified, the two contracts will cover over 1,000 city workers.
Collective bargaining
City workers say their wages need to reflect the new high-rent Portland
Laborers Local 483 wants a livable wage of at least $15 an hour for City workers, and cost-of-living increases that reflect Portland's rising cost of housing.
