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:
Oregon AFSCME
In Memoriam
Sam Gillispie, 1949-2026
An important figure in local labor, he spent 25 years as member, officer, and staff in AFSCME and 18 years as a rep at UFCW Local 555.
Collective bargaining
OHSU researchers voting on first-ever union deal
Bargaining expectations were tempered because OHSU research has been hit by Trump administration cuts to the National Institutes of Health.
Collective bargaining
OHSU researchers authorize strike
Contract bargaining between Oregon AFSCME and OHSU has stalled over wages and cashing out unused paid time off.
Collective bargaining
OHSU researchers at impasse after stalls on a living wage
A bargaining unit of over 1,700 research workers at Oregon Health & Science University is one step closer to a strike.
Oregon
AFSCME political director appointed to Oregon House
Chosen to fill Hòa Nguyen’s seat, Lamar Wise will shift from union political director to legislator amid looming budget cuts.
Union democracy
Oregon AFSCME elects Baessler to top post
In a re-run election, Oregon AFSCME delegates reaffirmed Joe Baessler’s election and kept the current leadership team in place.
Collective bargaining
Workers ratify two-year deal with State of Oregon
The contracts with SEIU and AFSCME cover 29,500 workers and provide a 2.5% raise Feb. 1, 2026, and 4% on Jan. 1, 2027.
Union Organizing
Fallout from Legacy-OHSU merger sparks union wave
The merger of two of the region's largest health care providers is off, but 3,000 more workers are unionized since its announcement.
Oregon
Lawmakers hear a plea for safety
Unions are backing a bill in the Oregon legislature to mandate protection for workers who interact with violent mentally ill patients.
Worker safety
Survey: Oregon public employees are unprotected amid growing threats
In a worker safety survey, 67% reported physical violence, threat, trauma, or injury in the workplace and 15% reported physical assaults.
Oregon
Rayfield appoints labor advisors
The Oregon Attorney General-elect wants advice on how to respond to possible future actions by the incoming Trump administration.
Collective bargaining
Hours before researcher strike, OHSU agrees to give raises
OHSU had said it would pay workers only the minimum salary set by the National Institutes of Health. When a strike neared, they reconsidered.
Union Organizing
Do Good Multnomah workers seek union
The workers provide services to the homeless. They want higher wages, more robust staffing, and mental health support.
Collective bargaining
OHSU’s postdoc researchers reach impasse
The two sides have been negotiating since September 2023, and OHSU has refused to offer raises of any amount.
People
Personnel changes
David Groves left the Washington State Labor Council after 32 years. Mike Burlingham left Bakers Local 364 to work for Oregon AFSCME.
Union Organizing
Over 2,000 OHSU research workers join AFSCME
The unit will include workers who conduct lab experiments, order equipment, file paperwork, and care for animals used in studies.
Collective bargaining
Oregon Health and Science University’s wage offer: 0%
Bargaining with about 250 postdoctoral researchers, OHSU's wage offer is remarkable: a three-year contract with raises of 0% each year.
Union democracy
Oregon AFSCME leader joins national leadership
Corey Hope Nicholson will represent AFSCME’s six-state Northwest Region as vice president on the union’s national executive board.
Union Organizing
OHSU lab workers launch union drive
If at least half sign cards within six months, state law requires OHSU to recognize a union for about 2,000 workers in its laboratories.
People
PERSONNEL REPORT
Staff changes at OPEIU Local 11, Oregon AFSCME, Oregon AFL-CIO, Oregon Building Trades, and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley's office.
