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:
Portland Public Schools
Jobs
After restorative justice coordinators unionize, Portland Public Schools ‘unassigns’ them
Although there’s no indication that the cuts are linked to their organizing efforts, workers say they feel anxious and disrespected.
Collective bargaining
At PFSP, a surge in member involvement leads to contract wins
A revolt that began last year among rank-and-file members of AFT Local 111 has culminated in the best contract the union has won in years.
Collective bargaining
Portland teachers go back to work
A 26-day strike led to an improved contract for 3,700 teachers, counselors, and librarians, including raises totaling 14.6% over three years.
Comment
PPS teacher strike: a difficult ballet
The onus for this crisis, which will soon spread, lies squarely with legislators who determine a state budget every two years.
Collective bargaining
Portland teachers strike for fair wages and smaller classes
It’s a fight that teachers say has been brewing a long time.
Collective bargaining
Parents emerge as ‘third force’ in Portland teachers strike
Parents are joining Portland teachers on strike picket lines throughout the district — because they support what teachers are fighting for.
Collective bargaining
Portland teachers strike ‘for the common good‘
Nearly 4,500 teachers in Portland Public Schools began picketing Nov. 1 in the first-ever teachers strike at Oregon’s largest school district.
Collective bargaining
Portland schools’ classified union rejects contract
The vote means the union of 1,350 school secretaries, teaching assistants, and other classified staff, is back to the bargaining table.
Collective bargaining
Teachers declare impasse, could strike at Portland Public Schools
PAT is pursuing a strategy known as “bargaining for the common good,” incorporating community members’ ideas into their contract.
Jobs
Portland Public Schools is skimping on maintenance
A new report paid for by the district confirms what union tradespeople who maintain schools have been saying for years.
Collective bargaining
Teachers union demand: No more mice in school
Teachers also want better security measures, an enforceable limit to class sizes, and public school for every child over the age of 3.
Workers Rights
School custodians want hazard pay for hazard conditions
As skies dumped snow on Portland, administrators were warm in home offices, but night custodians battled blizzard conditions to get to work.
Jobs
High-bidding nonunion firm wins more Portland Public Schools work
Local building trades union leaders are baffled as an accused wage thief bids high and gets the worst rating, but wins contract.
Workers Rights
What’s Portland Public Schools hiding? Possibly wage theft?
Construction union reps say the district delays, redacts, and charges exorbitantly for public records they need for wage theft investigations.
Union democracy
Union coalitions at shipyards, Portland, PPS under new leadership
Local 290 rep Pat Christensen's retirement left vacant leadership spots at the Metal Trades and union councils at PPS and City of Portland.
Worker safety
Reopening schools: What do teachers think?
Is it possible for schools to reopen safely? Can online learning replace in-person instruction? We asked Portland teachers union president Elizabeth Thiel.
Jobs
Furloughed workers tighten belts waiting for WorkShare benefits
It seemed like a win-win when unions approved the furloughs, but Workshare benefits promised by the Oregon Employment Department have been slow to arrive.
Jobs
How to get unemployment benefits while you’re still employed
Up to 10,000 Portland-area workers are getting paid more while working less thanks to a layoff prevention program.
Collective bargaining
Portland Public Schools ratifies union contracts with maintenance, custodians, food service workers
All told, nearly 600 workers will get raises of 3% to 5% a year and more over the next few years.
People
A life-saving school bus driver
The focus and reflexes of a member of Local 757 may have saved lives in a near-miss last month.
