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:
UA Local 290
Collective bargaining
UA 290 wins $13.54 increase in new three-year deal
The agreement came through an unusual "co-interest" bargaining process first tried 7 years ago, open to any member who wanted to take part.
Training the Next Generation
Apprentice tells her story at the Capitol
Culture change in construction is real, and it’s happening, Local 290 member Kasey Finegan told lawmakers and their staffmembers.
Training the Next Generation
UA Local 290 apprentices compete
Apprentices at the UA Local 290 Training Center square off in four specialties: HVAC, plumbing, steamfitting, and welding.
National
Biden: ‘Let’s finish the job’
Three Oregon union members were guests at Joe Biden's 2023 State of the Union address, which featured heckling and off-script engagement.
Jobs
Eugene bans natural gas in new house construction
Building trades union officials from UA Local 290 and Operating Engineers Local 701 were among those testifying against the ordinance.
Jobs
Cities look at banning natural gas
A handful of unions say prohibiting natural gas in new construction is bad for workers, for energy diversity and for cost.
Culture
Construction unions push for job site culture shift
Two years after a noose incident on a downtown Portland job site, signs of change are percolating in the construction industry.
Union democracy
To Zoom or not to Zoom: Labor navigates a return to in-person meetings
Some local labor organizations see an argument for hybrid meetings, which incorporate in-person and virtual attendance options.
Training the Next Generation
Apprentice competitions return
In their first competition in two years, UA Local 290 apprentices showed demonstrated their fitting, plumbing, welding and HVAC skills.
Training the Next Generation
UA Local 290’s training facility welcomes Labor Secretary Walsh
On Aug. 10, U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh (center in suit) visited the Springfield training center of United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 290. To his right are Congressman Peter DeFazio and Local 290 business manager Lou Christian.
Union democracy
Lou Christian re-elected as business manager of UA Local 290
Work is booming in Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 290, drawing over 700 travelers from other locals to meet demand.
Culture
Construction coalition plans campaign to end on-the-job harassment of women, minorities
More than 60 union leaders, general contractors, public project owners, trade groups, and others took part in a Dec. 3 Safe From Hate summit.
Building our communities
Subsidized child care helps parents enter building trades
For parents who want in to the building trades, finding childcare has been a hurdle. Now a Labor’s Community Service Agency program is making a difference.
Culture
Noose incident leads unions to call for culture change in construction
When an apprentice encountered a noose on the job, no action was taken for weeks. Building trades unions say that's got to change.
Building our communities
Who won the Presents From Partners’ Toy Challenge? The results are in
Five unions competed for bragging rights in the annual Presents from Partners Toy Challenge.
Worker safety
Time to ban a slow-moving killer
The daughter of a union plumber wants to end the occupational disease that claimed her father.
Training the Next Generation
Plumbers & Fitters Local 290 apprentices test their skills at annual contest
About 100 apprentices competed, and the top finishers in each discipline will take part in the Western Regional Apprentice Contest this June in Idaho.
Building our communities
Local 290 members say it’s time to talk about diversity
A new committee wants to figure out what it will take to get more women and minorities to join — and remain — in United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 290.
In Memoriam
PAUL KIMBERLING: 1944 – 2019
Kimberling was instrumental in the merger of Oregon plumbers and pipefitters locals more than three decades ago.
Building our communities
Presents From Partners’ Toy Challenge: The results are in!
IBEW Local 48 led the pack among unions donating to the this year's toy drive.
