Union Democracy

Don’t ever let the slander “union boss” go unchallenged. If you’re a union member, a boss is somebody you work for, but a union officer is somebody who works for you. By law, union members in the United States have the right to vote for their union leadership, and the right to run for union office themselves. The heading “Union Democracy” is where we report on the results of those union officer elections, and on the proceedings of union conventions where decisions are made.

Portlander Veda Shook rises to top job in flight attendants union

Jan 21, 2011

At 43, she’s one of America’s youngest national union leaders.

Machinists, Woodworkers district lodges consolidate

Jan 7, 2011

A new group, 6,000-member International Association of Machinists District W24, is born of merger.

Washington State Labor Council leaders pass the baton

Jan 7, 2011

Rick Bender and Al Link pass the mantle to Jeff Johnson and Lynne Dodson.

Machinists, Woodworkers district lodges consolidate

Jan 7, 2011

Jan. 1, a new union is born: 6,000-member Machinists District W24.

Mohlis, Riggs sworn in as Building Trades officers

Oct 15, 2010

John Mohlis was sworn in as executive secretary of the Oregon State Building and Construction Trade Council, and Paul Riggs of IBEW Local 48 was elected to finish out Mohlis’ executive secretary term at the Columbia-Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council, which expires December 2011.

ATU convention picks Hanley over Oregonian Ron Heintzman

Oct 15, 2010

At a Sept. 27-30 convention in Orlando, delegates chose Larry Hanley over Ron Heintzman as international president of Amalgamated Transit Union. Heintzman, former president of Portland-based ATU Local 757, had been international president since July 1, and was backed by former president Warren George as a successor.

Oregon AFL-CIO youth group gets official start

Sep 17, 2010

Close to 40 active members from at least 13 union locals met Aug. 28 in Portland, and not one of them was over 40 years of age.

Paul Riggs to take the helm at Columbia Pacific Building Trades

Sep 17, 2010

At a special business managers’ meeting, IBEW member Paul Riggs was elected executive secretary-treasurer of the Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council.

Mohlis to succeed Shiprack at Oregon Building Trades Council

Sep 3, 2010

John Mohlis, executive secretary-treasurer of the Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council, was elected by acclamation to succeed Bob Shiprack as executive secretary of the Oregon State Building Trades Council. Shiprack is retiring after 25 years at the helm.