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.
Union democracy
Union nurse appointed to number two spot in Oregon AFL-CIO
Sarina Roher is a Kaiser Permanente RN and executive secretary of the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP).
Portland’s grassroots indy unions announce coalition
The coalition includes Burgerville Workers Union, Donut Workers United, Restaurant Workers of Portland, and Market of Choice Labor Union.
A new generation takes the helm at UA 290
Business Manager Lou Christian retired effective May 31, and was succeeded by the assistant business manager, Joe Neely on June 1.
Bell outpolls incumbent at OPEIU Local 11
Longtime Northwest Natural steward Howard Bell outpolled two-term incumbent Maureen Goldberg and was sworn in to a three-year term May 9.
New direction for AFT-Oregon
Meeting April 28-30 in Sunriver, delegates transformed the state organization’s structure and replaced its entire top leadership.
Laurie Wimmer picked to lead Northwest Oregon Labor Council
After a lifetime of engagement with labor and politics, Wimmer brings decades of high-level experience to the job.
Carpenters international union dissolves eight Northwest locals
United Brotherhood of Carpenters transferred more than 19,000 members into five newly chartered locals. No explanation was given.
New leadership at Bricklayers and Allied Crafts Local 1
Training center director Shawn Lenczowski succeeds longtime president Matt Eleazer, who left to take a job at the international union.
Laurie Wimmer to lead NW Oregon Labor Council
Retired teachers union lobbyist Laurie Wimmer was elected unopposed Feb. 27 for executive secretary-treasurer of NW Oregon Labor Council.
Women’s basketball union joins AFL-CIO
Founded in 1998, WNBPA was the first U.S. labor union of professional women athletes. It represents all players on the 12 teams of the WNBA.
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.
Cottrill and Wimmer contend for NOLC top office
Executive secretary-treasurer, a full-time staff position, has been vacant since Thomas Mosher left in November.
New leader sworn in at Oregon AFL-CIO
Aida Aranda was unopposed for secretary-treasurer at the Dec. 8 meeting of the union federation’s Executive Board.
A new ambassador for labor in Southwest Washington
Shaun Gundert, a high school science teacher and member of Evergreen Education Association, was elected as SWWACLC president.
Northwest Oregon Labor Council needs top officer
The executive secretary-treasurer leads a local council of the AFL-CIO with 76 local union affiliates totaling 53,000 union members.
SW Washington Labor Council needs president
It's the top position at an organization that represents the interests of 17,000 members of 51 affiliated local unions.
Painters Local 10 calls for freedom for Mumia
Mumia Abu-Jamal, a former member of the Black Panther Party, was a radio journalist who had exposed police abuses in Philadelphia.
Thomas Mosher exits Labor Council for job in PA
In August, he got an offer he couldn’t turn down: return to his former home of Philadelphia to work for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.
New business manager at Roofers Local 49
On Travis Hopkins' agenda: hiring a new organizer, growing the workforce, and securing work in the renewable sector.
Myers ends WSLC campaign
Shannon Myers' decision leaves Cherika Carter unopposed for the number two office at the Washington State Labor Council.


