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 Organizing
AFL-CIO supports bid by Microsoft for Activision
Affiliate CWA opposed the merger but changed its stance in June 2022 after Microsoft signed a union neutrality pledge.
Last big unit of City of Portland workers unionizes
A unit of 712 workers will be represented by City of Portland Professional Workers Union (CPPW) — thanks to a 306-68 vote tallied June 6.
Workers unionize at Friends of the Children
Workers at the nonprofit Friends of the Children Portland voted 40-3 to join AFT-Oregon in mail ballots counted June 1.
Workers at homeless nonprofit New Avenues for Youth vote union
The tally was 69 to 12 to join Oregon AFSCME. The workers provide meals, showers, and internet to young people, and help with housing or work.
Portland’s first unionized bike shop
About 20 workers at nonprofit Community Cycling Center in Portland have organized as an affiliate of ILWU Local 5.
OHSU postdocs want to join Oregon AFSCME
On April 7, a majority of about 240 eligible “postdoc” research staff signed union authorization cards and asked for a union election.
Hospital techs organize at hospital in Medford
Oregon Nurses Association has asked the NLRB to hold a union election among 250 health techs at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center.
Portland Baroque Orchestra organizes
Musicians asked the non-profit's board to voluntarily recognize their union, American Federation of Musicians Local 99.
City of Portland attorneys drop objections, let union election move forward
Nearly 700 workers are moving toward a vote on whether to unionize with City of Portland Professional Workers, a newly formed union.
Union win at Providence Home Health
About 165 workers at Providence Home Health and Hospice have joined the Oregon Nurses Association after a 123-31 vote April 14.
Starbucks coming under pressure
The union-busting coffee giant sees a strike wave, an adverse legal ruling, and its leader hauled before a Senate Committee.
Saying turnover hurts care, workers at nonprofit Friends of the Children want to join AFT-Oregon
The group pairs kids with paid mentors for at least 12 years. Mentors, called friends, spend three to four hours a week with 8 to 10 children.
City of Portland attorneys want union election halted
The City of Portland says it respects the right to unionize. That must be why it’s trying to stop a union vote.
Defying union buster, biotech workers unionize at Yecuris
The consultant literally introduced himself as “the union-buster" and held one-on-one meetings trying to create fear about unionizing.
Bodyvox dance company stagehands join IATSE
Although the company seemed a little perturbed with the effort, supervisors did not make any overt attempts to stymie the union.
Three more Providence units move to unionize
At Providence women’s clinics, Providence Home Health and Hospice, and Providence Medford Medical Center, workers will vote on unionizing.
New Seasons unfair labor practice case goes before federal judge
The NLRB says employer misconduct may justify re-running a union election at New Seasons market in Hillsboro last September.
Workers at homeless nonprofit New Avenues For Youth file for union
The unit of 118 workers would be in AFSCME Local 1790, which represents workers at All Good Northwest, Janus Youth Programs, and Outside In.
UO fires organizer in student worker campaign
Gotcha: He didn’t pay for food that was otherwise headed to the garbage.
Carpenters organize at Portland wood framing contractor Wood Mechanix
The union has had discussions with workers at Wood Mechanix for years, and soon they'll vote in a union election.
