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.
Worker safety
OSHA signs off on reduced fine against bridge painting contractor
Nearly three years after a near-fatal workplace accident under the Ross Island Bridge, contractor Abhe & Svoboda will pay just $24,500 in a settlement with Oregon OSHA, down from the $189,000 first announced. The non-union firm continues to bid on ODOT work.
Merkley, Bonamici applaud House panel vote to ban asbestos
The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2019 now goes to the full House.
Remembering those killed on the job
Workers Memorial Day ceremonies were held throughout the world the week of April 28 to remember workers killed on the job.
Portland ironworker killed in crane mishap in Seattle
An ironworker from Seattle Local 86 was also killed in the accident at Google’s new campus project.
Two years after a horrifying bridge accident, Abhe & Svoboda still hasn’t paid any fine
The company that received OSHA's biggest fine in years is still bidding on new ODOT bridge work.
Time to ban a slow-moving killer
The daughter of a union plumber wants to end the occupational disease that claimed her father.
Honored for safety by Oregon’s governor
IBEW safety expert Barry Moreland and union-signatory Snyder Roofing got some of the top honors at this year’s Oregon Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Conference.
Merkley, Bonamici want to ban asbestos
The Centers for Disease Control reports that asbestos-related deaths are on the rise.
A flag to fly to support construction worker safety
A thin green line flag could be displayed to remember workers hurt on the job.
Training for a rescue at 50 feet
Theater and concert workers often spend time at great heights — hoisting gear at rock concerts or setting up and operating truss-mounted spotlights. Their union is working to improve members’ readiness to quickly rescue a coworker in the event of an accident.
Industrial Athlete campaign to launch at Intel jobsite
The campaign will focus on improving health in the construction industry, which is disproportionately affected by heart disease and stroke.
Longview dock worker killed when ship line snapped
One other worker was killed, and two injured.
Remembering workers who died on the job
Attending the NW Oregon Labor Council's Workers Memorial Day service were nearly 50 family members of a road construction flagger who was struck and killed by a drunk driver May 23, 2017.
The Trump administration’s record on worker safety
Progress on safety has halted, and safety programs have been targeted for elimination.
On-the-job fatalities in Oregon in 2017
Forty-eight Oregon workers lost their lives on the job last year. Here are their names.
What to do (and what not to do) if you’re injured on the job
In Oregon and Washington, you have rights, and help is available.
Questions for Jordan Barab
Jordan Barab, a longtime union safety expert, was number two at OSHA under Obama. He’s not happy about the way things have gone under Trump.
Time to ban asbestos? Merkley and Bonamici think so
Decades after asbestos insulation was banned, the fibers are still in many legal products in America.
America’s most dangerous jobs
Three of the top 10 are in construction.
Making roadway construction zones safer
More roadway construction workers are killed each year by construction equipment and vehicles than by on-road vehicles. How can we make it safer?
