Workers Rights

ATU fights to save apprenticeship, and win back the right to strike

SB 690, a bill introduced by Oregon State Senator Chris Gorsek, would restore the right to strike for public transit workers like bus drivers.

Oregon’s prevailing wage law investigated

A new study finds that Oregon's prevailing wage law raises the wages of workers on public construction projects, but not the project cost.

Oregon Justice Department says legislative workers can’t unionize

Legislative aides don’t have the right to unionize after all, says Oregon's Attorney General in objections on behalf of the Legislature.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown proposes more money for labor law enforcement

Oregon Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle is asking for an additional 25 full-time staff. The governor’s recommended budget proposes to add 11.

Les Schwab Tires pays workers $16 million for missed breaks

A lawsuit said Les Schwab routinely shorted workers on lunch breaks. Oregon law requires an uninterrupted meal break of at least 30 minutes.

Portland Airport implements new $15 wage floor

The new policy would raise wages above $16.55 for 900 service workers in January 2022. SEIU Local 49 calls that too little too late.

Homeless crisis workers seek respect

Central City Concern is on the front line of the region’s homeless crisis. Workers held a protest to draw attention to three demands.

Will Oregon get serious about labor law enforcement?

BOLI’s staff has shrunk by a third since 1995—even as Oregon added a million new residents and legislators gave it new laws to enforce.

Columbia Gorge behavioral health provider breaks labor law and pays a price

Management wanted to continue one-to-one relationship with workers. But workers preferred a 112-to-1 relationship, and unionized with AFSCME.

What’s Portland Public Schools hiding? Possibly wage theft?

Construction union reps say the district delays, redacts, and charges exorbitantly for public records they need for wage theft investigations.

Study says employers are skirting landmark law aimed at curbing abusive scheduling practices

The only statewide law of its kind, SB 828 was meant to make workers’ schedules more predictable, but a UO study shows it's falling short.

Preschool for All heads to Multnomah County ballot

Two campaigns for free preschool have merged so that Multnomah County voters can decide on a single measure this November.

Over 800 Providence hospital workers lose their union over one smudged ballot

It’s the latest decision by Trump appointees on the NLRB who seem determined to reverse labor rights reforms of the Obama era.

Oregon Fair Work Week law goes into effect July 15

Large retail employers will have to offer predictable schedules and pay for last-minute changes.

Oregon minimum wage going up

The minimum wage rises today from $12.50 to $13.25 within the Portland Metro urban growth boundary.

Secret audio shows Columbia Sportswear plot to fire unionist

In the recordings, managers list the names of union supporters they want to fire and talk about how to build a case that will stand up to NLRB scrutiny.

Trump NLRB sues Oregon to preserve employers right to hold mandatory anti-union meetings

On July 14 a federal court will hear the government's challenge to the state law, which was passed in 2009.

Union-made Black Lives Matter buttons nixed at Burgerville

Burgerville backtracked after online backlash, and said it would produce its own Black Lives Matter accessories for workers to wear if they choose.

Unions react as the nation explodes in protest over George Floyd killing

"in the end, the labor movement is not a building," said the president of the AFL-CIO after protesters trashed AFL-CIO headquarters lobby in D.C.

Plasterers uncover wage theft at luxury apartments in Eugene

When building trades unions police abuses in the construction industry, they're defending all workers, not only their members.

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