Workers Rights

Oregon AFL-CIO ramps up pressure on Rep. Kurt Schrader to get behind labor law reform

The Protecting the Right to Organize Act would protect the right to strike, prevent misclassification of workers, increase penalties for retaliation, and more, but Democrat Schrader isn't on board.

Station owner trying to bust union at KOIN-TV

Station owner Nexstar Media Group told about 40 workers at KOIN 6 TV Jan. 8 that it will no longer recognize their union.

Is Grand Central Baking getting ready to fire union supporters?

A wholesale bakery manager quit after being told to target union supporters for discipline.

2019 Scrooge of the Year: BURGERVILLE

Burgerville has twice been nominated for Scrooge of the Year by the group Portland Jobs With Justice, but this year, the fast food chain won the most votes for its record of firing union supporters and stonewalling union negotiations.

Jury says ILWU owes $93 million for dock slowdown

The decision threatens the survival of the West Coast longshore union.

Portland Uber driver advisory board holds its first meeting

A newly formed nine-member committee will come up with suggestions for new regulations that Portland City Council could pass in order to improve conditions for drivers and the riding public.

Union contract avoidance: Multnomah County says seniority rights don’t apply

Nonunion non-profit CareOregon is taking over work that's been done by unionized County employees up to now.

Union crushed at Eugene metal distributor Farwest Steel

When a campaign by United Steelworkers reared its head, the company’s reaction was swift and brutal.

Protest: Fred Meyer underpays women employees

A July 24 Oregon AFL-CIO rally at Fred Meyer called on the public to shop somewhere else.

Oregon minimum wage will rise again on July 1

The 2019 raise will bring the minimum wage to $12.50 an hour within the Portland metropolitan area’s urban growth boundary, $11.00 an hour in the predominantly rural counties of eastern Oregon and the southern Oregon coast, and $11.25 an hour everywhere else.

Multnomah County approves wage theft pilot

Starting July 1, union reps can volunteer to help enforce prevailing wage and wage and hour laws on County construction projects.

Multnomah County takes on wage theft

The county could soon draft union reps to help with enforcement.

Multnomah County may require non-profit contractors to stay union-neutral

A “union-neutrality” ordinance could be one of several reforms aimed at improving Multnomah County social services. Currently, low pay and heavy caseloads at nonprofit contractors are producing high turnover and lower quality services.

Trump appointee wants to ban Scabby the Rat

Standing 25 feet tall, with scary red eyes and yellow fangs, Scabby the Rat is a union hero and an eye-catching sign of a labor dispute.

Washington state minimum wage rises to $12

And in Seattle, Tacoma, and SeaTac, it's even higher.

First Transit named 2018 Scrooge of the Year

Scrooge of the Year goes to an individual or entity that was particularly hard-hearted to workers.

New Seasons Market announces new $15 an hour starting wage

New Seasons Market has just announced it will raise starting pay to $15 an hour Feb. 1 at all its stores in Oregon, Washington, and California.

Trump White House deletes rule that would have required union-busters to file disclosures

Despite a federal law requiring disclosure, union avoidance consultants can stage manage every detail of an anti-union campaign and still remain in the shadows.

Union coalition says it’s time to restore legal rights for workers and consumers

Companies are increasingly insisting that workers and consumers waive their legal rights through arbitration clauses.

Trump-pardoned felon will raise anti-union funds

Far-right culture warrior Dinesh D’Souza will headline a $115-a-plate fundraiser for the Freedom Foundation.

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