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Northwest Labor Press Archives

The top news articles from each print issue … all the way back to March 1997

June 17, 2011
ILWU protests spread of non-union waterfront • Rogue Ales puts chill on Teamsters Union campaign • NLRB sees unprecedented political interference in Boeing case • SEIU Local 503 adds 7,700 members to become Oregon's largest union • We've been green for decades, construction unions tell lawmakers • Steelworkers ratify pact at Georgia-Pacific's Wauna mill • Wu bill would speed benefits for workers who lose jobs to trade • Unions for Kids poker run raises $50,000 for children's hospital • NOLC recognizes 16 individuals, 4 groups • Laborers Local 320 re-elects Dave Tischer • Vancouver Laborers Local 335 re-elects Dave Ritchey
June 3, 2011
Thousands at Capitol rally for 'Better Way' • Union workers under grave threat from Walmart expansion • Merkley and Murray to NLRB: Don't cave to GOP pressure • Activists tell grain exporter to 'Respect the Union Waterfront' • Union battles continue in Wisconsin and state by state • Agencies dear to labor mostly spared cuts by Oregon Legislature • EEOC targets companies that used H2B visas to traffic foreign workers • Local voters mostly reject union picks in Oregon's May 17 election • NALC food drive nearly 1.4 million pounds in Oregon and SW Washington
May 20, 2011
Faith leaders talk 'labor' • Anti-union campaign causes Portland French School to close • Portland Jobs with Justice turns 20 • Mt. Hood College, faculty reach last-minute deal • Card to lead Letter Carriers state association • Chamberlain appointed to Port Commission
May 6, 2011
2,500 rally for jobs and the middle class • Koch brothers presence felt in Northwest • Dosha salon hired Bob Tiernan to handle bargaining • NLRB investigates rash of worker firings for NLRB posts • UFCW's Witt explores possible congressional race against Wu • Airport screeners vote 85 percent to unionize • Union and proud: Gay rights leader bridges two movements • Schrader: Yes to Korea trade treaty, no to union-backed TRADE Act • Oregon labor leaders to Congress: End the war • May 17 ballot measures could put union members to work • UA Local 290 ratifies new three-year contract • Transit union dispute with TriMet may not settle until spring 2012 • I-5 bridge design gets thumbs up from construction unions • Seattle theaters showcase their union support
April 15, 2011
Dosha workers unite • Thousands gather in Pacific Northwest for 'We Are One' rallies • US Bank gets use of state funds, but nicks unemployed wiht fees • Labor scrambles to find ways to lessen state budget cuts • The most dangerous jobs in America • Work-related fatalities drop in Oregon, spike in Washington • Ergonomics consultants help prevent injuries • Judge rules on Sizemore suit against unions • Machinists reel in cash for guide dogs
April 1, 2011
GOP mounting attacks on unions nationwide • Buy America policy boosts manufacturing; more needed • Congressman Wu tells labor he'll oppose Korea trade agreement • Columbian newspaper boycott presses forward • Oregon legislature passes unemployment extension • Unions raise $15,995 for MDA • Oregon AFSCME recommits to message of solidarity • Richards elected to third term as head of OPEIU Local 11
March 18, 2011
Wisconsin governor's union-busting ignites backlash • The new face of labor? At Dosha salon, 155 workers will vote on union • Hundreds rally in Salem for jobs and solidarity • Portland teachers ratify new contract but face gauntlet of critics • Why workers fell out of love with Boeing • Bills
banning collective bargaining die in Washington Legislature • Oregon
Legislature weighs labor-backed bills as 2011 session progresses • High school students get lessons in pipe trades at UA training center • Bodendorfer elected new business rep at Elevator Constructors
March 4, 2011
We are all Wisconsin: Nationwide fightback • Spirit of Wisconsin at Oregon rallies • Mr. President: Americans can't afford another job-killing trade deal • Labor officials attend Obama Intel visit • Building trades miffed at Metro for bypassing Shiprack • Postal workers, customers testify before Workers' Rights Board • Danner Boot lays off 90
February 18, 2011
Union pension funds invest $22 million in Coquille hospital • New book brings to life MLK's dreams of economic justice • OSHA pulls rule on reporting ergonomics injuries • Unions call for boycott of Columbian newspaper • SEIU 49 scores Oregon's biggest private-sector win in decades
February 4, 2011
Conciliator has TriMet and ATU talking after threat of strike • For Valentine's Day, choose union-made and shun sweatshop products • Single-payer summit draws 400 • Bill proposes to add bereavement to Family Leave Act • Union spy finds kidnap ring in second mystery novel • Book depicts mid-century millworkers at Crown Zellerbach • AFSCME 189 elects Hussey president
January 21, 2011
Plumbers Local 290 defends 'broomball' title vs. Fire Fighters • Fired teacher at Portland French School reinstated • U.S.-Korea trade deal draws protests in Portland, Eugene • Union pilots at Evergreen Airlines authorize strike • UNITE HERE warns of possible labor disputes at Portland and Seattle hotels • Narrow majority votes to join SEIU 49 at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend • Unions prepare to defend working families agenda in Salem • Conciliator called in to resolve ATU dispute at TriMet • Major union contracts coming up for negotiation in 2011 • Advocates of single-payer health system feature Conyers at Portland forum • Portlander Veda Shook rises to top job in flight attendants union • Iron Workers Local 29 elects leaders • Shiprack seeks open Metro seat • Kitzhaber taps Shepard for labor adviser • IBEW's Malbin to co-chair prevailing wage advisory panel
January 7, 2011
Machinists and Woodworkers consolidate • New health care law starts to affect union health trusts • Labor applauds Clackamas County for funding Sellwood bridge project • Washington State Labor Council leaders pass the baton • YEAR IN REVIEW: A look back at some top local labor stories of 2010
December 17, 2010
Kulongoski report takes aim at state employees' compensation • Delta remains non-union as fourth group votes to reject unionization • The U.S. political system has been hijacked by rich, political scientists say • Help is out there for long-term unemployed • Union volunteers build home for injured Iraq war veteran • AFSCME's Ridderbusch named to governor-elect's transition team • Pre-apprentice program offers direct entry into Carpenters • BULL Session golf tournament raises $300,000 for kids charities
December 3, 2010
Poor economy leads to layoffs at OR-OSHA • Mohlis, Byrd named to governor-elect's transition team • Machinists Union loses Delta elections; complaint filed • Voters in four states ban union 'card-check' • Bend Area Transit terminates union leader • Apollo Alliance honors Bob Baugh • PSU students help preserve Transit Union Local 757's history • IBEW and NECA light up the Grotto, once again
November 19, 2010
Transit union pickets TriMet board meeting • AFL-CIO poll: Voters punished Dems, but no mandate for GOP • Shop for union-made goods this holiday season – and year-round! • Merkley will push for rule change to end filibuster abuse • Labor vote makes the difference in tight Oregon races • Delta flight attendants say 'no' to union • Free Geek employees vote to join Portland CWA Local 7901 • Portland Public Schools $548 million bond could put trades union members to work
November 5, 2010
Oregon, Washington labor weigh election results • Back to work: Intel to spend nearly $4 billion to build new Hillsboro fab • Fired pro-union teacher turns down two years salary to settle case • Big Pipe project wraps up ahead of schedule • Home for the holidays: There ARE union travel options • Transit union 757 pushes back against TriMet • Saturday mail delivery to continue - for now • Silver Eagle to lay off 55 Machinists • Machinists host seminar on home foreclosures
October 15, 2010
Labor pulling hard for Kitzhaber • Unions battle for/against Washington ballot measures • 32,000 Delta/Northwest airline workers vote on union • DCTU reaches tentative contract with City of Portland • ATU balks at TriMet plan to impose contract • Construction union icon Bob Shiprack retires after 25 years • Single mom, former waitress to lead SEIU Local 503 • Transit Union delegates pick Hanley over Oregonian Ron Heintzman • Union-made Halloween candy • Oregon and Portland-area building trades get all new slate of officers • U.S. House bill recognizes Labor Press
October 1, 2010
Organized labor with one voice: 'Give Congress Heck!' • Bashing teacher unions: AFT talks back • City of Portland worker contract bargaining enters mediation • Union electrician runs for Oregon House • CWA's Bonnie Kelsch retires after 44 years in printing trades
September 17, 2010
Union "Jobs Tour" comes to Portland, Vancouver • New hand at the helm of Columbia-Pacific Building Trades • Free trade deal with Korea will cost U.S. jobs • Obama hasn't lived up to campaign promises on trade • Portland French School broke law to fight union • What Obama could do for workers without Congress • DeFazio tells Building Trades: More infrastructure investment needed • Oregon AFL-CIO youth group gets official start • SEIU locals back Collymore
September 3, 2010
Portland 'jobs' town hall meeting with Trumka and Kitzhaber draws over 500 • Mohlis to succeed Shiprack at Oregon State Building Trades Council • Fired BrucePac workers reinstated • PLUS: Northwest Labor Press 110th anniversary issue
August 20, 2010
UFCW marches for justice in The Dalles • Pelosi touts retrofit program as stimulus success • SEIU's new leader warns of 'coordinated attack' on public workers • Oregon Working Families Party runs Senate candidate • I-5 Bridge Sponsors Council favors 10-lane span • Fate of Portland's 'voter-owned elections' in hands of voters • Washington State Labor Council issues new set of endorsements • Holliday re-elected business manager of Operating Engineers Local 701
August 6, 2010
Decision nears over closure of PGE Boardman coal plant • Casino supporters say valid signatures were tossed; judge agrees to hearing • City draws road map for new marine terminal • Unions weigh in on Washington primary races • City of Portland tries to pry concessions from workers, including overtime • Leupold & Stevens worker gets back pay, but firing chills Machinists campaign • ATU Local 757 contract at TriMet likely to be determined by arbitrator • Endorsements: AFL endorses Schrader • AFSCME backs Hughes; SEIU for Kitzhaber • Davis re-elected business manager of IBEW Local 48 • Carpenter starts union homebuilder business
July 16, 2010
Portland postal workers rally to save Saturday delivery • Daimler Trucks drops wage cut demands, signs new three-year contracts • Union pension plans get more time to recover under newly-passed law • Common, and illegal: Rules that ban coworker wage discussions break labor law • Senator Ron Wyden: Bush agenda may resurface if labor sits out election • Oregon delegates take part in momentous AFSCME convention • Musicians Local 99's Fife elected international VP • Burns named director of Labor's Community Service Agency
July 2, 2010
AFSCME crew spend furlough day cleaning up river trash • Heintzman tapped as president of ATU international union • Trained home energy workers waiting for jobs • Food service workers at Convention Center authorize strike against Aramark • NLRB seeks injunction against BrucePac • This just in: DOL wins back pay for Umatilla workers, six months ago • UFCW Local 555 to hold job actions at Fred Meyer stores • Safeway plant sanitors join Bakers Union • AFL-CIO leaders get earful at first-ever youth summit • Hughes, Smith pick up union endorsements • AFL-CIO's Shepard exits Metro race
June 18, 2010
Transit Union Local 757 sounds alarm to 'Save Our Ride' • Building trades unions squawk at Ducks' no-bid contracting • WSLC-backed Pridemore quits congressional race • Postal unions oppose move to eliminate Saturday mail service • SEIU Local 503 director Frane takes DC job for SEIU international • Motorcycle poker run raises $50,000
June 4, 2010
Primary results: Kitzhaber vs Dudley for Oregon governor • State faces more budget woes • Building trades collecting signatures for private casino • Stimulus funds will help Portland schools with 'green' retrofits • ATU Local 757 files harassment complaints against Bend Area Transit contractor • BrucePac appeals order to reinstate fired union supporters • Convention Center servers cry foul as Aramark pockets their tips • Reliant Elevator acquired by Kone • Opposition to Arizona's immigration enforcement law continues to grow
May 21, 2010
Laborers take BrucePac dispute to next stage • Union pension funds face slow-motion crisis • Will Congress come to the rescue of multiemployer pension funds? • Oregon's Worker Freedom Act survives court challenge • Building trades back bid for private casino • Two proposed construction projects in Oregon shelved • Five unfair labor practice complaints filed against Portland French School • Glass Workers 139B wages one-week strike at Vancouver Iron & Steel • Flute Fandango wants to set Guinness record • Pridemore nabs AFL-CIO endorsement for Congress • Nesbitt to be governor's chief of staff • Springfield Roofers merge with Local 49 of Portland • Glenn Shuck retires
May 7, 2010
Historic workers comp reform reaches milestone • Labor-friendly Democrats square off in governor's race • NLRB rules BrucePac firings broke federal law • Building trades' Mohlis to recuse himself from vote on PDC office lease • Portland-based Carpenters Local 247 placed under supervision • Washington legislative session a mixed bag for labor • Machinists endorse Castillo, Wu, Holvey, Riggs-Henson
April 16, 2010
Judge expresses doubts about Worker Freedom lawsuit • Health insurance reform: How will it affect union members? • Iron Workers 'top out' new Kaiser Medical Center • Working Families Party aims to ramp up in 2010 • Unions to remember fallen workers at memorial service in Salem April 28 • Ergonomic regulation reform put on the back burner • Senator Murray: I-5 bridge decision must be made quickly • Senator Cantwell: Jobs are priority number one • Clark County Clerk Parker announces re-election bid
April 2, 2010
Federal judge to hear challenge to Oregon's Worker Freedom Act • Unions protest Postal Service plan to eliminate Saturday mail service • Congress passes massive health insurance reform • Details of BrucePac anti-union campaign come out in lawsuit • Steelworkers in McMinnville give up raise to extend contract • Wealthy will pay more if Bush tax cuts expire in 2010 as scheduled • More endorsements from organized labor: City, County, and governor
March 19, 2010
Walmart tops list of Oregon businesses with employees receiving public assistance • Congress nears vote on health insurance reform bill • Trumka calls new jobs bill 'a Band-Aid on an amputated limb'• NLRB grinds to a halt as U.S. Senate fails to confirm • Joblessness worse than stats reveal • Candidates pick up labor endorsements for May primary • Lane County Labor Council's Pat Riggs-Henson retires
March 5, 2010
Delivery after dark: Shortstaffing forces letter carriers to deliver at night • Stimulus act, one year later: Q&A with Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio • Labor counts successes and setbacks in Oregon Legislature special session • Congressman Schrader says he supports NAFTA-style trade deal with South Korea • Piedmont Post Office dedicated in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. • NOLC backs incumbents; AFSCME 88 issues endorsements in County races; Carpenters go for Kitzhaber • Portland school teachers reach tentative contract •Marion Polk Yamhill Labor Council and Clark Skamania West Klickitat Labor Council install new officers
February 19, 2010
Oregon construction workers demand jobs legislation • Senate abuse of filibuster hobbles union-backed legislation • Union tracking jobs bills in Washington Legislature • Attorney general seeks labor's help cracking down on underground economy • Exterior/Interior specialists ratify new contract • Vote makes it final: Laurelhurst Village will be a union nursing home • Portland school teachers reach tentative contract • Bargaining opens between DCTU, City of Portland • CWA Local 7901's Linda Rasmussen hangs it up
February 5, 2010
Tax increases on wealthy and corporations win in landslide • A labor 'look back' over Obama's first year in office • Labor's message to lawmakers: Good Jobs, Now! • UFCW Local 555 ratifies Portland grocery pacts • Portland parking meter techs win fight against outsourcing • Soccer stadium deal comes with union neutrality and living wage commitments • Housing Authority to import windows for apartment weatherization project • Labor bills in the mix as lawmakers return to Salem • Honduran union leaders tells of labor's struggle against coup • Airport screeners in nationwide campaign to unionize • Attorney general tells Labor Law crowd he will fight to defend Worker Freedom Act • PGE proposes to change — or close — Boardman coal plant • Kitzhaber picks up more union endorsements • Driving in Oregon? Keep your hands off your phone • Electrical Workers Minority Caucus meets, and volunteers, in Portland • Laborers' Gary Moore re-elected to Portland Metal Trades Council post
January 15, 2010
Portland-area UFCW members dropped from Kaiser Permanente coverage • Opponents prefer to glide past facts of tax increase measures 66 and 67 • Umatilla demilitarization workers get $3.7 million back pay • After 18 months, Portland Public School teachers still without contract • More Steelworkers laid off at Cascade Steel • Merkley amendment to health reform bill levels construction playing field • Daimler gets $40 million to develop fuel-efficient trucks • Sheet Metal Training Center gets piece of $5 million ARRA grant
January 1, 2010
Ballot measures 66 and 67: Taxing the top tier • Year in review: 2009 in organized labor • Lying by numbers • U.S. Chamber of Commerce sues to halt Worker Freedom Act
December 18, 2009
Labor in the room at Copenhagen climate talks • Pressure mounts for further government action on jobs • Nurses unions merge • How to shop union this holiday season • Carhartt discontinues 'Made in USA' apparel program • Trade justice campaign continues • Oregon AFL-CIO makes earlly legislative endorsements • AFSCME's Pat Riggs-Henson seeks Lane County board seat • Jaimie Sorenson sworn in as new president of AFSCME Local 328 • Jim Cook elected president of NALC Branch 82 • Slow economy doesn't dampen union member giving • B.U.L.L. Session raises $311,000 for kids' charities
December 4, 2009
Congress closes in on health care reform • BrucePac faces NLRB charges in mass firing of pro-union workers • Laurelhurst nursing home now a union shop • Portland renews use of prison labor in parks • Bill and Cindy Sizemore indicted for tax evasion • 'Next Waver' Hanna installed as president of AFSCME Local 88 • After 40+ years, secretary says goodbye to Machinists Union
November 20, 2009
WTO, 10 years later • Umatilla chemical depot workers to get $3.6 million back pay • Labor reacts to Washington election results • Geek Squad union eleciton cancelled
November 6, 2009
Tensions escalate at Fred Meyer stores • Boeing rejects Machinists 'no strike' offer • Wages down in two new Carpenters contracts • Fire at SEIU Local 49 headquarters being investigated as arson • Teachers unions file lawsuit against Bill Sizemore and Loren Parks • Geek Squad workers in fight for right to join IBEW Local 48 • Murder tale brings Northwest labor history back to life • Pete Savage resigns from Regional Council of Carpenters • AFSCME Local 88 president won't seek re-election • LNG-motivated recall vote held in Clatsop County • Oregon AFL-CIO: Labor must target younger workers; state fed rates state lawmakers
October 16, 2009
Portland City Council gets earful from AFSCME • Boeing uses jobs to pressure government and union for concessions • Union members, cardiac resuscitation device, help save a life • Vancouver area labor council issues general election endorsements • IBEW 48 health trust may drop Fred Meyer as prescription drug manager • Dorothy Lyman clocks out after 31 years at Iron Workers Local 516 • Union volunteers help in campaign to quash Washington tax initiative
October 2, 2009
Daimler changes its mind: Portland Freightliner plant won't close for now • Business groups force vote on tax hike on corporations and the rich • New Portland ordinance will help construction unions get into residential 'green' jobs • Portland in line for 'Emerald City' green jobs pilot program • AFT's Lincoln pursues potential House vacancy • Multi-employer pension plans still not out of woods • Joblessness continues to rise • Plans scrapped for Oregon Convention Center hotel
September 18, 2009
Kitzhaber gets early labor backing • Youth movement: Labor ponders how to bring in the young • LERC professor Lafer will advise U.S. House labor panel • Commissioners in Clatsop County face recall effort for supporting LNG plant • Workers at Oregon University System reach agreement on two-year contract • Steelworkers Union organizes recycling firm • UNITE HERE Local 9 workers hit by Portland Hilton closures • SEIU's Crider leaves organized labor • Portland Labor Day picnic draws crowd of elected leaders • Group wants to revitalize construction partnership
September 4, 2009
Straight talk on the proposed health reform • Health care reform: Where do Oregon lawmakers stand? • Operating Engineers Local 701 and Carpenters form alliance • Oregon AFL-CIO's Shepard runs for open Metro board seat • Steelworker elected to lead Northwest Oregon Labor Council • Clark Skamania Klickitat CLC endorsed candidates advance to November election • Hundreds rally in Portland to support health insurance reform
August 21, 2009
Washington AFL-CIO delegates say 'no more business as usual' • Oregon construction unions worried about outlook for work • Management raises at Multnomah County irk AFSCME Local 88 • Members of Laborers 320 ratify first deal with Oregon Child Development Coalition
August 7, 2009
Fred Meyer goes green? • Stimulus dollars trickle slowly to local union workforce, if at all • Employee Free Choice Act still on track, but delayed • Washington AFL-CIO proposes to overhaul its approach to politics • Washington State Labor Council ranks state lawmakers • Nursing home pays cash settlement to fired pro-union receptionist • Steelworkers Local 8378 protests as Cascade Steel cancels recall • Hazardous work motivates IBEW commitment to Burn Center • Public employees' shared sacrifice leads to tentative deal at State of Oregon • AFSCME 328 reaches new contract at OHSU • City of Portland unions demand to bargain over layoffs, reorganizing at BDS • Labor Council in Vancouver makes picks for August primary election • Tackett nominated to take helm at labor council • Longtime Bakers Local 14 rep Gene Beaudoin to retire; Shad Clark hired
July 17, 2009
New streetcars union-made in America • Proposal to put Fred Meyer on Unfair List is tabled • WSLC convention expected to rethink relationship to Democrats • AFT trustees Kaiser nurses Local 5017 • OPEIU Local 11 members at NW Natural ratify pact • Working Families Party helps pass bill to start 'fusion voting' • For some union-backed bills in the Oregon Legislature – better luck next time • Governor signs Oregon AFL-CIO's top-priority bill • Former Oregonian runs for number-two national AFL-CIO office • IBEW 280 votes Frew business manager
July 3, 2009
Labor's agenda made progress as Oregon Legislature adjourns • Union foes file initiative petition to ban card check • Former ATU 757 head Ron Heintzman to take number two post in international • 'Keep Portland Wired' billboards promote IBEW 48 • O'Connor to retire from Northwest Oregon Labor Council • Siemens closes; 43 IBEW jobs lost • NOLC the latest union group to back single payer • Optimistic Oregon AFL-CIO looks ahead • Sheet Metal 16 re-elects Phillips business manager
June 19, 2009
Congress close to passing Employee Free Choice Act • Bill bans mandatory anti-union meetings • CWA launches organizing drive at Oregonian mailroom • Public employees march • Labor board agrees nursing home fired Lehr for union activity • Portland City Council pledges to Buy American • Oregon 'card-check' law hasn't led to increase in unionizing • Poker Run raises cash for kids • Jon Hunt wins second term at ATU Local 757 • At IBEW 280, Tim Nicol loses re-election bid; Caster, Frew in runoff • Rives elected president of AFT-Oregon
June 5, 2009
What ever happened to retirement? • Unions say Wyden's health care bill is "sick" • Labor at the table in cap and trade debate • SEIU's Dale takes job in Geneva; Local 49 names Niemi president • OPEIU Local 11 members at NW Natural reject contract • Transit Union says CherryLift strike appears imminent • Vancouver city employees forego cost-of-living raises for two years • Worker Freedom Act gets new life in Oregon Legislature • Oregon unionists come up short in public elections • AFSCME criticizes Portland Police Department cuts • Mayor reappoints Building Trades leader to PDC • Cecil Tibbetts returns to AFSCME — in Washington
May 15, 2009
Nursing home worker fired after joining union campaign • Legislature rattles Washington labor movement • "Buy American" campaign scores legal successes • Oregon AFL-CIO's top bill, the Worker Freedom Act, gets shelved in committee • Champions of single payer health care meet in Portland • Union members running for seats in May 19 special election
May 1, 2009
Campaign at DePaul shows how hard it is to unionize under current U.S. labor law • Fred Meyer remodels stores nonunion, stymies UFCW in The Dalles • Rep. Wu doubtful Congress will reform health care system with single-payer plan • Nurse associations from Oregon and Washington help launch new union
April 17, 2009
Millions of workers exposed to 'dirty diesel' • SolarWorld gets tax breaks while dumping union workforce • Retired Painter named 'Firefighter of the Year' • NECA-IBEW, other businesses acknowledged at Oregon safety forum • Governor to dedicate new Fallen Workers Memorial
April 3, 2009
Schism widens between labor and Washington Democrats • Asbestos-related cancer claims labor icon Earl Kirkland • Labor on the scene as Oregon Legislature reaches halfway mark • More Steelworkers laid off at Cascade Rolling Mills • Carpenters Local 247 elects Willie Gore president • Merkley appoints Ed Hall labor liaison • Stacy Breunig tapped administrator of IAM/Boeing Joint Programs • Labor protests corporate excess
March 20, 2009
Portland construction crew 'tip' turns into cash for kids • Washington's top Democrats kill priority labor bill • Teamsters strike ends at Oak Harbor Freight, but dispute continues • Judge bans Bill Sizemore from involvement with charities • Multnomah County AFSCME unit approves wage freeze • University of Portland business students volunteer to work for union • Oregon retirees alliance elects new officers
March 6, 2009
USW cheers Buy American clause in stimulus package • Weak economy hits Oregon state budget hard • Washington governor reneges on union contract, prompting lawsuit • AFSCME 88 offers wage freeze to prevent Multnomah County layoffs • What's killing U.S. manufacturing? Hint: It's not what you've been hearing • Q&A with Jeff Merkley • T-Mobile puts chill on union organizing campaign • Economist tells Bricklayers Union growing labor movement will boost economy • UA 290 health fair offers medical screenings to members • Ground broken on Fallen Workers Memorial in Salem • TriMet's new WES train is a union operation
February 20, 2009
Congress passes stimulus package • Elections Division opens investigation on Sizemore • SEIU offers wage freeze to ease state budget crisis • Teamsters at Oak Harbor Freight offer to return to work • Business-labor group to hold lobby day in Salem for liquefied natural gas • God may or may not take sides in labor disputes, but 'Father Bob' does • Al Panek retires; Wyden names Smith Warner new labor liaison
February 6, 2009
Ironworkers help IBEW 48 go green • Recession deepens, but help is on the way, elected leaders say • Labor has full plate before Washington Legislature • Campaign at Oregon bakery shows need for Employee Free Choice Act • U.S. union ranks grow despite tough economy • Dennis steps down as president of Carpenters local, regional council • Labor says replace I-5 bridge now • Labor councils elect leadership
January 16, 2009
Union jobs cut at Daimler • Boeing to lay off 4,500 workers • Vancouver Fire Fighters give up wage hikes to help cash-strapped city coffers • Government solar projects skirt prevailing wage laws • SEIU demands 'McJustice' • Endicott re-elected business manager of UA Local 290
January 2, 2009
Labor maps out goals for 2009 Legislature • Workers’ Compensation Division adopts final rule for medical fees
December 19, 2008
An Oak Harbor Christmas • GOP slams labor, derails auto rescue package • Bill Sizemore released from jail — but not from legal woes • Third group of child care workers joins Laborers Local 320
December 5, 2008
Buy union this holiday season – and keep it local • Bill Sizemore jailed on contempt of court charges • State hospital job off to a bad start • Organizing drive at Oregon Steel Mills falls short • Oregon AFL-CIO prioritizes '09 state legislative agenda • Cash needed to complete Workers Memorial in Salem • Clay takes helm at UFCW Local 555 • After 32-year career, Pronovost retires from UFCW Local 555 • Bakers Local 114 re-elects Lansing, Beaudoin, Clark
November 21, 2008
Unions say stimulus package needs cash for infrastructure • Labor trounces Bill Sizemore proposals … again • Union members made a difference Nov. 4 • Labor's Election Day scorecard • DHL closure impacts Oregon Teamsters; layoffs hurt other unions
November 7, 2008
Labor celebrates election night victories • Daimler says 'bye, bye' to making trucks in Portland • Solidarity leads to new Machinists contract at Boeing • Steelworkers win extension in card-check campaign at Oregon Steel • Oregon's largest private-sector union elects new leaders • Second group of child care workers joins Laborers 320 • Portland passes first 'sweatshop free' ordinance in the Pacific Northwest • Last 100 years mostly 'up' for Elevator Constructors • New Apollo program calls for massive investment in green jobs • UNITE HERE seeks City's help dealing with Vancouver Hilton • Carpenters Food Bank logs 25 years helping others • Workers' comp division files proposed rules on medical fees to care providers
October 17, 2008
Carrying the Vote: Union workers handle, count ballots • When Wall Street stumbles, others pick up the tab • Labor opposes 'top two' primary • Steelworkers mount union campaign at Oregon Steel • Union-sponsored Oregon Working Families Party runs candidate on ballot
October 3, 2008
Turbulence continues between IAM, Boeing • PDC staffers ratify first union contract • Health insurance preiums rise • America the Unequal: EPI finds a nation polarizing economically • PDC elects John Mohlis secretary
September 19, 2008
Job security key in strike by Boeing Machinists • Who's best for workers: Merkley or Smith? • Labor group steps up campaign to counter anti-union TV ads
September 5, 2008
Union electrician speaks out about unsafe work in Iraq • Why labor is getting behind Barack Obama • Oregon Building Trades Council stays out of U.S. Senate race • In Washington state, labor-backed candidates make cut in 'Top 2' primary • Labor activists foil plans for a Portland stop on national anti-union bus tour • Curtain falls on AFL-CIO Union Industries Show • Permanent Workers' Memorial to be built at Salem Capitol Mall • Fire Fighters union joins forces to help returning war veterans find jobs
August 15, 2008
Anti-union ads target Congressional candidates • State of the unions • Rules change in workers' comp medical fees could harm injured workers • Oregon unions oppose slew of ballot measures • Washington AFL-CIO convention focuses on politics • Boeing Machinists take a strike vote, contract expires Sept. 3 • New contract at Cascade General; new officers at Metal Trades Council
August 1, 2008
Caregivers of migrant children join Laborers Local 320 • Sizemore operation faces new forgery allegations • AFL-CIO engaged in Washington's top-two primary • WSLC to convene in Vancouver • Labor at table in U.S. plans to slow global warming • Charles Lewis gets labor council endorsement in Portland city council election • AFSCME Local 88 endorses Shiprack for Multnomah County Commission • SEIU Local 49 finalizes contract covering 1,900 Portland janitors • Portland area grocery pacts expire, UFCW braces for war • Group presses Oregon to enact 'sweat-free' policy • 'Unity Team' goal is to aid in organizing
July 18, 2008
Vancouver cop reinstated after two years off the job • Oregon Supreme Court upholds unions' case against Sizemore • Labor helps resuscitate debate on health care reform • Government agencies okay bridge plan, but conditions are attached • PDC elects John Mohlis secretary
July 4, 2008
Think it's easy to form a union? Think again • Students replace full-time Portland school custodians • Workers at Vancouver Hilton Hotel get first contract with UNITE HERE Local 9 • Legal settlement returns union organizer to bakery
June 20, 2008
Experienced mixer adds 'salt' to nonunion bakery • Film crew documents postal security breaches by Beaverton contract carrier • Big choices ahead devising health care plan to cover all Oregonians • Bargaining continues for first contract at Vancouver Hilton • Carpenters strike Robinson construction
June 6, 2008
Retired Labor Press editor and columnist Gene Klare dies • Latest anti-union ads target Jeff Merkley • UNITE HERE Local 9 gets contract at Portland Hilton • Sizemore held in contempt of court • Union-built Cascade Grain ethanol plant up and running • Building trades unions say: "Enough talk. Build the bridge now" • Steelworkers ratify new contract at Cascade Steel • ATU gets tentative deal at Bend Transit • Labor agency suspends 'Helping Hands' program • Union backing makes difference in state and federal races • Obama wins Oregon Democratic primary • Building trades endorsements get mixed results • Labor-backed candidates do well in Portland metro area
May 16, 2008
ILWU shuts ports on May Day to protest war • Initiatives dogged by suspicions • How time flies: Building trades council turns 100 • Union members don't just vote — they run for office • Machinists, Boeing open contract talks • Steelworkers tentative deal at Cascade Steel Rolling Mills may unravel • Bend newspaper spurns union ad supporting bus drivers • Alliance for Retired Americans keeps retirees current • Labor agency suspends 'Helping Hands' program
May 2, 2008
Union adversary Bill Sizemore poised for comeback • Three union-friendly Democrats in running for Oregon secretary of state • Lifelong union activist Michael Dembrow campaigns hard for House seat • AFT turns up heat in nurse union campaign at Legacy • City of Portland workers get chance to help elect their own bosses • Connie Ashbrook: Bringing women to the trades • Classified employees ratify four-year contract at Portland School District • Columbia-Pacific Building Trades Council backs several local candidates
April 18, 2008
Labor will honor workers killed on the job • Oregon hashing out details of universal health insurance requirement • NAFTA-style deal with Colombia taken off fast track • Asbestos continues to sicken, kill U.S. workers • War protest May 1 could shut down ports • Bus drivers' union steers industry toward healthier workplace • Proposed Worker Memorial slowed by hefty fee requirement • Highly profitable steel mil asks workers to take wage freeze • Plumbers apprentice coordinator Bob Kimes retires; Mike Pollock will succeed him
April 4, 2008
Boycott of downtown Portland Hilton picks up steam • National health care may be on the horizon • Colombia Free Trade Agreement expected to get vote in Congress • AFL-CIO issues endorsements in races for attorney general and U.S. Congress • Building trades union council endorses Gordon Smith in primary • Northwest Oregon Labor Council supports Sam Adams for Portland mayor • In race for Oregon attorney general, labor on both sides • Card-check union campaigns aren't flooding Oregon with new members • Kitzhaber asks unions to help reform U.S. health care system • Working America expands in Oregon • Elevator Constructors Local 23 returns Regalado to top leadership position
March 21, 2008
Gardner resigns as labor commissioner; governor appoints Brad Avakian • IBEW launches union campaign at Comcast • Union electricians, contractors come to the aid of family of fallen soldier • Portland school board members show true colors in contract vote • Oregon AFSCME backs Obama • Promoting 'green collar' jobs is focus of LERC's new STAR Fund
March 7, 2008
Union helps students train for robotics competition • Postal workers say mail is being processed without anthrax-sniffing machines • Oregon's special legislative session wraps up with only minor achievements • U.S. trade deficit with China zooms • Building Trades charter school will open this fall • Grocery, meat workers wrap up more contracts • Portland Public Schools bus drivers ratify contract • Bakers Local 114 holds job fair for nonunion crew • Part-time PSU profs get
February 15, 2008
OSEA joins American Federation of Teachers • Portland Public Schools backs off hardline stance • Labor has short agenda for legislative session in Salem • AFL-CIO backs mortgage reforms • Labor ally Hooley to leave Congress • Underpaid professors plan to picket PSU • LERC to celebrate 30th anniversary March 7 • Labor battling in Washington Legislature — sometimes with Democrats • Law tilts against unions, but labor can't give up fight
February 1, 2008
Portland Public Schools sticks to draconian offers • Union membership on the rise; Oregon adds 16,000, Washington 30,000 • Task force favors I-5 Bridge replacement • Apollo Alliance maps strategy for '09 Legislature • Washington labor turns attention to Olympia • Eugene/Springfield grocery workers ratify new pacts • CWA calls for boycott of Unitus Credit Union • ATU 757 calls off ambulance strike in Josephine County • BOLI survey will evaluate HVAC testing, balancing work • Three Carpenters locals endorse John Kroger for attorney general
January 18, 2008
Unions favor building a new bridge over Columbia • Northwest members of Congress score well in national AFL-CIO ratings • Oregon AFL-CIO leader, back from Bali, says it's time for labor to step up • Laborers Union gets health insurance for City of Portland seasonal workers • ATU Local 757 members ready to strike AMR in Josephine County
January 4, 2008
2008: The year of China • Foster kids' holiday party gets boost from UA Local 290
December 21, 2007
ILWU, Carpenters boost Fire Fighters Toy & Joy program • AFSCME strike at Multnomah Education Service District ends after two weeks • Help extended to storm-ravaged union families on coast • Oregon Fire Fighters Council endorses Gordon Smith • AFL-CIO calls for Hilton boycott • UA Local 290 to host robotics competition kickoff • Iron Workers Local 29 elects officers
December 7, 2007
Looking for the UNION LABEL • Multnomah ESD classified staff go on strike Nov. 30 • Portland school employees getting restless • UNITE HERE Local 9 calls for Hilton boycott • Unions join nationwide protest against anti-union NLRB • Oregon AFL-CIO's Byrd to attend climate change conference in Bali • Labor has voice on panel examining Oregon's tax system • NLRB Subregion 36 gets new chief officer • Fahey to run for seat on Portland City Council • Judy O'Connor, Bob Petroff re-elected at NOLC • Teamsters' Lehrbach appointed to TriMet Board of Directors • IBEW 48 member named to State Transportation Commission • AFT Local 111 elects new president
November 16, 2007
Craft unions welcome veterans into training programs • AFSCME backs Clinton despite Western leaders' call for no early endorsement • Oregon board finds Josephine County used outsourcing to punish strikers • Hit-and-run driver kills Eugene labor activist • Mesothelioma claims UA's Deblock, 73
November 2, 2007
AFL-CIO rates Oregon lawmakers on 2007 session • Powell's Books workers get closer to living wage • ConMetco's Rivergate plant closes • Schneider to run for Gresham Council • Washington AFL-CIO issues election recommendations • Madelyn Elder named to CWA Executive Board • SEIU's Dale won't run for AG post • SEIU locals endorse John Edwards
October 19, 2007
Oregon AFL-CIO ramps up for aggressive Labor 2008 • Edwards tells labor he'll be a true friend as president • Kucinich says he'd pull out of NAFTA • Immigration reform, drug testing spark the most debate at convention • Delegates set policy with resolutions • Activists and unions get recognition • PPS superintendent, board members tour schools • IBEW instructor returns from duty in Iraq • AFSCME Local 88 members ratify four-year contract at Multnomah County
October 5, 2007
Conversion to renewable energy generating jobs • Metro councilors vote themselves 16 percent raises • SEIU leader considers run for attorney general • U.S.-Peru trade pact gets mixed reaction from labor • Steelworkers target Home Depot stores in solidarity with striking B.C. workers • School custodian gets settlement check, but not closure • UFCW backs Merkley for Senate • Kucinich, Edwards will pay visit to Oregon AFL-CIO convention
September 21, 2007
Sweeney, Edwards will headline Oregon AFL-CIO convention • Labor Council opposes tax-funded day labor center • Disabled worker programs act as a wedge for privatization • New group formed for union members who like to hunt and fish • Fire Fighters use new card-check law to secure union • Maintenance workers ratify new pact with Portland Schools by one vote • Farra elected secretary-treasurer of Transit Union Local 757 • Oregon AFL-CIO endorses Measures 49,50
September 7, 2007
Senator Smith makes effort to court labor • Oregon will release names of employers whose workers get low-income benefits • Health care mandate for construction workers? Portland takes baby steps • Panel will measure use of academic part-timers • City of Portland pledges to buy no sweatshop apparel • AFSCME reaches tentative deal for 4,000 state workers • Meeting in Newport, building trades unions savor legislative victories • Carpenters organizer allowed to leave U.S. on his own • Labor Democrats back Merkley for Senate
August 17, 2007
Pulse of the Unions • Labor to keep pushing for freedom to unionize • Circuit City lands on AFL-CIO's Do Not Patronize list • School employees vote on affiliation with AFT • Oregon AFL-CIO E-Board rejects 2005 resolution supporting Kyoto Protocol • Enron workers case may reach high court • Hardhats want Pepsico to be built by local workers • CWA Local 7901 reaches stalemate with local credit union
August 3, 2007
Union-built gas-fired power plant goes online in Oregon • Construction unions seek level playing field on health care • As cases of 'popcorn workers lung' spread, unions demand action • Postal service unions pitch vote-by-mail to top elections officers • New IBEW Local 48 business manager outlines goals and priorities
July 20, 2007
Machinists end strike, sign three-year deal at Freightliner • Major victory for labor: Democratic House torpedoes trade deals • Construction unions voice support for liquefied natural gas terminal • Letter carriers' new pact may slow outsourcing • Lawmakers nibble around the edges trying to fix health care • Labor planning ballot measure strategy to counter Sizemore
July 6, 2007
Machinists strike Freightliner • Legislature bangs gavel on banner year for labor • Drywallers end strike with ratification of new contract • Senate Republicans block vote on labor organizing bill • Del Monte raid puts Portland at center of immigration debate • Unions to push vote-by-mail at national conference of state elections officials • State corrections officers stick with AFSCME union • Local 757 members protest C-TRAN's inadequate offer • Clif Davis elected business manager of IBEW Local 48 • Six unions form Mechanical Allied Crafts, new council created in Oregon • Warehouse fire doesn't douse spirit of Red's Electric owner Jim Ferris
June 15, 2007
Carpenters drywall hangers go on strike • Major bargaining this summer in Oregon • Custodial outsourcing at Portland schools proves costly mistake • Portland School District implements contract on DCU • Labor bills fight for attention as Oregon Legislature winds down • Nurses tell public hearing of their problems at Legacy
June 1, 2007
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom War Memorial has union ties • Labor still reeling from 1981 PATCO strike • Labor lobbyists scramble to push through priority bills • Labor chalks up some election victories • Smith feeling pressure to support Employee Free Choice Act
May 18, 2007
Presidential hopeful visits Portland, Seattle labor • SEIU 49 agrees to no card check organizing • Major reform possible in immigration policy • Labor sees partial gains, modest disappointments at Olympia • Washington Congressman Brian Baird explains positions on union issues • Oregon unions join in push for energy independence • Bend transit contractor drops appeal of ATU union election
May 4, 2007
Fired Portland school custodians settle for $14.5 million • Contractor fires pro-union Bend bus driver • Maintenance crew at Portland Schools votes to authorize strike • Freightliner cutbacks have ripple effects at several local manufacturing suppliers • PDC staffers vote to join AFSCME • NW Oregon Labor Council supports two challengers for Portland School Board • Overtime pay after eight hours will have to wait • In Oregon Legislature, many labor-backed bills advancing • UFCW Local 555 shop stewards hear from Dick Gephardt at annual summit
April 20, 2007
Portland union members tell Congress: 'No new NAFTAs' • Independent union attempts raid on Oregon AFSCME corrections unit • AFSCME 189 suspends labor-management cooperation with Portland mayor • Heart attack claims Laborers Local 296 business manager Little Richard Steward • Labor will honor Oregon workers killed on the job • 5,000 attend NW Carpenters unity rally in Portland • Students try handling 40-ton crane • Portland unions weigh in on proposed charter changes on May ballot • AFSCME Council 75 re-elects Gillespie president; dedicates building to Lucy
April 6, 2007
End of the line for Freightliner trucks • Union wants to put stop to college shift to part-time, lower-paid faculty • Carpenters go high-tech as they prepare for contract talks • Kitzhaber headlines meeting of union retirees • Unions in 7 countries meet in Portland to seek unity in bargaining with Boeing • Nearly 1,000 turn out for Providence Hospital union vigil
March 16, 2007
Letter Carriers deliver message: No privatization • Change to Win unions share organizing ideas • Labor opposes 'strong mayor' form of government • Two central labor councils east of Cascade Range merge • Freightliner Machinists prepare for layoff, bargaining
March 2, 2007
Lobbyist for Labor: AFSCME’s Mary Botkin walks the halls of Salem • Freightliner
counts down to mass layoff at Swan Island • AFSCME files for union election at PDC• Union members ask Portland to take anti-sweatshop action
February 16, 2007
Bill Sizemore: Back in business • Willy Myers elected at Sheet Metal Local 16 • Unionist rub elbows with lawmakers at legislative forum • Labor council re-elects slate of officers
February 2, 2007
Facing the coming labor shortage • Union membership in U.S. falls by 326,000 • Movie fictionalizing 1999 WTO protest films for three days in Seattle • Carpenter organizer gets reprieve before deportation • L.A. lab works to improve odds against asbestos cancer • First U.S.-made streetcars will carry union label • Oregon senator helps scuttle minimum wage bill • PDC Board wants more time to amend new construction wage policy • Portland Public Schools hires former union official for labor relations job • Bus strike looms in Corvallis • AFSCME rallies for new contract at Clackamas County • Kaiser gets okay to build new hospital
January 19, 2007
PDC adopts wage policy for private construction projects • Wyden touts universal health coverage plan at business summit • Freightliner building new manufacturing plant in Mexico • New Democratic majority in House gets busy passing labor bills • Bend bus drivers campaign to join ATU Local 757 • SEIU campaign to organize bus drivers stalls
January 5, 2007
Solving the crisis in health care: 2007 will be the best chance in years • Oregon labor unions gear up ambitious political agenda • Bus operators to take strike vote in Corvallis • Union members in Oregon Legislature get key posts • Labor commissioner lists goals for second term • Custodial Board rejects PPS' proposed hiring plan • In lame duck session, Congress passes anti-worker trade law • What's in that union-made bread? Daughters of Bakers Local 114 members have won four pageant crowns
December 15, 2006
Kulongoski names two union leaders to top posts • PDC closer to setting wage policy on private construction projects • Farm Workers Union wins recognition at Threemile • How to set your holiday table with union-made goods • Portland Public Schools drags feet complying with court ruling • Portland City Council okays anti-war stand
December 1, 2006
Union shopping guide for the holidays • U.S. corporations lobby against workers' rights in China • Hope for Venezuela, fear in Colombia • Upcoming NAFTA-style trade deals may be DOA
November 17, 2006
Labor celebrates election night victories • Carpenters organizer faces prison, deportation • AFT readies long union drive among 3,000 nurses at Legacy Health Systems • Cement Mason's Del French to retire after 36 years
November 3, 2006
Movie about Seattle WTO protests will be made in Canada • SEIU's Andy Stern: The new face of labor • Counting every ballot • Mayor taps Mohlis for PDC • In campaign ads, Oregon Republicans paint unions as 'extreme' • Supervisor ruling spurs NLRB to re-examine 54 cases • Construction unions, housing groups hatch plan to settle prevailing wage issue
October 20, 2006
Labor says Kulongoski best bet for working people • Oregon AFL-CIO backs just one measure • Unions react to NLRB rulings on 'Kentucky River' cases •Unions working cooperatively on most Oregon legislative races • Cathy Callahan leaves top job at local NLRB office • Appeals court upholds racketeering, misconduct verdicts against Bill Sizemore • 'Labor legislators' keep workers' interest in mind • Oregon anti-NAFTA group says trade causing job losses and other woes • Unions help Hooley in re-election bid • Goldberg Mechanic Stuart Gibson labor law firm to close • Member of OPEIU Local 11 running for Clark County clerk post
October 6, 2006
New Yorker pours millions into Oregon ballot measures • NLRB ruling changes definition of supervisor; unions will be hit hard • Richmond Baking workers approve first union contract • Labor ponders which direction AOI will go • Congress poised to cut education, labor human services • The Bus Driver: TriMet retiree Ben Fain gets behind the wheel again for the cause • UFCW leaflets nonunion grocer • Longtime Carpenters leader Jim Bledsoe dies of cancer at 73 • Crew at Thompson Metal Fab kept tram construction on schedule
September 15, 2006
State of Working America: Wages have declined over the last five years • Coalition asks Portland not to buy sweatshop goods • Internet furor prompts restaurant owner to rethink position • Union nurses battle hospital and DHS over Oregon's safe staffing guidelines • Convention report: Building Trades to train members as disaster responders • Machinists, Teamsters end ULP strike at Cummins NW
September 1, 2006
The State of the Unions: Facing facts about the fortune of the labor movement •The Peacemaker: Connie Weimer helps union and management get to the deal
August 21, 2006
Congress passes complex pension bill, chock full of special favors • 141 fired custodians will return to Portland school district this fall • PDC wants to talk more about construction wages • Tipped worker pay cut dies in Senate • AFL-CIO releases interim COPE voting records for '06 • Local 11 contract protects workers from NW Natural's cost-cutting plan
August 4, 2006
Minimum wage bill would cut pay for tipped workers • Oman Free Trade Agreement passes; NAFTA-style trade deals proliferate • Senator Smith heeds call of 2,300 union members in 'Kentucky River' cases • Oregon AFL-CIO backs Kulongoski for re-election • Sizemore files anti-union initiatives for 2008 ballot • Portland school custodians' return remains murky • Labor and environmentalists come together
July 21, 2006
Transit union Tri-met contract comes to grief • Machinists strike Cummins NW • Drivers for WHEELS hold one-day strike to save jobs • IBEW 659 ends 10-day strike at Eugene Water & Electric Board • Qwest to close Portland call center; 160 CWA jobs will vanish • Nursing home workers, operators agree to cooperate • Tim Nesbitt joins Governor Kulongoski's campaign staff • AFSCME endorses Ted Kulongoski for re-election
July 7, 2006
Benson Tower carpenter rehired Wednesday … on strike by Friday • Union-backed political party wins official ballot status in Oregon • Three bargaining units settle contracts at Portland Public Schools • Vancouver Hilton workers join UNITE HERE Local 9 • Labor agency will help Oregon veterans find jobs • Portland-based Carpenters Industrial Council formed by national mergers • Clatskanie ethanol plant to be union-built • Eastern Oregon profs drop strike plans, okay deal • Electrical Workers 280 elects Tim Nicol as business manager • NLRB issues 2005 report on elections and workers rights • Court reinstates retiree benefits at Rexam
June 16, 2006
Portland City Council takes hard look at PDC over construction pay • Building trades John Mohlis interested in PDC post • Transit Local 757 elects officers; Jon Hunt will be new president • Signature deadline nears; 17 initiative petitions being circulated • Temple retires as business manager of Cement Masons Local 555
June 2, 2006
Portland school custodians could get millions in back pay • Laborers bolt AFL-CIO; SEIU leaves Oregon state fed • Providence frowns on state official's role on 'Fair Elections' panel • UA Local 290 obtains $3.60 an hour raise over next 3 years • Oregon Lottery workers vote to stay non-union
May 19, 2006
Local 290 members awarded as heroes in crash • Primary election results: It's Kulongoski vs. Saxton in November • Labor federations reach accord on Solidarity Charters • Williams Controls plans to lay off workers and move jobs to China • Judge says prevailing wage law doesn't apply on PDC job • Cancer claims Cornelia Murphy, 40, former Oregon AFSCME staffer • ATU Local 757 members will represent Tri-Met at Rail Rodeo in New York • Former congressman David Bonior works for reform in U.S. labor law
May 5, 2006
A labor guide to the governor's race • Change to Win objects to AFL-CIO solidarity rules • CTW unions stage rallies in 40 U.S. cities • Oregon Supreme Court upholds earlier ruling that custodians were illegally fired • Proposed entertainment center to be union-built • Union wins government retraining benefits - over Freightliner's objection • Fire Fighters rally around Pendleton local facing cuts
April 21, 2006
Unions remember fallen workers • Labor movement wants path to citizenship for illegal immigrants • Oregon AFL-CIO's proposed Workers Memorial hits bureaucratic roadblock • Steve Hecker prepares to leave LERC after 25 years • Workers Guide to OR-OSHA
April 7, 2006
Labor in the governor's race: All over the map • Portland on the short list of massive Change to Win organizing drive • Strike averted at Multnomah Education Service • Baird blasts Bush for letting Bay Bridge use foreign steel • Wright appointed business manager of Bricklayers Local 1• AFL-CIO asked to rescind Solidarity Charter deadline• Ambulance crew leaves ATU 757 for independent union
March 17, 2006
Corporations pay less and less in state taxes, leaving workers to pick up the slack • City unions, Portland reach tentative 4-year agreement • Labor's makeover must start with the heart • Oregon AFL-CIO makes primary endorsements, appoints Byrd secretary-treasurer • Union drive under way at Providence Health Systems • Unions invite politicians to learn ABCs of labor • Washington County Corrections signs contract, averting a planned strike • Oregon Lottery workers file for union election • Richmond Baking votes for Local 114
March 3, 2006
Six building trades unions form Construction Alliance • Storm Warning: Merger madness in utility industry threatens reliability • Multnomah County employees union rejects Linn, backs Wheeler for county chair • Byrd considered for vacant AFL-CIO post; COPE to plan political agenda • SEIU recognized as advocate for 6,000 Oregon child care workers • Corrections staff set March 6 strike in Washingon County • Hillsboro School District contracts out custodial jobs • Court upholds ban on piecemeal-paid signature gatherers
February 17, 2006
Portland School District continues to rankle unions • New political party gains momentum • UFCW Local 555 backs Kulongoski for re-election • Diane Linn picks up endorsements from three labor unions • Training center teachers apprentices how to build bridges — literally
February 3, 2006
Independent union challenges ATU 757 at ambulance unit • AFL-CIO backs Oregon ballot measure to make big employers pay for health care • Union drive at Lottery in limbo • Union card is still a worker's best investment
January 20, 2006
Building Trades Council the first labor group to back Kulongoski for re-election • All aboard the gravy train: The new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit was set up to benefit drug and insurance companies • New Medicare drug program is insanely complex • Nurses at Roseburg's Mercy Medical Center vote for ONA • District Council of Trade Unions to start negotiations with City of Portland • West Virginia miners afraid to speak out about safety problem
January 6, 2006
Witt ineligible to serve as secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO • South Waterfront apprenticeship deal finally gets signatures • DCU members ratify Portland school pact • Freightliner lays off 130 just before Christmas break• Terry Lansing elected to lead Bakers Local 114 • Iron Workers #516 faces shut down at Universal Structural
December 16, 2005
2,000 in Portland march for right to join union • Cowlitz Tribe will build La Center casino with union labor • UFCW Local 555 signs Solidarity Charter with NW Oregon Labor Council • Bricklayer John Mohlis elected leader of Columbia-Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council • Sheet Metal Workers Local 16 members lose to China • Inlandboatman's Union wage 36-hour strike at McCall Oil
December 2, 2005
AFL-CIO and Change to Win announce deal to preserve local labor unity * School employees move closer to strike at Portland School District * Global workers' rights rallies planned Dec. 10 * Momentum builds for critics of Wal-Mart * Oregon AFL-CIO to consider Kyoto Protocol resolution at board meeting * Kulongoski names Chris Warner as new labor liaison * Sandy teachers' strike ends after 16 days on picket line
November 18, 2005
Building trades protest Benson Tower * IBEW helps hurricane survivor start anew in Oregon * Shopping as if the union mattered: A GUIDE TO BUYING UNION * Sandy teachers strike nears close * AFSCME's new office gets decorated by Venezuelan political muralist * CWA asks union members to use Cingular cel phones * Unionists named to City of Portland charter review panel.
November 4, 2005
Union publicizes Wal-Mart workers' skimpy health plan * Mehrens to retire as building trades leader * School district in Sandy forces strike in attempt to bust teachers union * Union workers at Portland Water Bureau at work rebuilding New Orleans * Senator Smith supports minimum wage bill that would hurt lowest-paid workers * AFSCME lobbyist Botkin proposes to change hats * Union officials share insights on AFL-CIO breakup * South Waterfront gets project apprentice agreement * SEIU Local 49 members ratify new contract at Legacy Emanuel * Hillsboro school employees reject outsourcing plan * Portland Public Schools files legal charges against unions * Labor History panel reports parallels, contrasts between 2005 and 1905 * NECA-IBEW apprenticeship program rescues Parkrose High School students
October 21, 2005
Nesbitt resigns as president of Oregon AFL-CIO * Tom Chamberlain to follow Tim Nesbitt as president of Oregon AFL-CIO * Sweeney extends deadline for breakaway unions * Oregon AFL-CIO convention sets policy for next two years * Oregon Supreme Court says Portland school custodians fired illegally * Former governor sounds trumpet for universal health care * Portland School District declares impasse in talks with DCU
October 7, 2005
Workers at Portland Water Bureau head to New Orleans * Machinists ratify contract at Boeing * Split in labor movement hits Oregon state labor federation * Union coalition ratifies 5-year pact with Kaiser Permanente * SEIU chief says U.S. health care needs radical overhaul * Laborers 483 unhappy with Portland Commissioner Saltzman * Bush uses hurricane disaster to ram through low-wage work
September 16, 2005
18,300 Machinists strike Boeing * AFL-CIO mobilizes 1,000 Katrina volunteers * Millionaire hospital CEO offers workers 25 cent raises; Workers strike * Working America hits 1-million-member mark * LERC scrambles to avoid budget axe * Bakers sign contracts at four locations *Workers ratify new three-year-deal at Cascade General Ship Repair * CWA 7901 adds Portland call center workers
September 2, 2005
Solidarity with workers in the world's biggest sweatshop * State labor federation gives year-end grades to Oregon legislators * CWA, Qwest avert strike * Boeing talks come down to wire * NOLC supports striking Northwest Airline mechanics * Hospital visitors arrive healthy, leave with cold shoulder * Portland janitors hold 28-hour sit-in to protest poverty-level wages * State of Oregon workers ratify two-year pact * Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner runs for re-election
August 19, 2005
CWA workers at Qwest Communications ready to strike in 13 states * AFL-CIO gives mixed review to Oregon Legislature * Oregon AFL-CIO considers restructuring in wake of breakup * Union charges Legacy misplaced priorities * CWA woos workers at new Cingular call center * UNITE HERE Local 9 re-elects Richardson to leadership post
August 5, 2005
AFL-CIO splits, limits work with disaffiliated unions * CAFTA passes with help of U.S. Rep. Greg Walden of Oregon * Congress approves energy policy: tax breaks for oil, gas, coal * New law targets workers comp doctor abuses * 'Lonely lawmaker' continued to show up for work in Salem * RNs ratify contract at SW Washington Medical Center * Richards elected secretary-treasurer of OPEIU Local 11 * Ironworkers Local 516 elects new officers
July 15, 2005
Union women protest Wal-Mart sex discrimination * Senate approves CAFTA; trade battle moves to House * PDC names new director * Travis Eri elected to replace Bill Miller at IBEW Local 125
July 1, 2005
City leads tenant revolt against non-union cleaning contractors * Union elections violate U.S. democratic standards * Wyden and Smith cast deciding votes for CAFTA in committee * Iraqi unionists tell Portlanders of hardships and repression * Union fights plan to outsource custodial work at Hillsboro schools * Labor snubbed in PDC search * Richard Beetle elected business manager of Laborers Local 483
June 17, 2005
Capital Consultants collapse detailed at Congressional hearing * Sparks fly at labor breakfast with Congressman David Wu * Health care reform shot down in Salem * and more
June 3, 2005
Retirement Insecurity: The worry-free retirement is fading * Study says unions train more minorities in construction * OPEIU Local 11 appoints interim executive * Labor stung by Wu letters — for Wiederhorn and against a casino
May 20, 2005
CAFTA fight boils down to who will benefit from trade * Construction unions criticized by outgoing PDC chair Hennessee * Social Security benefits would be cut by progressive indexing * Oregon labor leaders ponder idea of political party for workers * SEIU Local 503 organizes six more nursing homes in Oregon * Petroff re-elected at Machinists District Lodge 24 * Wu opposes Cascade Locks casino, irks construction unions
May 6, 2005
Hearings test out Congress positions on CAFTA* Social Security privatization battle intensifies nationwide * State workers protest health care cost shifting * Union Industries Show features American-made goods and services
April 15, 2005
AFL outs Charles Schwab support for privatization * Unions remember workers killed on the job * Cascade Locks casino complex will be union-built * Union says overdue break contributed to bus accident * Building trades asks Canadian developer to 'Hire Oregon First'
April 1, 2005
Health Care Fraud Squad hits Portland streets* Beware of false comparisons: Social Security is an insurance program * Debate rages about the fate of Social Security * Anti-worker CAFTA treaty may be nearing vote in Congress * BOLI rules multi-use housing project subject to wage laws
March 18, 2005
A deal is a deal: Oregon Supreme Court overturns PERS rollbacks * Ideologues, finance sector mobilize for Social Security privatization * Oregon House considers putting union contracts to a public vote *24-hour strike at ConMet nets new contract * A union for non-union workers: 'Working America' comes to Oregon * Crippling Lane Transit strike ends after six days
March 4, 2005
NW lawmakers see problems with Social Security privatization plan * Oregon Legislature tackles skyrocketing health care costs * Union workers celebrate Goldschmidt firing * and more
February 18, 2005
Lies, damn lies and statistics: George Bush's Campaign to Privatize Social Security* Social Security privatization unites Democrats, divides GOP * Social Security workers pushed to promote partisan agenda
February 4, 2005
Parry Center strike ends * AFL-CIOs Witt appointed state rep in District 31 * Labor's Future: Unions react to SEIU's proposal *Water Bureau worker becomes head of AFSCME Local 189 * AFL-CIO to battle Social Security privatization scheme * ATU 757 delays strike at Lane Transit District
January 21, 2005
Labor ponders what to expect from Legislature * Labor's future: SEIU sparks a debate * Bargaining at Portland School District drags on * Potential owner of PGE eyes job cuts * and more
January 7, 2005
Parry Center strike continues* AFL-CIO's Brad Witt backed for House post * AFL-CIO boycotts Granite Investment based on Capital Consultants ties
December 17, 2004
Politicians call on Parry Center management to end strike * The Oregonian asks staffers to scab at paper in Ohio * Cancer claims Cliff Gutwig, 73 * Oregon AFL-CIO hires first full-time organizer, names research director
December 3, 2004
SEIU Strikes Parry Center * Portland mayor-elect Tom Potter reaches out to labor * IBEW Local 48 and NECA light up football fields at Portland high schools
November 19, 2004
President Bush to nation: Get ready for privatized Social Security * AFL-CIO fared well with endorsed candidates in Oregon * UA Local 290's Endicott appointed to SAIF board * Koch retires as secretary-treasurer of Bakers Local 114
November 5, 2004
Bush wins nationally; Kerry takes Oregon and Washington * Longview hospital workers settle after one-day strike * The rich increasingly dodge taxes paid by the rest * AT&T dumps one-fifth of its remaining workforce.
October 15, 2004
Why labor wants George W. Bush out of the White House * Oregonians face a smorgasbord of ballot measures * Frito-Lay's closure wipes out 134 Bakers Union jobs * Local 483 member Damon Mabee running for Oregon City commissioner * SEIU's Andy Stern visits Portland to spur voter registration
October 1, 2004
Labor-Neighbor walkers hit their stride * Americans losing health coverage at alarming rate * Transit Union 757 urges vote on Washington's Proposition 1 * Labor campaigns for living-wage jobs in Central Oregon * Doug Tweedy of Oregon City Local 1388 elected new leader of NW Carpenters * and more
September 17, 2004
Unions back Democrats, but some members lean Republican * Record crowd turns up at Labor Day picnic * Health care: Expect to have to pay more * and more
September 3, 2004
Oregon workers spared cut in overtime pay, for now* State of the Unions: a snapshot of organized labor * Politics focus of building trades convention * CWA's Rosenbaum elected president of the National Labor Caucus of State Legislators * Kulongoski seeks waiver from feds to import Rx drugs from Canada
August 20, 2004
Laid-off Oregonians ask 'where are the jobs?' * AFL-CIO opposes three November ballot measures: Medical malpractice, SAIF elimination and 'takings' * Prescription drug prices send seniors to Canada * 50,000 greet Kerry at Portland's Waterfront Park * and more
August 6, 2004
DeFazio asks Bush-Cheney to give back Enron's 'dirty money' * Democratic platform backs right to organize *Comcast systematically squeezing out unions * Oregon AFL-CIO COPE to weigh merits of Measure 35 * Congress okays NAFTA-like deals with Australia and Morocco * and more
July 16, 2004
City of Vancouver convention center protest grows louder * Freightliner employees ratify contract *Health insurance falling away, even for working people
July 2, 2004
Portland Head Start fights union * Ready to strike at Freightliner * Court overturns FCC plan to deregulate mass media * Capital Consultants salesman found guilty of illegal gratuities * IBEW Local 48 elects Mitchell as business manager * Labor leaders ask Bush to expedite Columbia River funds
June 18, 2004
Striking Utah miners tour Northwest seeking help from union members * First responders respond to secret Bush plans for budget cuts * Waterfront Project seeks more diversity in construction * AFL-CIO puts Wiederhorn, Fog Cutter on Unfair List * SEIU 503 loses election at Oregon Judicial Department * Sizemore shifts his anti-union campaign to the local level
June 4, 2004
Union label rare at Starbucks * Wu to introduce Medicare prescription drug reform *Coos County wants union firm to finish gas pipeline * Labor-endorsed candidates do well in May primary * Qwest disconnects 110 CWA members in Portland
May 21, 2004
Bush's Drug Discount Card confuses seniors * Farmers, industry stall enforcement of pesticide law * Building trades call for boycott of Vancouver Convention Center * Maletis Beverage removed from labor's Unfair List
May 7, 2004
Flight attendants oppose on-board pesticides* Portland schools' cafeteria workers merge with SEIU Local 503 * Oregonians remember the 70 workers killed on the job in 2003 * Employees at KBPS radio station vote for IBEW Local 48
April 16, 2004
AFSCME 189 hosts political reception * Labor defends worker felled by insect spray * State of Oregon outsourcing jobs to India * Oregon Investment Council takes pro-worker stance
April 2, 2004
Beer distributor unfair * OPEIU Local 11 ratifies five-year 'joint accord' at Northwest Natural * Oregon AFL-CIO issues endorsements for May 18 primary * Francesconi, Leonard win NOLC backing * Machinists 'pre-approve' strike at Freightliner yard * Classifieds at Portland Public Schools ratify two-year contract
March 19, 2004
DeFazio, Nesbitt take aim at job-destroying trade policy * Union, Leonard unite to protect whistleblower * NOLC interviews political hopefuls * Portland carpenter heads to El Salvador to fight NAFTA II * ILWU Local 5 reaches tentative deal with Powell's Books * Oregon AFL-CIO won't pursue initiatives in November * AND MORE
March 5, 2004
Cabinet chiefs dodge invite to meet Oregon's jobless at PCC * SEIU files for 1,400 judicial workers * Phone company accused of falsely claiming union label * Portland jury tells Wal-Mart to pay for off-the-clock work * New SEIU state director impressed by Oregon *Hallock leaves governor's post to return to UO, replaced by Tom Chamberlain * AND MORE
February 20, 2004
27,000 Oregonians lose unemployment insurance pay * U.S. judge upholds ban on petition pay per signature* UFCW endorses Adams for Portland City Council post
February 6, 2004
California grocery war ignites national campaign * Farmworkers in Oregon to get meal and rest breaks * Pueblo Steelworkers to vote on Oregon Steel proposal * Boydstun Metal Works fires outspoken union supporter * United Air Comfort shuts down after union wins election * USPS ordered to halt overuse of temps * Portland workers pan State of the Union address * AND MORE
January 16, 2004
Labor movement urges ‘yes’ vote on Ballot Measure 30 * Plumbers object to ‘waterless urinals’ * Children’s charities get B.U.L.L. Session gift of $300k * AND MORE
January 2, 2004
Union says cleaning firm uses ‘franchises’ to skirt wage laws * After ‘decert,’ CNF looks to send jobs overseas * Good Samaritan Hospital workers avert one-day strike * Bush ignores jobless workers * UFCW takes health care strike against Safeway nationwide * AND MORE  
December 19, 2003
Demonstrations in 64 cities for the right to organize * AFL-CIO wants SAIF to revert back to state agency * Critics say NAFTA’s 10-year record validates dire predictions * O’Connor, Petroff re-elected to top labor council spots * Mayor Katz agrees to meet with MACG on affordable housing and living wage * AND MORE
December 5, 2003
Union movement condemns Miami police conduct * SEIU wins wave of union elections at nursing homes * IBEW 125 reacts to Enron's proposed sale of PGE * AFL-CIO revs up "Right to Organize" campaign * CNF Services office workers decertify from Local 11 * OHSU ‘contracts in’ AFSCME patients billing unit * Changes in Medicare prescription drug bill tough to swallow * Oregon AFL-CIO considers plan to protect workers from overtime scheme * Leonard to seek re-election; uncertain on whom to support for mayor * Radio stations’ new owners not fans of unions * AND MORE
November 21, 2003
Powells workers stage first of multiple walkouts * Oregon rocked hard by economic tremors * Portland seniors demand right to import cheaper Canadian drugs * Providence Milwaukie nurses win hard-fought first contract * Labor rights violations widespread in the United States
November 7, 2003
Portland grocery, meat contracts ratified * AFSCME Local 189 says ‘Go Fish’ in Portland City Council race * Len Phillips settles in at Sheet Metal Workers 16 * Curbs on liberties opposed by Portland City Council, labor * Colombian unionist risks life to aid workers in his country * CWA reaches tentative contract at Dex Media * AND MORE
October 17, 2003
Large numbers of unemployed reach end of the line * AFL-CIO releases 2003 ratings of Oregon legislators * Big layoffs at Viking Industries and Canron hit union workers hard * Labor council, building trades group endorse Markgraf for PUD position * Corcoran to leave Senate for job on state panel * Local 11 appeals 'decert' loss at CNF * ILWU Local 5 faces contract trouble with Powell’s Books * Union pension funds invested in South Waterfront project * AND MORE
October 3, 2003
Immigrant workers board bus to D.C. to win civil rights * Managers worsening Multnomah County chaos * Congress considers bills to accelerate thinning of forests * Kaiser Permanente gets high marks on quality of care report * AND MORE
September 19, 2003
Delegates tap leaders for AFL-CIO’s top spots * Local 11 fights decertification attempt at CNF * Oregon labor gears up for high-stakes political battle * NOLC opposes November ballot measure to create public utility district * Labor mourns death of Local 36's Quigley * "Labor's Campaign Heroes" honored at special dinner * AND MORE
September 5, 2003
Workers protest Bush policies* UAW ends 344-day strike at Williams Controls * OEA, AFT sue to hold Sizemore liable for $2.5 million verdict * Workers at Crown Cork and Seal honor slain co-worker's memory * Laid-off custodian illustrates family health care needs * AND MORE
August 15, 2003
Despite surprise vote by Wyden, labor loses trade votes * Construction workers rally lawmakers for jobs * Rosenbaum challenges Witt for secretary-treasurer * Embattled pro-union workers lose third election at Boydstun Metal * Portland seniors 'blow whistle' on Medicare privatization plan * Union Summer turns focus to recruiting young people * Union restaurant guide * Portland coalition kicks off immigrant rights campaign * AND MORE
August 1, 2003
PERS battle cry: 'A deal is a deal' * Oregon lawmakers defy labor, vote for free trade agreements * AFL-CIO files initiatives proposing health care for all kids in Oregon * Bill would help put 'Made in Oregon' back on license plates * AND MORE
July 18, 2003
Portland janitors ratify contract * Unions protest G-P's out-of-state workers * Home for the holidays, congressmen hear from unionists * 8,000 Carpenters end strike in Western Washington * Providence Milwaukie nurses strike * Unions nearly ready to file PERS lawsuits * AND MORE
July 4, 2003
First contract for 13,000 homecare workers * Drug companies bilk U.S. consumers, author says * State workers reach 11th-hour deal * Workers at John Day's Blue Mountain Hospital push to join AFSCME * ILWU reaches accord for MERC security staff * Carpenters walk out in Western and Central Washington * AND MORE
June 20, 2003
Labor fears the worst in new Chile, Singapore trade deals * NLRB slaps Williams Controls for unfair acts * CWA leads 'privacy rights'protest at Comcast Cable* Janitors march for fair contract * Iron Workers' Paddy Barry steps down as business manager * CWA reaches tentative deal with Qwest * AND MORE
June 6, 2003
Opponents fight Wal-Mart expansion site by site * Labor bills to rein in drug costs face roadblock * Metropolitan Alliance assembly gets labor boost * Jury awards iron worker $520,000 for jobsite negligence * Portland, AFSCME Local 189 settle 2001 dispute * Voters pass new income taxes to fund schools for three years * Bill targets 'Enterprise Zone' property tax exemptions * AND MORE
May 16, 2003
Judge shuts down Sizemore operation * Portland votes to enforce and track wage laws * Unions prepare lawsuit against PERS reform bill * Transit Union Local 757 reaches accord with ambulance service AMR * SEIU Local 49 loses Lebanon Hospital vote * No end in sight for UAW strikers at Williams Controls in Tigard * Reports on May Day activities in Portland, Bend, and Wauna * Union baker a finalist in national cake decorating contest * Unions play big role at annual Women in Trades Fair * AND MORE
May 2, 2003
UFCW airs new Wal-Mart strategy * AFL-CIO's Nesbitt tells City Club tax reform needed * Ballot Measure 26-48 to aid Multnomah County schools backed by labor * Labor counts win for corporate accountability reform * Security guards seek first ILWU contract at Metro * Labor criticizes budget proposals of Oregon's governor, legislators * AND MORE
April 18, 2003
At Oregon Legislature 'Jobs in the woods' bill gaining momentum * AFSCME marks 35th anniversary of MLK assassination * Seventy-five workers killed on the job in Oregon in 2002 * Labor provides input in new hazardous noise booklet * AND MORE
April 4, 2003
Anti-union Wal-Mart challenging UFCW * Labor picks four candidates for Portland School Board * Minimum wage under attack in Oregon House * Oregon lawmakers extend unemployment insurance * Retirees group holds founding convention
March 21, 2003
Number of uninsured grows in Oregon, U.S. * Former congressman builds labor-environmentalist bridges * Pro-union worker fired by bank, hired by union * Unions join rally for peace
March 7, 2003
Trade treaties target service, information, public sectors * Portland teachers ratify pact * AND MORE
Feb. 21, 2003
Labor takes tax fairness campaign to legislators * Portland city agency rebuffs coalition's call to use 'responsible contractors' * Sizemore still dodging jury's verdict, union attorney says * Union family of murder victim recall her activist life * Employees give input in design of new unit at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center * ANALYSIS: Why is the impending war a union issue? * AND MORE
Feb. 7, 2003
Ex-Gov. Goldschmidt lobbies against airline workers * Providence Milwaukie nurses fight for first contract, agency shop * Rally buoys United Auto Workers' strikers at Williams Controls * AFL-CIO sees success in better-crafted tax plan * Salem rally cries for 'education funding' * AND MORE
Jan. 17, 2003
Teachers' strike looms at Portland schools * Questions and answers about Ballot Measure 28 * Union supporters turn away cars of strikebreakers at Williams Controls * Oregon AFL-CIO fleshes out legislative 'action plan' * AND MORE
Jan. 3, 2003
Health care reform tops labor's legislative agenda * Oregon AFL-CIO wants Indian gambling casinos to be built and operated union * IBEW taps Edwards for District 9 post; Zadow new BM * IBEW's Gardner puts 'labor' back into labor commissioner's office * Metropolitan Alliance pushes for 'responsible contracting' in housing * Analysis: Failure of Measure 28 will hurt economy * Boydstun Metal Works fires union supporter, father of 11 * AND MORE
December 20, 2002
Kulongoski appoints Hallock a senior policy adviser * Resolution to Sizemore case delayed for months * Steelworkers hopeful Colorado dispute may end at Oregon Steel * Striking UAW workers hope for accord with Williams Control * BULL Session donates $300,000 to charities * Workers, unions and community succeed in recalling Lincoln County school board members * AND MORE
December 6, 2002
Grocery/meat strike averted in Oregon * AFL-CIO endorses Measure 28 in January special election * Sizemore files three more anti-union measures for 2004 * Safeway, Frito Lay helped fight minimum wage measure * National protests Nov. 21 launch Justice@Wal-Mart drive * Workers' Rights Board takes hard look at janitorial contractors * Nesbitt tapped for Kulongoski's transition steering committee * West Coast dockworkers to vote on 6-year contract * AND MORE
November 15, 2002
Labor helps elect new governor, raise wages * 'Nickel and Dimed' Ehrenreich urges Central Oregon unions, activists to build economic justice movement * Oregon attorney general wants Sizemore stopped * Pride@Work unionists reach hundreds at Portland gay, lesbian confab * Thursday, Nov. 21 'Day of Action' to focus on Wal-Mart * AND MORE
November 1, 2002
ILWU offers to unload World Series cameras for free, but shippers refuse * Countdown to Election Day * UFCW 555 re-elects Pronovost, Clay * Two Oregon SEIU locals join fight to deflate Rx prices * Utah economist debunks high-costs ascribed to Davis-Bacon * UAW cautions customers at scab-run Williams Controls * Union-busting consultant Jim Frazer strikes again * LERC professor says job training not solution to unemployment
October 18, 2002
November 2002 election endorsements * Bush Taft-Hartley court order forces shippers to end lockout * Guild ratifies 5-year pact at Eugene Register-Guard * Ballot Measure 25: Low-wage workers to get pay raise if labor-backed measure wins * 'Stop Cogentrix' coalition declares victory in Madras * First phase of new G-P plant is 'rat' * Organized labor aims to expand political influence * Machinists' Don Wheeler dies at 62 * Henson named business manager of AFSCME 189 * Union retirees endorse Bill Bradbury for U.S. Senate * AND MORE
October 4, 2002
Jury agrees that Sizemore's OTU groups engaged in racketeering * Shippers lock out ILWU * Oregon AFL-CIO opposes health care for all measure * 'Labor's Own' endorsements include four rank-and-filers * Alliance for Retired Americans mobilizes in Portland area * AFSCME looking for former members to form retirees' club * Willamette Valley grocery talks stalled * HERE Local 9 re-elects Richardson, Gonzalez * Women rally for Bradbury, blast Smith TV attack ad
September 20, 2002
Machinists reject pact at Boeing, but strike vote doesn't fly * Union lawsuit whittles away at Sizemore's credibility * CF bankruptcy puts workers behind the 8-ball * Retired cop Jeff Barker labor's choice in new House District 28 * Budget cuts could force closure of seven prisons, AFSCME warns * 'Wobblies' resurrecting in Portland, but face employer opposition * Recession may be over, but workers still face uncertainty about recovery * AND MORE
September 6, 2002
Machinists remain on job at Boeing * Sizemore initiative lawsuit tossed out * Building Trades Council endorses Smith for U.S. Senate * Labor's own Randy Leonard vies for Portland City Council seat * AFSCME organizes staff at Hermiston's only hospital * Beleaguered workers at Boydstun Metal vote for Local 16 * PGE workers and Democrats demand accountability for corporate crooks * AND MORE
August 16, 2002
Falling stock prices leave PERS under-funded * Anti-union measures won't be on November ballot * AFL-CIO blasts Bush threat of troops versus longshore workers * ATU 757 elects Zullo to lead union * Civil Service Board orders reinstatement of school custodians * Labor's Own legislator: CWA's Diane Rosenbaum * AFL-CIO Summer School continues to draw record crowds *
August 2, 2002
Sizemore's anti-union initiative won't make it onto Oregon ballot * Transit Union considers accepting Romanian subway unit as affiliate * State legislator Gary Hansen proud of his Plumbers card * Unions forced to organize outside toothless labor laws * Guild over three years without contract at Eugene Register-Guard * More schools look at contracting out * Bush fast track gets congressional approval * AND MORE
July 19, 2002
Portland School Board discards 300 custodial jobs * Machinists at Boeing plants authorize strike in big way * Initiative reformers file petition to end the buying and selling of signatures * Minimum wage initiative headed for November ballot * Critics find massive forgery and fraud on Sizemore's I-18 * Labor's own voice for the little guy plays defense at the State Capitol * Four years after unionizing, Bi-Mart workers decertify without a contract * AND MORE
July 5, 2002
Port strike looms along Pacific Coast * Seniors buy drugs, save money on cross-border 'Rx Express' * Portland School Board closer to contracting custodial jobs * AND MORE
June 21, 2002
AFL-CIO says: 'Ted Kulongoski for governor!' * CWA applauds support of Beaverton mayor for AT&T merger * Delegates debate issues at Oregon AFL-CIO convention * Health care initiative opposed; AFL-CIO puts its stamp on 2002 general election campaign * Custodians take jobs campaign to school board neighbors * AND MORE
June 7, 2002
Union voters help put candidates over top in May primary * With NW senators' approval 'Fast track' passes Senate * Labor plays major role in founding Metro Alliance for Common Good * Oregon Bus Project targets electing Democrats to the State Legislature * NLRB judge rules Kaiser lockout of Steelworkers illegal * It's official, Leonard will run for Portland City Council * Office and Professional Employees Local 11 enters new chapter * PGE responds to union grievance with lawsuit * Sizemore files anti-union ballot measure * AND MORE
May 17, 2002
Oregon AFL-CIO creates 'New Alliance' * U.S. panel says Canadian softwood imports hurt American woodworkers * Workers at Umatilla Chemical Depot vote union * KPTV 12 news staff decertifies from AFTRA * Labor collecting signatures for initiative to boost minimum wage * Columbia-Pacific Building Trades asks unions to join Metro Alliance group * Building trades hold May Day rally * AND MORE
May 3, 2002
Custodians offer wage concessions at school district * Experts forecast continuing crisis in health care costs * Kitzhaber vetoes farm worker bargaining bill * Painters engage members with massive gift giveaway
April 19, 2002
Memorial service April 26 in Portland * AT&T strike contingency procedure involved training workers from India * Labor raises $29,427 for MDA without bowling a single ball * OR-OSHA reaches $1 million settlement on 1997 airport garage collapse
April 5, 2002
Labor joins environmentalists, others to stop power plant in Central Oregon* Albany Steelworkers ratify contract at Wah Chang * Voter alert: More signature thieves hit Salem, Portland * Portland School Board considers severe cuts in budget
March 15, 2002
Custodians turn up heat to keep jobs at schools * Hansen succeeds Cook as president of Letter Carriers Portland Branch 82 * September trial date set in RICO lawsuit against Sizemore's OTU * Steelworkers' settlement at Wah Chang remains uncertain
March 1, 2002
Steelworkers still waiting for Wah Chang contract * Boycott leads NORPAC to negotiate with PCUN * Oregon AFL-CIO to sponsor initiative to outlaw pay for petition signers * AFL-CIO's Nesbitt argues against fast-track trade scheme
February 15, 2002
Governor has role in settlement of OHSU nurse's strike * School District intends to contract out custodial jobs * Downey succeeds Younger at Multnomah County AFSCME Local 88 * IBEW urges Congress to protect workers from pension abuses
February 1, 2002
Diverse groups join labor in asking state legislators for worker relief package * Damage lingers from power crisis * DCTU stung by Portland proposal to hike non-union wages up to 26 percent * Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are used to clobber workers
January 18, 2002
Labor in vanguard of Bush protesters * Governor releases list of potential state budget cuts * New pesticide rules ignore concerns about worker health * Albany labor dispute ruled a strike
January 4, 2002
Striking nurses find community support * The year in review - Oregon AFL-CIO looks back on 2001 * Voter Education Project fights petition fraud * Congressional hearing gets earful from PGE employees
December 21, 2001
Kulongoski wins AFL-CIO support * 12,000 homecare workers in Oregon say 'Union Yes' * AFSCME Local 88 elects Rosenberger president * Local 125 members testify at congressional probe of Enron fiasco
December 7, 2001
Governor endorsement on AFL-CIO's docket * Tentative deal reached at NWREL * Labor Council supports city's refusal to assist feds with immigrant interviews * IRRA panel examines spiraling costs for health care
November 16, 2001
Laid-off union workers in Oregon protest 'stimulus' bill * Portland city workers ratify pact * Home health care workers to vote on unionization * Blumenauer speaks out against fast-track trade bill
November 2, 2001
Postal workers in terrorist's sights; two die in D.C. * Ratification of Portland, DCTU contract proposal uncertain * Steelworkers' lockout at Rocky Mountain Steel enters fifth year * AFL-CIO to join business group for economic recovery summit Nov. 19
October 19, 2001
DCTU gives strike notice to City of Portland * Senate Republican filibuster halts airline workers' aid * Freightliner wins wage cuts before announcing closure * Wah Chang locks out 694 Albany Steelworkers
October 5, 2001
Fed's airline bailout bill leaves workers behind * Skyrocketing health care costs impact bargaining * Building Trades Council girds for fight against initiative to kill prevailing wage * Freightliner says Portland plant will close if concessions not met
September 21, 2001
Oregon AFL-CIO convention trudges forward following news of terrorist attacks on U.S. * Gubernatorial candidates court convention delegates * Home care campaign by Local 503 nears completion * Portland cabbies stage wildcat strike at Broadway Cab
September 7, 2001
Gardner gets early support from labor groups in race for labor commissioner *Flight attendants tell Delta Air Lines 'It's union for us' * Unprecedented verdict frees Adidas shoe worker in Indonesia * AFT-Oregon files lawsuit against Sizemore's OTU
August 24, 2001
Portland city workers move closer to strike * More organizing needed to increase labor's power * Oregon AFL-CIO compiles COPE voting records for 2001 * Clock ticking for strike at Oregon's state universities by SEIU #503
August 3, 2001
Workplace drug testing policies nabbing non-users * Mandatory drug testing for workers dates back to 1980s * Electrician eyeing run for labor post * State workers to vote on contract
July 20, 2001
AFL-CIO joins diverse group to fight unfair trade bill * Unions fare okay as 71st legislative session ends July 6 * Workers at Freightliner ratify new pact * Work stoppage looms for largest unit of Oregon public employees
July 6, 2001
City employees go on 'Porkland' tour * Legislature passes bill to extend unemployment insurance benefits * CWA inks first union contract at AT&T Broadband * Union leaders file several draft initiatives for 2002 election ballot
June 15, 2001
Oregon lawmakers tinker with electricity deregulation delay * Willamette Industries workers protest Weyerhaeuser invasion * Kitzhaber signs 'Patients' Bill of Rights' * Gateway Health closes day after union election date set
June 1, 2001
Sheriff Noelle wants county prisoners to replace union janitorial workers *Aramark cafeteria workers at PSU join AFSCME union * Union households in Oregon cast most ballots, study shows
May 18, 2001
Northwest aluminum workers protest BPA's death-knell *Court upholds injured worker's rights * Portland wage subsidy at PGE Park rankles DCTU * Gillespie succeeds Devlaeminck as president of AFSCME Council 75
May 4, 2001
Metal Trades Council neutral in Cascade's sale of Dry Dock 4 * Employees at Eugene Register-Guard struggle for new contract * Health professionals file for union election at Pacific Gateway Hospital * Displaced workers share unemployment woes with legislators
April 20, 2001
NAFTA job retraining program out of money * Unions urge citizen input at Portland city budget hearings * Labor opposes NAFTA-like plan to cover Western Hemisphere * Iron Workers #29's Neil Crocker gets hero's salute at labor awards banquet
April 6, 2001
Carpenters Union pulls out of AFL-CIO * Labor unites on plan for BPA power * ATU Local 757 sues Laidlaw for violation of Corvallis wage law * Portland School District custodians get the axe mid-year
March 16, 2001
Management letter to city of Portland employees irks members of DCTU * Lawmakers call for stricter curbs on Mexican trucks * Labor alarmed about secret trade negotiations * AFL-CIO presents bills to extend unemployment benefits
March 2, 2001
Oregon AFL-CIO jobs panel wants electrical dereg statute delayed * Kaiser Aluminum expected to pull the plug soon on Northwest * Local 701 event custodians win first contract with MERC * Petroff elected head of IAM District Lodge 24
February 16, 2001
U.S. sawmill jobs at stake in battle over Canadian lumber * AFL-CIO Nurses win organizing drive at Kaiser * Multnomah County sets up mortgage aid for union employees
February 2, 2001
Energy crisis prompts deregulation concern * Sizemore group files more initiatives * Union workers bend ears of Wyden, Blumenauer on energy crisis concern * Tri-Met won't buy Rocky Mountain steel for light rail
January 19, 2001
Oregon AFL-CIO 'cautiously positive' about Legislature * Portland school custodians resist move to graveyard shift * AFL-CIO asks Wyden to oppose Ashcroft for Attorney General * Willamette Industries unions band together for better pensions
January 5, 2001
West's rising power bills costing thousands of union jobs * $1.5 million gift will help LERC establish job safety programs * Former Precision Castparts worker gets $100k to leave
December 15, 2000
Oregon AFL-CIO backs "patients' bill of rights" bill for 2001 Legislature * Teachers union files lawsuit against OTU * CWA's Joel Valera fired by AT&T for speaking up * OPEU organizes NW Education Labs
December 1, 2000
Search starts to find new executive director for LERC * Court tosses labor's Open and Fair Elections Act ballot measure * Anti-union campaign takes toll on AWPPW organizing drive * BULL Session presents $250,000 to nine charities
November 17, 2000
Sizemore measures go down in flames * Union members turn out to polls in record numbers; business outspends labor 15 to 1 * Labor coalition ends partnership program with City of Portland * Hallock steps down as LERC director
November 3, 2000
'Super Sunday' brings top union officials to Portland to fight 92 & 98 * Previous election invalidated; Heintzman back at helm of ATU 757 * Union-led campaign may block Oregon Steel from light-rail project * Local 11 401(k) trust sues Capital Consultants, others
October 20, 2000
Shipyard workers reject proposals * Painters District Council 5 helps Hispanic workers collect back pay * AFL-CIO supports three ballot measures: 6, 94 & 99
October 6, 2000
Feds take over Capital Consultants; unions' trust funds at stake * Measure 93 would cost taxpayers millions to answer 'nickel-and-dime' funding questions * Kaiser Permanente and labor finalize national contract * Steelworkers Union announces end to Kaiser lockout
September 15, 2000
Gore opposes anti-union Measures 92 and 98 * Sizemore and gang experiment with 'educational reform' with Measure 95 * Steelworkers and allies want Tri-Met to rule out Oregon Steel * Building Trades Council 'just says no' to Measures 92 & 98
September 1, 2000
New Portland Classical Chinese Garden is union-built * Measure 91 would make the rich richer, while state services undergo severe cuts * Steelworkers win 'Good Corporate Citizenship Clause' at BPA * City of Portland contract workers get raise as part of 'Living Wage' drive
August 18, 2000
Powell's workers ratify first contract * Paramount Hotel signs union contract with HERE Local 9 * Judge gags CWA at US West/Qwest * Bi-Mart in hot water again with NLRB
August 4, 2000
'Paycheck deception' Measures 92 and 98 qualify for state ballot * Union officials content with Georgia-Pacific buyout of Fort James * Religious employers don't always practice what they preach * Frustrated by stalled negotiations, AFSCME members march on Salem City Council meeting
July 21, 2000
Asst. police chief meets with labor council to discuss 'May Day Melee' * Labor and religious leaders renew alliance to help working poor * Oregon labor movement gears up for major election effort * After 22-month ordeal, Steelworkers approve pay-raise deal to end Kaiser feud
July 7, 2000
Oregon AFL-CIO plans for politics, organizing * Portland Workers' Rights Board hears Powell's Bookstore case * Public defense lawyers conduct one-day strike * Actors picket Portland ad agencies
June 16, 2000
Tradeswomen pitch non-traditional work to students * Delta Airlines target of AFL-CIO rally for right to organize * Wage and hour panel requires parents to monitor teens' night work * Bruce to retire as head of IBEW Local 48; Edwards takes over
June 2, 2000
NW Labor Press celebrates first century, looks to second * Judge rules Oregon Steel must pay lost wages * AFL-CIO COPE confab June 19-20
May 19, 2000
With help from Carpenters Union, Drywall hangers get back pay; more due * AFL-CIO signs off on package of workers' comp changes proposed by governor's panel * ATU wins $35,631 in back pay for Laidlaw crew * State of Oregon temp workers vote for union
May 5, 2000
Northwest Oregon Labor Council May Primary recommendations * AFL-CIO steps up to fight permanent trading status for China * Nike billionaire Knight irked by UofO stand on worker rights * New Xerox employees join UNITE
April 21, 2000
Labor to remember workers killed on the job * OSHA hearings will stress need for workplace ergonomics standard * New global economy holds peril for American workers, Marshall warns * Workers face debilitating exposure to countless pesticides on the job
April 7, 2000
Boeing workers stand together, win together * School custodians stop plan to replace them with students, other volunteers * Oregon will be test state for national AFL-CIO's 'New Alliance' program * Teacher union head debates Bill Sizemore
March 17, 2000
AFL-CIO weighs in on primary election * AFL-CIO survey says pay equity top concern of women * Unionists sit-in at Washington State Capitol * Corvallis hospital housekeepers represented by OE Local 701 intensify crusade for first contract
March 3, 2000
Oregon AFL-CIO embarks on Labor 2000 campaign * Kaiser and unions will try national bargaining * Head Start workers in Jackson, Josephine counties to vote on union * Christian Coalition of Oregon in bed with Bill Sizemore
February 18, 2000
Labor group tells feds destroying dams not the answer * Economist says Social Security system not on verge of collapse * Engineers, technicians strike Boeing Co. * Sizemore files signatures to put 'paycheck deception' back on ballot
February 4, 2000
"Unity rally" bolsters strikers at CleanPak * Oregon AFL-CIO files "Patients' Bill of Rights" initiative * Skit protests oppression of banana workers in Guatemala * UFCW Local 555 wraps up grocery contracts early
January 21, 2000
Portland labor-management program saving tax dollars * Corvallis bus drivers get contract * Universal health care initiative filed * State wants to use inmate labor to build new women's prison in Wilsonville
January 7, 2000
Oregon AFL-CIO unfolds ambitious 2000 political plan * Governor appoints panel to look at workers' comp * Weston elected to head SEIU #49 * Boss wins 'decert' at Coos Bay newspaper
December 17, 1999
Labor rally opens America's eyes to WTO * DeFazio, U.S. elected officials respond to WTO * AT&T to close Portland office; CWA strike eyed * Internet Web designers have contract with UFCW
December 3, 1999
Chief executive officers' pay exploded in 1990s * Machinists help member win back job, overtime pay * Locked-out Kaiser Aluminum workers rally outside BPA office in Portland
November 19, 1999
How trade came to be more important than anything else * Doctors reject contract proposal from Providence Medical Group * Union workers display their skills in making casks for Trojan 'hot' rods
November 5, 1999
Sheet Metal Local 16 strike at CleanPak is the longest in Oregon * Anti-WTO rally in Seattle is 'building like a tidal wave' * State corrections workers make their point in week-long strike * OE #701 gets first contract at SW Washington Medical Center
October 15, 1999
World Trade Organization: Labor coalition begins mobilization for Seattle 'Street Heat' * New leader at HERE Local 9 ambitious to organize Portland * Committees, political action outlined by Oregon AFL-CIO * Labor works together to pass Corvallis bus operators initiative
October 1, 1999
Organizing a top priority for Nesbitt, Witt * Per-cap increase will fund campaigns to fight Sizemore's anti-union initiatives * Resolutions map out AFL-CIO agenda * Leonard says time might be ripe for Democratic Labor Party
September 17, 1999
Nesbitt, Witt win AFL-CIO election on white ballot * O'Connor, Petroff seek re-election at Northwest Oregon Labor Council * Operating Engineers brace for strike at Kaiser Permanente * Engineers decertify at Frito Lay
September 3, 1999
Fletcher to retire from top post of Oregon AFL-CIO *Machinists at Boeing vote on new contract * Devlaeminck drops out of race for president of AFL-CIO * City of Portland employees reject contract extension
August 20, 1999
Union workers move Trojan nuclear reactor to Hanford graveyard * Labor happy to see legislative session come to an end * Proposed US West/Qwest merger raises concerns of CWA officials * Atlas Copco workers vote 141 to 1 to strike
August 6, 1999
New Keizer skate park is union made * Mobilization against globalization in Seattle the week of Nov. 30 * Labor history mural to be unveiled at Portland Community College
July 16, 1999
The broken promise of U.S. labor law: How ATU took on a multi-billion-dollar company * IBEW Local 48's Grant Zadow appointed to Port Commission *Wells Fargo steps down as lead financier for Oregon Steel Mills * CWA's Rosenbaum will run for Oregon AFL-CIO first VP
July 2, 1999
Portland unionists take 'Freedom Tour' at PDX * The broken promise of U.S labor law: After 50 years of labor attempts at reform, where do unions go from here? * Oregon AFL-CIO will seek special assessment to fight 'right-to-work' * Oregon AFL-CIO keeps Pac/West on Unfair/Do Not Patronize List
June 18, 1999
Labor coalition will advocate a balanced approach to save fish * The broken promise of U.S. labor law: Rights guaranteed but unprotected * Oregon's 'highest-in-nation' minimum wage shows benefits
June 4, 1999
SEIU 49 ratifies pact at Kaiser Permanente * Painters embark on five-state organizing campaign * Portland group seeks Katz' support in steel dispute
May 21, 1999
Machinists vote to end strike at Cummins NW * Bi-Mart workers censored * A member of Roofers Local 49 earns Lifesaving Award
May 7, 1999
Local 701's Cook takes full-time job at Port of Portland * OPEU trying to organize 'temps' * Striking Cummins Machinist takes own life April 28
April 16, 1999
Labor to remember workers killed on the job * Sawyer to run for secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO * Klamath Falls millionaire pushes 'JOBS Plus' agenda * Bus drivers walk out in protests
April 2, 1999
Corvallis bus drivers stage one-day walkout * Union-owned Global Mariner documents exploitation * Sheet Metal Union feels heat of prison labor competition * House votes to roll back minimum wage
March 19, 1999
Nesbitt, Witt announce slate for top posts in AFL-CIO * Restaurant association continues assault on minimum wage * UFCW wants Rite Aid on boycott list * Derfler drops "right-to-work" bill in Senate
March 5, 1999
Labor talks Social Security with area politicians * Intel's request for tax break wins support * ATU files initiative petition to set prevailing wage for bus operators * Damages due for delay in reopening Hawthorne Bridge
February 19, 1999
Senate passes charter school bill; tip-credit lobby challenged * Trades gather to protest unfair hiring practices * Union membership climbs nationally; drops in Oregon
February 5, 1999
Machinists strike parts department at Cummins * Minimum wage, farmworkers under attack in Salem * Laidlaw Inc. driving Portland school, Corvallis bus operators closer to strike * Steelworkers to ratchet up pressure on Wells Fargo
January 15, 1999
Oregon jobs don't pay living wages * AFSCME's Devlaeminck to run for president of Oregon AFL-CIO * US West bosses get fat pay raises
January 1, 1999
Corvallis bus drivers closer to walking out * Oregon AFL-CIO eyes assessment to fight 'right-to-work' anti-union law * 'Union' grocers are opening new stores non-union * Oregon AFL-CIO won't talk to reporters from ABC
December 18, 1998
Sizemore sues Oregon AFL-CIO over Measure 59 * Powell's Books trying to stifle organizing drive by ILWU * Slain Seattle bus driver, ATU member, remembered with procession service
December 4, 1998
Sizemore files more 'paycheck deception' initiatives for 2000 * Labor fights job safety rule changes * Students and faculty at Lewis & Clark College ask justice for janitors
November 20, 1998
Voters squash anti-unon Measure 59 * Transportation Department looking at Abhe & Svoboda * CWA, US West join forces to help dislocated workers
November 6, 1998
Corvallis bus drivers veer toward strike * Non-food employees at Eugene Freddy's go union * Multnomah County okays living wage * Painters win grievance against Portland School District
October 16, 1998
Women of Steel * Machinists win back pay from Kuni BMW * PCUN signs two more union contracts
June 5, 1998
Lane County grocery, meat workers on the verge of checking out * Washington minimum wage petition still collecting signatures * SW Washington Medical Center pays 'hired guns' to fight union organizing
May 15, 1998
O'Connor sworn in as leader of NW Oregon Labor Council * Portland School District's budget proposes cutting 43 custodial jobs * Jobs in 21st century Oregon to require more training * Fair highlights non-traditional career opportunities for women
May 1, 1998
Several hundred pay respects to workers killed on the job * SEIU embarks on organizing drive at SW Washington Medical Center * Portland City Council okays new living wage
April 17, 1998
Labor Press eagle awards land * Not all who died at work will be remembered April 28 * Labor council will hold memorial service April 28 * Oregon Farmworkers Union signs historic first contract
April 3, 1998
Arbitrator will decide ATU ambulance pact * Labor to observe Workers Memorial Day * New Bakers Union T-shirt tells history of union label
March 20, 1998
Portland janitors take to streets for justice * State labor federation prioritizes political plans * WSLC glad Legislature is out
March 6, 1998
Bonneville Power the focus of AFL-CIO forum * NW Oregon Labor Council's Ron Fortune will retire May 1 * Fahey endorsed for labor commissioner * Washington's Baird gears up for second run at Congress * Microsoft ruling a blow to 'independent contractor' dodge
Feb. 20, 1998
Living wage initiative moves toward passage * Transit Union battles Laidlaw Inc. * Kitzhaber wants four more years
Feb. 6, 1998
Midwest Steel fined $1.5 million in fatal airport accident * PDX parking patrol may strike Feb. 9 * Iron Workers Local 516 strike at Hanna-Sherman ends after four days * Longshore Union organizes workers at Sitka Sound Seafood
Jan. 16, 1998
Martin Luther King: A workers' champion * Machinists stop raid at Johnson Controls * Will California vote to silence workers?
Jan. 2, 1998
Two seats open on Oregon AFL-CIO E-Board; new L-M committee staffed * Wells Fargo loses more accounts * 'Made in USA' standard will mean what it says
Dec. 19, 1997
WSLC's Rick Bender elected to national AFL-CIO board * Part-time parking patrol at PDX prepares to strike * Council adopts union position on apprentice ratios
Dec. 5, 1997 Apple warehouse workers file for union election * Fahey will run for Oregon labor commissioner * 'Made in USA' book available * Providence Health System lands on labor's Unfair List
Nov. 21, 1997
Steelworker protest results in 21 arrests * Worker solidarity derails 'fast-track' trade bid * Coalition established to safeguard consumers from electric deregulation
Nov. 7, 1997
November designated Labor History Month in Oregon * Northwest Labor Press captures first-place award * AFL-CIO lands $100k FMCS grant * IAM inks pact at high-tech Siemens Solar
Oct. 17, 1997
Service Employees ratify contract, end 33-day Kaiser strike * U of O President Frohmayer still supports LERC 20 years later * Medford area plans new Labor Temple
Oct. 3, 1997
AFL-CIO ready to unfurl tax fairness initiative for '98 ballot * AFL-CIO convention delegates show solidarity with striking Kaiser workers * AFL-CIO says Nucor should make commitments before getting tax breaks * LERC celebrates 20 years at the University of Oregon
Sept. 19, 1997
National AFL-CIO steps into fray between Kaiser and SEIU * Klare to leave AFL-CIO to join political consulting firm * COPE voting records released * Local 290 member has niche product for Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders
Sept. 5, 1997
Victory at UPS * Service Employees strike Kaiser * UFCW imaging techs settle at Kaiser
Aug. 15, 1997
3 Iron Workers killed in airport garage collapse * Music, rides, food will highlight Labor Day picnic at Oaks Park * Striking Teamsters say 'part-time America won't work' * UFCW strikes Kaiser
Aug. 1, 1997
Washington apple industry organizing drive gets juiced * UFCW ready to strike Kaiser * Labor commissioner hints at re-run
July 18, 1997
Labor takes steps to become 'Union City' * U.S. Supreme Court overturns class-action asbestos lawsuit * Freightliner contract ratified
July 4, 1997
Labor troubled by farm worker bill * Labor council, Saturn announce partnership to raise funds for needy * SEIU Local 49 to strike Kaiser facilities * Rep. Elizabeth Furse says three terms are enough
June 20, 1997
Sony workers' overtures spark organizing drive * Senate and House at odds over key labor, budget issues * Pastors arrested with farmworker organizers * Harry Wu reveals Kmart buying from Chinese Army
June 6, 1997
Labor 'Teach-in' attracts huge crowd * FTC aims to change meaning of 'Made in U.S.A.' label * Port police, parking patrol get $55,000 in overtime back pay
May 16, 1997
Unions and church reach out to Northeast community * 'Tax Fairness Now!' confab draws 200; political action campaign in the
works * Portland Metal Trades workers convert spy ship into oil-drilling vessel
May 2, 1997
OPEIU Local 11 secures seven-year, no-layoff deal at NW Natural Gas * UFCW Local 555 wraps Portland area meat and grocery contracts early * Huge labor/management alliance introduced at Kaiser Permanente
April 18, 1997
More Oregon workers die on the job than are reported * AFL-CIO to memorialize those killed, injured on job * So-called 'Columbia Pacific Building Trades Directory' news to real building trades council
April 4, 1997
'Union Cities' program launched in Seattle * What's wrong with Oregon's tax system? * Republicans introduce bill to ban all boycotts
March 21, 1997
Fracas looms over 'right-to-work,' eight-hour workday * IAM members get haz-mat training * AFL-CIO launches outreach drive for working women