The Oregon Labor Dispatch is a weekly email and blog series designed to keep Oregon’s workers informed of the latest news about unions, worker power, and much more. Each week, we bring you a curated selection of news stories, graphics, and information about upcoming events and actions. When Oregon’s Labor Movement is connected, updated and informed we are able to be stronger advocates for all working Oregonians.
If you have a news story, event or action you’d like to see featured in the Oregon Labor Dispatch please email us at communications@oraflcio.org.
Take Action
CERTAINTEED STRIKE IN PORTLAND: CertainTeed workers represented by LiUNA Local 737 have been on strike since February 22. On Friday, March 10 the workers will once again meet with management and it’s critical they have a strong showing of support from the Oregon Labor Movement as they walk into their meeting. Stand with CertainTeed workers on Friday from 9:00am - 12:00pm, the picket line is located at 6350 NW Front Ave, Portland, OR 97210.
CANNABIS WORKERS’ RIGHTS: House Bill 3183 would require that a cannabis business in Oregon adhere to a "labor peace agreement." These agreements are commonly used to ensure that employers respect the ability of workers to make their own informed decision on unionization. In return, the union attempting to organize that workplace agrees to refrain from picketing, work stoppages, or any other interference with the business. Click here to take action.
PASS THE RICHARD L. TRUMKA PRO ACT: If we want to build up worker power, our outdated labor laws must keep up with the times. Support our workers. Take 30 seconds to add your name in support of the PRO Act. Click here to add your name.
Oregon Politics
March 6, 2023 | KTVZ
“Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said Monday they have joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce comprehensive legislation that would protect workers’ right to organize and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces in Oregon and nationwide.”
March 2, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press
““Because this bill aligns Oregon OSHA penalties to federal OSHA levels for workplace safety violations, it creates a real deterrent against bad-acting employers who cut corners on keeping employees safe at work,” said Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor”
Organizing
March 7, 2023 | OPB
‘“We were like ‘OK, I guess it’s time to do this,’” said Naia Duggan, shift lead at the store and a Southern Oregon University student. “I can’t rely on someone else to get this union started. We have to get our own hands dirty and we need to do what we need to do to fight for our co-workers’ rights.””
March 6, 2023 | The Nation
“The players who make America’s pastime possible have had enough of dismal working conditions, and they’re organizing to change them.”
March 3, 2023 | Scene
“To cap off a months-long movement toward organizing, the 37 workers at REI's Cleveland location voted in favor of unionizing Friday evening. Their store, situated in Pinecrest, will be the third location nationwide to form a union.”
March 2, 2023 | The Guardian
“Bernie Sanders moves to summon chief executive Howard Schultz to Senate committee to explain repeated anti-union violations”
Union Made Products
March 2, 2023 | Labor 411
“It’s Girl Scout cookies season! And the good news is that the dollars that you spend on them not only help the Girl Scouts, they also go to union companies.”
Rail Safety
March 3, 2023 | The Guardian
“Exclusive: employee says manager told her to stop marking cars for repair, as Ohio derailment brings hard look at industry’s record of blocking safety rules.”
Bargaining
March 7, 2023 | Los Angeles Times
“Members of the Writers Guild of America have overwhelmingly approved a list of demands that the union plans to put to Hollywood studios later this month.”
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