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2024 Oregon Labor Organizing Summit Thursday, May 30, 9:00am - 4:00pm LiUNA 737 Training Center, 17230 NE Sacramento St, Portland, OR 97230 Light Breakfast, Lunch & Refreshments provided Registration Details Registration fee: $50 per person. Registration is limited to union members, leaders, and staff of unions PLEASE PAY IN ADVANCE TO EXPEDITE THE SIGN-IN PROCESS AT THE SUMMIT Please email communications@oraflcio.org for information on how to register The Labor Movement has more public support than we’ve seen in generations. More Americans would form a union with their coworkers today if given the opportunity and the majority of American workers have shown strong support for unions when we stand up for our rights through strikes and collective action. We are at a historic moment for organized labor. We have broad public support, momentum from our recent victories, and a working class who are not content being fed crumbs from corporate America amidst inflation and rampant economic inequality.  There’s only one way to meet this incredible moment: Organize.  Every worker.  Every industry.  Every community.  The time is now to grow our movement and build greater power for working people. That’s why the Oregon AFL-CIO is hosting the 2024 Organizing Summit: This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for union members, leaders, and staff to come together to strategize and build community with other unionists, laying the foundation to organize. This year’s theme is Work, Life, Democracy: It’s Better in a Union because we know that when workers are members of a union, they are a part of something transformational that can create powerful change at work and in the community. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler is the keynote speaker of the event, and we will be joined by  organizing experts from across the country.  Participants at this year’s summit will have the opportunity to attend workshops on a wide range of topics related to organizing, learn best practices and strategies from organizers and workers, and be a part of our mission to grow union membership rapidly in Oregon.

Before ending the 2024 legislative session, state lawmakers passed House Bill 4080 last week, supporting state agency work on offshore wind, requiring robust public engagement and strong labor standards for any future development. The legislation represents a common ground approach where a diverse coalition of advocates agreed that it should be the policy of the state to develop an offshore wind roadmap that engages diverse stakeholders and considers and analyzes all potential impacts, while exploring responsible approaches, and/or exit ramps, to development and localizing benefits. House Bill 4080 will help shape that process by: Directing the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to develop an Offshore Wind Roadmap to support Oregon’s goals and policies related to communities, economic opportunity, protection of Tribal resources, offshore wind workforce development, environmental protection, and state energy and climate objectives. Requiring strong labor standards that align with federal directives and previous Oregon bills like House Bill 2021 on renewable energy projects. Ensuring coastal communities and current ocean users like commercial fishermen and seafood processors have an authentic seat at the table “We’re so proud to be a part of the coalition of Labor, environmental groups, fisheries and developers to get House Bill 4080 across the finish line during the 2024 session,” said Graham Trainor, President of the Oregon AFL-CIO.  “As the Oregon economy shifts toward greener energy sources, it is essential that the workers are protected every step of the way.  House Bill 4080 ensures strong labor standards for construction, operations, maintenance and manufacturing jobs including the highest level of worker training and earn-as-you-learn apprenticeships, living wages, and family supporting healthcare.  This bill is an example of how Oregon Labor can provide a strong voice for all working people, as well as the communities in which they live and work.” If offshore wind development comes to Oregon, it could create several thousand new jobs in industries spanning construction, operations, maintenance, and more. However, for coalition advocates it’s important that any approach to offshore wind does not displace or negatively impact businesses and workers in the fishing, retail, and tourism industry nor permanently impact ocean sea life. “Oregon has an incredible opportunity to further our decarbonization goals through offshore wind,” said Nicole Hughes, director of Renewable Northwest. “But how we pursue this opportunity matters, and House Bill 4080 establishes a roadmap to explore offshore wind in a thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive manner. That means soliciting robust public feedback, and it means engaging with Tribes and other impacted communities and ensuring that they benefit from any investment in offshore wind. I want to thank the legislature for their work to create a more robust, more inclusive offshore wind process.” “While offshore wind may play a role in Oregon’s transition to clean energy, there are a lot of unknowns about potential impacts to fisheries and the marine environment,” said Heather Mann, Director of the Midwater Trawlers Association.  “The Oregon Roadmap is the only way to ensure all voices are heard and that existing commercial fishing-related jobs are not replaced with offshore wind jobs.  Oregon’s fishing industry supports the Roadmap approach and is grateful for the passage of House Bill 4080.” The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has identified two potential areas within which offshore wind can be developed - one area off the coast of Coos Bay and another area off the coast of Brookings.  With the passing of House Bill 4080, Oregon agencies will have the funding needed to ensure the process is consistent with Oregon values and includes strong stakeholder participation.

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. Click here to subscribe to the Oregon Labor Dispatch weekly emails. Keep up with the latest from Oregon’s unions: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Take Action Today Tell Lawmakers to Pass SB 1578! SB 1578 will be a meaningful step in improving working conditions for hundreds of health care interpreters in Oregon.  This bill will establish a state-based scheduling and payment system that reduces State spending on third-party scheduling companies while allowing interpreters to earn living wages for the critical resources they provide to our communities. SB 1578 creates a path to retain experienced and credentialed interpreters, which will significantly improve the quality of language access services and health outcomes for Medicaid/OHP patients. Click here to take action Upcoming Actions & Events Support Postdoc Researchers at OHSU in Contract Negotiations March 20 starting at 12:00pm | OHSU, Mac Hall Lawn in Portland OHSU can budget to buy Legacy Hospital but won't pay 1 cent for research!  Help union members at OHSU send a message to OHSU to pay their fair share. PCCFCE READY TO STRIKE! - Practice Picket & Board Meeting March 21st starting at 4:00pm | PCC Sylvania Campus in Portland On March 21st, 2024, the PCC Federation of Classified Employees (the union representing non-faculty employees such as custodians, IT, assistants, etc at Portland Community College) will be conducting a practice picket and presenting their strike pledge to the PCC board at the board meeting that follows. Click here to sign up to attend the practice picket. A Discussion with Anne Broyles, Author of I’m Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People March 28 starting at 5:00pm | Oregon Labor Center in Portland Please join the Oregon AFL-CIO and the Oregon Labor Movement for an engaging discussion with Anne Broyles, the author of I’m Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People.  Anne’s book is about the visionary folk artist and labor organizer Ralph Fasanella and is perfect for picture book readers because of its stunning illustrations.  Click here to learn more & RSVP. Must Read Organizing a housing advisers’ union at Reed College is just the beginning March 5, 2024 | Portland Tribune “We are housing advisers at Reed College, and together, 44 of us are standing together to use our strength in numbers to organize the Union of Reed College Housing Advisors (URCHA), which is affiliated with Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 11. By using our collective power as essential employees at Reed, our goal is to defend our rights as workers, create a collective bargaining agreement to ensure our dignity and respect on the job is ensured, and advocate for safer working conditions and fair compensation for Reed’s housing advisers.” We all share the same fight March 4, 2024 | Labor Tribune “Recently, the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations and the University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations released data that showed the number of striking workers in the United States climbed 141 percent from 2022 to 2023. That’s numbers-backed proof of the energy and hope that we feel every day, isn’t it? We are in a generation-defining moment—one in which workers are rightfully seizing our power and unrigging our economy so that it works for everyone, not just the ultra-wealthy. Researchers documented 470 work stoppages involving about 539,000 workers last year. These work stoppages resulted in a total of roughly 24,874,522 strike days.” Oregon Labor & Politics Oregon Legislature Passes Historic Investment in Public Safety Workforce March 6, 2024 | Oregon AFSCME “Oregon's 82nd Legislative Assembly passed HB 4045, the Public Safety Workforce Stabilization Act, an historic investment in Oregon's public safety workers.. HB 4045 received overwhelming bipartisan, bicameral support, marking a significant step forward in prioritizing the dedicated workers who serve on the front lines of public safety by allowing them to retire with enhanced benefits.” Oregon Legislature nears votes on ‘historic’ campaign finance reform agreement March 6, 2024 | Oregon Capitol Chronicle “Top leaders in the state House worked out an agreement Wednesday morning with labor unions, business groups and the good-government advocates behind a potential voter initiative. The end result, House Bill 4024, breezed out of the House Rules Committee and passed the House on a bipartisan 52-5 vote Wednesday afternoon. If the full Legislature and Gov. Tina Kotek approve it, backers of two voter-led initiatives said they’ll drop their plans to go to the ballot.” Oregon has opportunity to lead clean tech revolution March 4, 2024 | Oregon Capitol Chronicle “HB 4112 is the culmination of 18 months of collaborative effort involving businesses, innovators, labor groups, academics, economic development organizations and climate advocates from across Oregon. This bill would offer a comprehensive approach to maximizing our state’s potential in attracting, expanding and sustaining clean energy technology industries and manufacturers.” Oregon AFSCME leader joins national leadership March 1, 2024 | Northwest Labor Press “Oregon AFSCME Associate Director Corey Hope Nicholson was elected to the union’s national leadership last month. She’ll represent AFSCME’s six-state Northwest Region as vice president on the union’s national executive board. Nicholson outpolled one other candidate in a vote among delegates from six AFSCME councils at a specially called mini-convention in Seattle Feb. 3.” University of Oregon student workers gain new rights March 1, 2024 | Daily Emerald “The UO Student Workers Union gained new implementation updates on Feb. 21, highlighting the changes made to officially enforce the Weingarten rights for all student employees. UOSW Union organizer Carolyn Roderique explained that it took time for the university to officially announce these new implementations. Disagreements over some of the Weingarten rights led to a back-and-forth between UOSW and UO. However, it resulted in the university conceding that student workers have Weingarten rights.” Strike Stories March 1, 2024 | Northwest Labor Press “2023 was the biggest strike year in decades. We asked readers who struck last year to tell what it was like.” Politics State of the Union 2024: Here is the guest list for Thursday’s speech March 6, 2024 | WGAU “President Joe Biden will give the State of the Union address on Thursday and there will be several notable guests in attendance. Liz Shuler: Invited by Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wisconsin, Shuler is the president of the AFL-CIO.” VP Harris announces federal apprenticeship program during Madison visit March 6, 2024 | Wisconsin Public Radio ““By supporting workers and our unions, the Biden Administration is working to bring balance and fairness to our economy so that it works for everyone, not just the wealthy and big corporations,” Wisconsin AFL-CIO president Stephanie Bloomingdale said in a statement.” Organizing Colleges Contend With a Tidal Wave of New Undergrad Unions March 7, 2024 | The Chronicle of Higher Education “Before 2022, only two colleges had a union representing undergraduate workers. Now undergraduate students at two large universities and at least seven other colleges have unionized since October — accelerating a trend that began 18 months ago. Last week, 20,000 student workers across the California State University system voted to form a union, following the lead of about 4,000 undergraduates at the University of Oregon.” REI workers to march to headquarters March 6, 2024 | Boston Globe “REI employees from the company’s nine unionized stores around the country, including in Boston, plan to hike from a park in Issaquah, Wash., to REI headquarters Thursday afternoon to demand that executives come to the table and bargain in good faith. Over the past two weeks, union members have held events in the nine communities where they’re organized to unveil a national platform demanding job security, guaranteed minimum hours, a consistent sick policy, and minimum staffing levels.” After a historic union vote at Dartmouth, what’s next for college sports? March 5, 2024 | The Washington Post “When the ballots were counted Tuesday, Dartmouth’s men’s basketball team had voted to unionize, 13-2, in a historic election on campus in Hanover, N.H. And while this means a ton — for college sports, for athletes’ rights, for the NCAA’s limp grip on amateurism — the process is still far from over. By voting to unionize, the basketball players are now represented by Service Employees International Union Local 560, which already represents some workers employed by the school. “ Young Creatives Should Be Able to Dream of a Future in the Performing Arts. Unions Fight to Make That Possible. March 6, 2024 | Teen Vogue “When actors walked off set and hoisted their picket signs during the summer of 2023, everyone began learning a complex truth about the lives of professional performers. Those who appear in our favorite films and series are, in fact, mostly not millionaires living in mansions in Beverly Hills. Even those who manage to secure coveted recurring roles on series — after hundreds of hours of unpaid auditioning — often take on additional employment waiting tables or driving for ridesharing services to make ends meet.” Strikes & Collective Bargaining Massachusetts art museum workers strike over wages March 6, 2024 | NBC Boston “Unionized workers at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art went on strike Wednesday after no agreement was reached with the museum on wages. Carrying signs such as “Living Artists Living Wages” and “Our Power is in Our Unity,” the workers picketed outside of the North Adams museum, commonly referred to as MASS MoCA. They said they plan to picket daily until there’s a resolution. The employees' union is part of United Auto Workers Local 2110 and represents about 120 full- and part-time workers, including curators, educators, administrative staff, custodians, employees in visitor services and others. They formed the union in 2021, joining the staff of other renowned museums that have unionized, including Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.” IBEW members join striking Post-Gazette workers on the North Shore March 5, 2024 | Pittsburgh Union Progress “Workers represented by Local 29 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers finished their shifts on Monday and made their way to the North Shore, where they joined striking Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers on a picket in front of the newspaper’s offices. The IBEW members were motivated to show solidarity after two members heard striking PG reporter Ed Blazina speak at a recent meeting of the Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council. Blazina discussed the challenges of striking for an extended period of time and the importance of support from other unions. Post-Gazette unions went on strike in October 2022.” Teamsters, IATSE contract negotiations begin for Hollywood crew members March 5, 2024 | ABC 7 The latest round of Hollywood union negotiations started Monday as the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and the Hollywood Basic Crafts group, which includes the Teamsters, began what could end up being months of talks. The contracts for the unions are set to expire July 31, leaving about four months to reach new deals -- something experts say most in Hollywood would like to see. Boeing, machinists kick off high-stakes contract talks on Friday March 5, 2024 | KFGO “Boeing and its largest union open talks on Friday seeking the first new contract in 16 years as the U.S. planemaker grapples with its ongoing 737 MAX safety crisis and after big gains by workers in other sectors of the economy. U.S. unions have capitalized on tight labor markets to win hefty contracts at the bargaining table, with mainline pilots, autoworkers and others scoring big raises in 2023. Unlike auto workers who were able to leverage strong industry profits, Boeing is losing ground to rival Airbus and trying to manage a crisis that erupted after a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX jet in mid-air on Jan. 5. Boeing reported a net loss of $2.2 billion in 2023 after losing $5 billion in 2022.” Workplace Safety Retail workers want employers to improve safety on the job March 5, 2024 | Times Union Organized labor is seeking a non-punitive option to improve safety for retail workers, amid high rates of theft in stores in New York. A rally in the state Capitol on Tuesday for the legislative proposal, the Retail Worker Safety Act, comes as Gov. Kathy Hochul continues to seek support from lawmakers for increasing criminal penalties for assaulting a retail worker. Graphics to Share

Please join the Oregon AFL-CIO and the Oregon Labor Movement for an engaging discussion with Anne Broyles, the author of I’m Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People.  Anne’s book is about the visionary folk artist and labor organizer Ralph Fasanella and is perfect for picture book readers because of its stunning illustrations. The discussion will be held at the Oregon Labor Center (3645 SE 32nd Ave, Portland, 97202) on Thursday, March 28 at 5:00pm where a collection of Ralph Fasanella’s prints are hung throughout the building. Born on Labor Day, 1914 in New York City to Italian immigrants, Ralph’s youth was one of dress factories, ice deliveries, union meetings, and stories of the Bread & Roses Strike around the dinner table. By teaching himself how to paint, Ralph discovered a new way to reach working people: he would depict their lives, their work, and American history with electric color at a grand scale. His artwork was painted with the intention of hanging in union halls and his work has been hung in Congress, the National AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington DC. Focusing on themes of social justice, immigrant rights, labor rights, and the dignity of working people, I’m Gonna Paint inspires to give a new generation the confidence to continue the fight for better working conditions. For more information about the event please contact us at communications@oraflcio.org

Oregon will celebrate Classified School Employees Week (CEW) under state law for the first time this week, March 4-8, 2024, recognizing in full the contributions of these essential educators. “Classified” refers to non-teaching staff who do essential work, often behind the scenes, to keep schools running and help students learn. Among the ranks of more than 40,000 classified school employees in districts across Oregon are thousands of educational assistants, bus drivers, office staff, custodial and maintenance workers, nutrition services staff, IT specialists, library staff, athletic trainers and many more. Classified educators are present daily in the lives of Oregon students and often form relationships that help students grappling with issues like houselessness, hunger and behavioral health challenges. Following the pandemic, students’ needs both in and out of school have increased, making the positive impact of classified employees on their lives that much greater. Across Oregon, classified workers staff school programs which address holistic student needs, from academics and behavioral issues to basic needs like laundry and healthy meals. Classified School Employees Week is an opportunity for schools, parents, teachers, students and community members to recognize the dedicated classified professionals who are vital to Oregon schools. While Oregon has observed Classified School Employees Week in previous years by a proclamation from the governor, last year members of the Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) spoke to state legislators about the importance of their work. After hearing our stories, they finally put the annual Classified School Employees Week into statute. “Classified educators play a vital role in supporting students’ long-term success, especially those with higher needs,” said Rep. Julie Fahey, HD-14. “From the moment the bus picks students up in the morning, students are surrounded by dedicated classified professionals who will do whatever it takes to help them learn and grow. Classified School Employees Week is one way we can recognize and honor the contributions of these essential frontline workers.”

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. Click here to subscribe to the Oregon Labor Dispatch weekly emails. Keep up with the latest from Oregon’s unions: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! 📣Take Action Today Tell OHSU: Pay Your Fair Share OHSU benefits from taxpayer dollars, funding innovative cures through biomedical research. The 235 Postdoc researchers, securing $600 million in federal funding, are now negotiating their first contract. They aim to address the global crisis in postdoc recruitment, retention, and support for foreign workers who constitute 52% of their members. Despite these critical issues, OHSU has only offered zero-cost proposals, stating an unwillingness to pay for postdocs. This reflects a prioritization within OHSU's mission, where Research and Innovation are acknowledged, but not equally supported across all missions.  It’s time for OHSU to pay their fair share.  Click here to take action today. Oregon Worker Relief Take action to provide critical support for immigrant Oregonians! Oregon Worker Relief has been a lifeline for immigrant Oregonians through programs including the Climate Change Fund, the Home Fund, and Universal Representation. This community-led approach has helped over 93,000 immigrant Oregonians through emergency relief for farmworkers who face dangerous working conditions from extreme heat and smoke, rent assistance to keep families housed, and no-cost immigration legal services. Take action to  tell legislators to take action this legislative session by investing in our immigrant communities to strengthen our community resilience in emergencies! 🖤Black History Month Coalition of Black Trade Unionists: Black History Month Events Ongoing throughout February both on Zoom and in person in Portland The Oregon Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) cordially invites you to join us for a month-long recognition of Black excellence in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Labor History Association, Portland Rising, Oregon AFSCME, and AFRAM/SEIU Local 503. The primary focus is health care. TODAY: February 29, 2024 at 7:00pm: Movie Night (In Person at SEIU Local 503) Click here to learn more about these exciting events! Honoring Black History Month February 2, 2024 | Labor Tribune From AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: “This (month) marks… Black History Month. It can never be overstated the critical role Black unionists played and continue to play in building our modern Labor Movement, securing the hard-fought workplace protections that we all enjoy today, and advancing civil rights across the country. Black workers have been on the front lines of so many of the most pressing Labor rights issues of the times and have powerfully organized to fight systemic racism and exploitation. We still have so much to learn from the history of our country’s earliest Black trade unions; inspiring figures like A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, Hattie Canty, Clara Holder, Arlene Holt Baker and so many others; pivotal moments like the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers strike; and the ongoing efforts of Black workers across our country who are walking picket lines, leading our unions and driving change as we speak.” Must Read Starbucks and Union Agree to Work Out Framework for Contract Talks February 27, 2024 | The New York Times “Starbucks and the union that represents employees in roughly 400 of its U.S. stores announced Tuesday that they were beginning discussions on a “foundational framework” that would help the company reach labor agreements with unionized workers and resolve litigation between the two sides. The union greeted the development as a major shift in strategy for Starbucks, which has taken steps to resist union organizing at the company since the campaign began in 2021, moves that federal labor regulators have said violated labor law hundreds of times.” Oregon Labor Oregon’s public universities reach deal with union representing thousands of classified workers February 28, 2024 | OPB “The deal impacts more than 4,500 employees. It gives several raises over two years, starting with a 6.5% pay increase in April. They will also receive a one-time $1,500 payment and get Veteran’s Day off.” Class size, workload among sticking points as Salem-Keizer district, union submit ‘best and final’ offers February 24, 2024 | OPB “After 10 months of bargaining and an impasse declaration last week, Salem-Keizer Public Schools and the Salem Keizer Education Association have each submitted their best and final offers as the latest step in an attempt to resolve ongoing labor contract negotiations.” Organizing Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin workers vote to unionize February 28, 2024 | The Badger Herald “Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Workers voted to unionize on Feb. 8, according to the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals website. The ballot count revealed that 81% of workers voted to be represented by the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.” Corporate giants aim to hobble National Labor Relations Board February 28, 2024 | The Hill “Corporate giants are taking aim at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and attempting to hobble the agency in charge of protecting unions and their members. Amazon, Starbucks, SpaceX and Trader Joe’s are all facing complaints from the NLRB over their alleged harassment, intimidation and illegal firings of unionizing employees. The companies have responded by challenging the constitutionality of the NLRB in federal court, which could upend the structure of the New Deal-era agency.” AMC Theatres’ Workers at Universal City Location Attempt to Unionize February 27, 2024 | The Hollywood Reporter “The latest coming attraction for Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood? A union election at the National Labor Relations Board. On Feb. 20, the crew union IATSE petitioned the NLRB for an election to determine if 44 staffers at the Universal City location will decide to join their ranks. The union is attempting to represent a broad swath of roles — including ushers, cooks, bartenders, janitors and others — at the sprawling, 19-theater location, situated on the same campus as the Universal Studios theme park.” Harvard Proctors and Tutors Plan to Launch Unionization Push February 27, 2024 | The Harvard Crimson “Some Harvard residential tutors, proctors, and house aides are planning to publicly launch a campaign for unionization, an effort they have been quietly working towards since last spring. The group, called Harvard Union of Residential Advisors, has been organizing privately since May and plans to file a representation petition with the National Labor Relations Board.” National Politics National AFL-CIO Legislative Scorecard February 29, 2024 | AFL-CIO The AFL-CIO Legislative Scorecard calculates how our elected officials vote on legislation that impacts working families. In 2023, we saw bills on issues ranging from pro-worker Department of Labor appointments to unemployment insurance. Oregon’s Senators & Representatives scored as follows: Senator Jeff Merkley: 100% score, 99% lifetime score Senator Ron Wyden: 100% score, 93% lifetime score Rep. Cliff Bentz (CD-2), 10% score, 7% lifetime score Rep. Earl Blumenauer (CD-3), 100% score, 95% lifetime score Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (CD-1) , 100% score, 96% lifetime score Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (CD-5) 10% score, 10% lifetime score Rep. Val Hoyle (CD-4), 100% score, 100% lifetime score Rep. Andrea Salinas (CD-6) 100% score, 100% lifetime score The Labor Movement UAW president Shawn Fain on labor's comeback: "This is what happens when workers get power" February 25, 2024 | CBS News “Earlier this month, President Joe Biden paid a visit to the critical battleground state of Michigan. He came to Detroit – Motor City – to court union voters. Mr. Biden had just won the United Auto Workers' endorsement, and he was eager to share the spotlight with UAW president Shawn Fain. Fain told the crowd, "You know what the hell's going to happen if this man's not president, because we've seen what happens. Labor went backwards." "You all are the ones that brung me to the dance," Mr. Biden told union workers. "And I never left it."” Workforce Older Americans are working longer. Some want to; others have to. February 26, 2024 | Vox “To grossly paraphrase Kim Kardashian, nobody stops working anymore. Just look at who’s in the running for the top job in the nation: a 77-year-old against an 81-year-old, both vying to keep working for another four years. Yet they’re in lockstep with a national trend — older Americans are working longer, into their 60s and even their 70s and beyond. Among Americans 65 and older, 19 percent were still working last year, which is almost a twofold increase from the late 1980s.” Exposing “Right to Work” Remembering the racist history of ‘right-to-work’ laws February 26, 2024 | The Grio “As of Feb. 13, Michigan’s deceptively named “right-to-work” laws officially became a thing of the past, marking the first time in nearly 60 years a state has repealed one of these laws. This is a victory for workers, especially workers of color. We already know that “right-to-work” is a misnomer; rather than creating opportunities for workers, as the name falsely implies, these laws stifle workers by making it harder to collectively bargain for their wages, benefits and working conditions. In fact, workers in states without right-to-work or similar anti-worker laws face 37% less risk of dying on the job and make $8,989 (15.2%) more annually. What’s worse, these laws were really created in the Jim Crow South with the purpose of perpetuating the oppression of workers of color.” Labor & Technology Can a Tech Giant Be Woke? February 25, 2024 | The New York Times “Liz Shuler, the A.F.L.-C.I.O.’s president, said Microsoft had gone further in collaborating with organized labor than almost any other major company. She said she first met Mr. Smith to discuss labor issues almost two years ago, at which point he told her, “If workers want a union, why shouldn’t they be able to form one?” Then he added: “This is the prevailing winds of change in the country. I think Microsoft should be adapting to it instead of resisting it.” Strikes & Collective Bargaining Law360 staffers vote to strike February 27, 2024 | Talking Biz News “Unionized editorial workers at LexisNexis-owned Law360 voted to authorize a strike Monday. The union says the strike is due to lack of progress at the bargaining table, unlawful tactics that violate union members’ rights and planned layoffs following record profits in 2023. Law360 Union is part of the NewsGuild of New York, which represents nearly 7,000 media workers.” Striking Workers Could Soon Qualify For Unemployment Benefits February 23, 2024 | HuffPost “Many workers who go on strike could soon gain a new bit of leverage against their employers: unemployment benefits. Lawmakers in several states are considering the novel approach of extending unemployment insurance to workers who hit the picket lines, saying it would help level the playing field with deep-pocketed companies that can starve their workforces in contract fights. Strikers do not qualify for such benefits in the vast majority of states.” American Federation of Musicians Reaches Tentative Deal with AMPTP; Union Leaders Hail Pact as ‘Watershed Moment for Artists’ February 23, 2024 | Variety “The American Federation of Musicians has struck a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, reaching a deal that union leaders hailed as “a watershed moment for artists” that includes residuals for made-for-streaming content and protections against the use of AI. The AFM announced the tentative agreement one day after the sides resumed contract negotiations that began in January.” Graphics to Share

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. Click here to subscribe to the Oregon Labor Dispatch weekly emails. Keep up with the latest from Oregon’s unions: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! 📣Take Action Today Tell OHSU: Pay Your Fair Share OHSU profits off of your taxpayer dollars. The innovative cures that OHSU provides to Oregonians are a result of the groundbreaking discoveries coming from biomedical research. The 235 Postdoc researchers are among working scientists behind those discoveries who have brought in $600 million dollars in federal funding to OHSU. As the Postdocs bargain their first contract aiming at addressing the well-documented global crisis in the recruitment and retention of postdoc researchers and immigration support for the foreign workers who make up 52% of their members. OHSU has only responded with ZERO COST proposals and with the message “OHSU is not willing to pay for postdocs” and “Research and Innovation is an OHSU mission, but OHSU does not intend to support all their missions equally.” It’s time for OHSU to pay their fair share.  Click here to take action today. 🖤Black History Month Coalition of Black Trade Unionists: Black History Month Events Ongoing throughout February both on Zoom and in person in Portland The Oregon Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) cordially invites you to join us for a month-long recognition of Black excellence in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Labor History Association, Portland Rising, Oregon AFSCME, and AFRAM/SEIU Local 503. The primary focus is health care. TODAY: February 22, 2024 at 6:30pm: Labor History Workshop (In Person at Oregon AFL-CIO) February 29, 2024 at 7:00pm: Movie Night (In Person at SEIU Local 503) Click here to learn more about these exciting events! 🗺️Strike Map There is still time to get out to the Oregon Nurses Association strike in Springfield, walk the line, and stand in solidarity with nurses in their fight for a fair contract. The Strike Map below has all the information you need to get there, please share it with your friends and family and encourage them to join the line as well! Click here to download the map as a PNG or PDF file. If your union is planning to strike, please send a message to communications@oraflcio.org to help us spread the word and mobilize support for your strike. Must Read Oregon labor is still strike ready February 19, 2024 | Northwest Labor Press From Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor: “On January 27, over 100 trade unionists gathered for the first-ever Oregon Strike School, a day-long training focused on building stronger and more effective contract campaigns and powerful strike threats throughout Oregon labor. With attendees from over 30 different unions from across Oregon’s economy, it was clear that our movement isn’t satisfied with the history-making action of 2023. In fact, based on the energy and the focus at Strike School, and what we continue to see in the first few months of 2024, last year’s labor action was just the beginning.” Oregon Labor ‘I’m so happy’: State seeds retirement accounts for 900 child care providers February 20, 2024 | The Oregonian “AFSCME’s Child Care Providers Together union represents certified and registered child care providers, public affairs manager David Kreisman said. After the union bargained for the retirement benefit, all of the state’s registered and certified providers were invited to create an OregonSaves Roth IRA and become eligible for the benefit, he said.” Training program helps Portlanders find new careers in health care February 20, 2024 | OHSU “The program is the result of a unique partnership between AFSCME Local 328, OHSU, United We Heal and Unite Oregon. United We Heal, Oregon AFSCME’s health care training and development organization, received the Future Ready Oregon grant.” UFCW local throws support behind Kroger-Albertsons merger February 21, 2024 | Yahoo! Finance ““[W]e were pleased to find not only that they understood and liked the grocery business, but also recognized the importance of quality employees to their ongoing success,” Clay said. “C&S has the opportunity to bring a long term strategy to a grocery industry focused on the short-term demands of shareholders and private equity investors.” Reporters go union at Portland Mercury February 19, 2024 | Northwest Labor Press “Yep, we somehow aren’t already unionized.” That cheeky quip comes from newsroom workers at the Portland Mercury, the (Seattle) Stranger, and other Index Media publications who announced on Feb. 12 that they want to unionize. Some readers may be surprised that workers at the “alternative” publications weren’t already in a union, considering the progressively pro-labor stance of their reporting, said Portland Mercury reporter Taylor Griggs.” Broad gains in new PCC faculty contract February 19, 2024 | Northwest Labor Press “The union that represents more than 1,500 Portland Community College (PCC) faculty and academic professionals reached tentative agreement on a new union contract Jan. 29, the Monday after a rally where members hinted they were ready to strike. If ratified as expected, the four-year agreement would provide a 14% cost of living raise over the next two years for all members of the Portland Community College Faculty Federation and Academic Professionals (PCCFFAP), also known as American Federation of Teachers Local 2277.” Oregon House passes bill to fix law that forces state to refund child labor fines February 19, 2024 | OPB “In 2020, a Ford dealership located in a suburb of Portland settled with the U.S. Department of Labor for nearly $28,000 over reported violations of federal child labor law. Federal investigators had learned that six workers, ages 16 and 17, were performing prohibited tasks as lot attendants at Landmark Ford in Tigard, including operating trash compactors. One teen was injured when he was thrown backwards into a tailgate while riding in the bed of a pickup truck.” Salem-Keizer teachers move one step closer to potential strike, declare an impasse in bargaining negotiations February 16, 2024 | OPB “The Salem Keizer Education Association Thursday night declared an impasse in contract negotiations with Oregon’s second-largest school district. While the teachers union and Salem-Keizer Public Schools have made progress on several issues, SKEA leaders said workload and class-size caps remain sticking points.” Organizing Off-Broadway's Backstage Workers Are Unionizing; Atlantic Theater Company Workers Vote to Join IATSE February 20, 2024 | Playbill “Backstage workers at Off-Broadway's Atlantic Theater Company have voted to unionize and join IATSE, a historic move that could have far-reaching implications for the Off-Broadway industry. Delayed results of the vote come days after a similar outcome at Off-Broadway's Titaníque, made official just last week.” Amazon Joins Elon Musk's SpaceX In Mission to Destroy Federal Agency Protecting Workers February 16, 2024 | Vice “Amazon argued in a court filing on Thursday that the National Labor Relations Board is unconstitutional as part of an ongoing case against the company for retaliation against unionized workers. It is the third company to do so in recent months, joining Trader Joe’s and Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The NLRB is investigating numerous unfair labor practice charges against Amazon for its anti-union activity at JFK8, the famed Staten Island warehouse that became the first in the U.S. to unionize in 2022.” Politics Michigan Just Became the First State in 6 Decades to Scrap an Infamous Anti-Union Law February 16, 2024 | The Nation “This moment has been decades in the making,” declared Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber. “By standing up and taking their power back, at the ballot box and in the workplace, workers have made it clear Michigan is and always will be the beating heart of the modern American labor movement.” Unions launch crash drive against GOP commission to cut Social Security February 16, 2024 | People’s World “The AFL-CIO will play a big role in the fight, as it did, one speaker said, when it led the successful assault on GOP President George W. Bush’s 2005 plan to privatize Social Security, thus turning over its billions of dollars in annual revenue—taken from workers’ payroll taxes—to wolves of Wall Street.” US unions target the housing affordability crisis as their ‘biggest issue’ February 16, 2024 | The Guardian “As housing has become a top issue in strikes and protests in recent months, US unions are pushing for change and backing innovative solutions for the housing affordability crisis. With US house prices and rents rising in recent years, and high interest rates and inflation taking their toll, housing affordability has become a major issue at the bargaining table for US labor unions. Many workers are facing 60-, 90-, even 120-minute commutes to work because they cannot afford to live near their jobs.” Strikes & Collective Bargaining Sixteen Months on Strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette February 19, 2024 | Labor Notes “The Post-Gazette is the largest newspaper serving that metropolitan area and the surrounding Pennsylvania counties.  Journalists have tried a litany of tactics to sway the Block family, which owns the Post-Gazette as a holding of Block Communications, Inc.” Faith & Labor Faith leaders call out racial disparities in pay for Sky Harbor workers February 20, 2024 | Phoenix New Times “Public pressure is mounting on the city of Phoenix to address complaints against the company it uses to manage concessions at Sky Harbor International Airport as workers raise concerns about racial inequities in pay, discriminatory discipline and unsanitary conditions. Religious leaders sent a letter to Phoenix City Council on Thursday asking for officials to investigate allegations of racial disparities by airport contractor SSP America.” Tax Fairness Property Tax Freeze for Seniors Erodes Funding for Local Services and Worsens Inequities February 15, 2024 | Oregon Center for Public Policy “By the end of this decade, local governments in Oregon could have about $140 million less per year to pay for libraries, fire departments, and other local services if a proposal to freeze property taxes for homeowners who are seniors becomes law.” Graphics to Share

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. Click here to subscribe to the Oregon Labor Dispatch weekly emails. Keep up with the latest from Oregon’s unions: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! 🗓️Upcoming Events 🏫 Support Portland Community College Federation of Classified Employees The PCCFCE has been bargaining for a year and their contract expired in July of 2023. Urgent issues for classified staff are short staffing, wages that haven’t kept pace with inflation, and healthcare affordability. Please join PCCFCE members at a series of escalating actions on PCC campuses this month and keep up the pressure until a fair contract is reached! PCC SYLVANIA CAMPUS: Tuesday, February 20: 12:30-1:30pm 12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland, OR 97219 Meeting Location: Plaza in front of PAC Center PCC SOUTHEAST CAMPUS: Wednesday, February 21: 12:30-1:30pm 2305 SE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97216 Meeting Location: Front of Library (on Division St side) 🖤Black History Month Coalition of Black Trade Unionists: Black History Month Events Ongoing throughout February both on Zoom and in person in Portland The Oregon Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) cordially invites you to join us for a month-long recognition of Black excellence in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Labor History Association, Portland Rising, Oregon AFSCME, and AFRAM/SEIU Local 503. The primary focus is health care. February 15, 2024 at 6:30pm: Health Care Forum February 22, 2024 at 6:30pm: Labor History Workshop (In Person at Oregon AFL-CIO) February 29, 2024 at 7:00pm: Movie Night (In Person at SEIU Local 503) Click here to learn more about these exciting events! 🗺️Strike Map Make sure to help support the Oregon Nurses Association’s strike at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care services in Springfield, which ends on February 23.  Click here to download the map as a PNG or PDF file. If your union is planning to strike, please send a message to communications@oraflcio.org to help us spread the word and mobilize support for your strike. Must Read Michigan’s Right-To-Work law repealed today February 13, 2024 | WKZO “Michigan has become the first state to repeal the right-to-work law as the repeal takes effect today. It was passed in 2013 under former Governor Rick Snyder when the state House and Senate were firmly under Republican control and was repealed last year after Democrats took the majority in both chambers.” Pacific Northwest Labor Flight attendants are holding airport rallies to protest lack of new contracts February 13, 2024 | Central Oregon Daily News “Three separate unions representing flight attendants at major U.S. airlines are picketing and holding rallies at 30 airports on Tuesday as they push for new contracts and higher wages. The flight attendants are increasingly frustrated that pilots won huge pay raises last year while they continue to work for wages that, in some cases, have not increased in several years.” UFCW Local Leads Fight to Win Washington's Strongest Tenant Protections February 12, 2024 | Labor Notes “Grocery and retail workers helped win the strongest tenant protections in Washington state last November for the 100,000 renters in the city of Tacoma. First we had to beat the mayor’s and city council’s attempt to bring a competing watered-down ballot measure. And then we had to overcome a vicious and deceptive landlord opposition that smashed all previous political spending records in Tacoma. “We’ve created incredible goodwill in the community just as we gear up for a tough contract fight,” said Michael Whalen, who helped initiate the campaign as a dairy clerk and shop steward at Fred Meyer.” Buttigieg, Northwest governors visit Interstate 5 Bridge to support its replacement February 12, 2024 | Oregon Capital Insider “State and federal officials have been in talks to replace the bridge for at least 25 years. The $5 billion to $7.5 billion project is picking up speed again a decade after Republicans in the Washington state senate derailed it, but it already faces criticism for its climate impact and possible tolling costs for drivers.” Survey: Oregonians support striking teachers, think schools should have kids reading by third grade February 12, 2024 | Oregon Capital Chronicle “Oregonians largely support striking teachers more than their unions, want schools to ensure students can read by third grade and don’t think the Legislature should hold greater authority to intervene in district budgets or teacher bargaining, according to a new survey.” Oregon students, faculty, unions say university governing system broken, call for investigation February 8, 2024 | KEZI “Former students and faculty from nearly every one of Oregon’s seven public universities told lawmakers this week the state’s higher education system is broken, with students unable to afford housing, relying on Medicaid and food assistance and strapped with mounting debts.” Labor by the Numbers ANALYSIS: Workers Spent 2023 Unionizing—and Striking—in Droves February 13, 2024 | Bloomberg Law “Two new statistical analyses of Bloomberg Law data show that workers are engaging in organizing and picketing activity at a magnitude that hasn’t been seen in the US labor market in years. Unions organized almost 100,000 workers in National Labor Relations Board representation elections in 2023, according to Bloomberg Law’s semiannual report on NLRB election statistics. The total of 99,116 newly organized workers is the largest single-year cohort since 2000, and the fourth largest since at least 1990.” Organizing States Are Cracking Down on a Key Union-Busting Tactic February 14, 2024 | More Perfect Union “This year, Illinois may soon join them, with a bill called the Worker Freedom of Speech Act. The bill is a top priority for both the state AFL-CIO as well as Sen. Robert Peters, the bill’s primary sponsor and the chair of the Senate Labor Committee. (Rep. Marcus Evans, the House Labor and Commerce Chair, has introduced an identical bill in the House of Representatives.)” MCA becomes latest Chicago museum to form union February 14, 2024 | Chicago Sun-Times “Employees at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago are forming a union and joining a wave of labor organizing among cultural workers in the city and across the U.S. in recent years. MCA employees on Wednesday announced their new union with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31.” REI workers win union vote at ninth location February 13, 2024 | Modern Retail “Workers at a ninth REI location have voted to unionize, this time in Indianapolis, Indiana. And while none of the units have secured a contract yet, the win is another victory for the worker-led labor movement that is cropping up in retail stores. National Labor Relations Board records show the vote held Friday came in 27-17, indicating an approval rate of 61%. The store is located in Castleton, one of the largest and busiest shopping areas in the state.” Disneyland's character performers look to form union under Actor's Equity Association February 13, 2024 | KGW “Workers who bring Disneyland’s beloved characters to life — including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Cinderella — are looking to unionize. Labor organizers announced the campaign Tuesday, saying performers want better safety conditions and scheduling policies to help keep the magic alive for visitors.” DreamWorks Animation, Flying Bark Productions Workers Take Steps Toward Unionizing February 13, 2024 | The Hollywood Reporter “The Animation Guild is organizing production workers at DreamWorks Animation and at Flying Bark Productions. The guild (IATSE Local 839) sent a letter to DreamWorks Animation on Feb. 7 and filed for recognition with the National Labor Relations Board on Feb. 9 to represent 162 production workers at the studio.” Politics Coalition of Black Trade Unionists President: Choice is democracy or dictatorship February 13, 2024 | People’s World “The choice in the 2024 general election is between democracy and dictatorship, not just between Democratic President Joe Biden and presumed Republican nominee Donald Trump, the White House denizen whom Biden beat four years ago. So says Terry Melvin, president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the most outspoken speaker to address the Government Employees (AFGE) Legislative Conference in D.C. on February 12.” AFL-CIO: Statement on the Situation in Israel and Gaza February 8, 2024 | AFL-CIO ““The AFL-CIO condemns the attacks by Hamas on October 7th and calls for a negotiated cease-fire in Gaza—including the immediate release of all hostages and provision of desperately needed shelter, food, medicine and other humanitarian assistance to Gazans—and reaffirms our support of a two-state solution for long-term peace and security.” Strikes Workers at LAX and LA Grand Hotel launch strikes over wages, staffing February 14, 2024 | Los Angeles Daily News “Labor unrest erupted at two Southland locations Wednesday, Feb. 14 as LAX food and beverage workers launched a three-day strike over wage concerns, and LA Grand Hotel workers also walked off the job, demanding higher wages and increased staffing. The actions highlight a wave of union activity that has swept Southern California in recent years as employees at restaurants, hotels and healthcare facilities rally for wages allowing them to keep pace with the region’s soaring housing costs.” Here’s Why Thousands Of Flight Attendants Are Threatening To Strike February 13, 2024 | Forbes “With a participation rate of roughly 93%, Alaska flight attendants represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) voted 99.48% in favor of authorizing a strike, amid the flight attendants’ negotiations with Alaska Airlines for a new contract.” Labor & Community Unions Play Crucial Role – in My Family and Others’ February 14, 2024 | The Sand Paper “This past year witnessed a renewed enthusiasm for and interest in labor movement action, such as the New Jersey nursing union strike at Robert Wood Johnson and national attention for the United Auto Workers and writers and actors in Hollywood. However, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 10% of American workers are union members.” Unions are still in fashion February 14, 2024 | People’s World “The first thing most people think about when they hear the word “fashion” isn’t labor unions. Likewise, when people hear about labor unions, they normally don’t think about fashion. Yet, the two are inextricably connected via one key link: working-class people. I recently interviewed Justine Medina, a Cuban-American woman, activist, and rank-and-file organizer for the Amazon Labor Union at the JFK8 Amazon Fulfillment Center in Staten Island, N.Y. She helped clarify what unions do and why they’re important.” Fighting Wage Theft ‘It has really gotten out of hand’: wage theft rampant in US construction February 14, 2024 | The Guardian “For years, Cristian Céspedes worked as a foreman for a construction contractor, Unforgettable Coatings, in Las Vegas, where he and his co-workers often worked over 60 hours a week without overtime pay. He recalls having to tell workers who were injured on the job that they had to deal with the injury and pay for medical care themselves. He knew the treatment and conditions imposed on himself and his co-workers were wrong, but he didn’t know he could do anything about it.” Graphics to Share

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. Click here to subscribe to the Oregon Labor Dispatch weekly emails. 🗓️Upcoming Events 📖 Support SEIU Local 503 Members at Oregon’s Public Universities Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Noon SEIU-represented workers at all seven of Oregon’s public universities will hold practice pickets to call attention to their fight for a fair contract. These workers play an essential role in the operations of Oregon’s higher education system and deserve to work under a contract that meets their needs.  Click here to learn more about their campaign, how you can get involved, and to register to attend a practice picket at a university near you!  You can also sign a petition to show support if you’re unable to attend a picket. 🪧 PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services Strike Kickoff Rally Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 10:00am at Sacred Heart Home Care Services, 123 International Way in Springfield Oregon Nurses Association members at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care services will begin their strike on February 10 and will hold picket lines Monday - Friday from 7:00am - 7:00pm.  Come join ONA and the Lane County labor community to make sure the strike begins with a strong start! Click here for RSVP. ✈️ AFA-CWA Worldwide Day of Action Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 11:00am at Portland International Airport On February 13, Flight Attendants from around the world are coming together to bring their collective struggle to the public eye. Together, they’re taking a stand against widespread corporate greed and fighting for the contracts they’ve rightfully earned. Click here to RSVP. 🕯️Providence Candlelight Vigil Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 6:00pm at Providence Milwaukie, 10150 SE 32nd Ave in Milwaukie It’s time to call Providence out on their failures. ONA nurses, health professionals, physicians, and their community and labor allies are holding a candlelight vigil to highlight the ongoing patient care crisis at Providence facilities. Join us to say ‘No More’ to unsafe workloads and added job requirements, chronic staffing shortages, and massive attrition caused by gross inequities in working conditions. We will gather outside Providence Milwaukie Hospital. Everyone is welcome to attend. Click here to RSVP. 🏫 Support Portland Community College Federation of Classified Employees The PCCFCE has been bargaining for a year and their contract expired in July of 2023. Urgent issues for classified staff are short staffing, wages that haven’t kept pace with inflation, and healthcare affordability. Please join PCCFCE members at a series of escalating actions on PCC campuses this month and keep up the pressure until a fair contract is reached! PCC ROCK CREEK CAMPUS: Tuesday, February 13: 12:30-1:30pm 17705 NW Springville Rd, Portland, OR 97229 Meeting Location: Bus loop in front of building 5 PCC CASCADE CAMPUS: Wednesday, February 14: 12:30-1:30pm 705 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217 Meeting Location: Between Library and Arts Buildings PCC SYLVANIA CAMPUS: Tuesday, February 20: 12:30-1:30pm 12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland, OR 97219 Meeting Location: Plaza in front of PAC Center PCC SOUTHEAST CAMPUS: Wednesday, February 21: 12:30-1:30pm 2305 SE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97216 Meeting Location: Front of Library (on Division St side) 🖤Black History Month Coalition of Black Trade Unionists: Black History Month Events Ongoing throughout February both on Zoom and in person in Portland The Oregon Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) cordially invites you to join us for a month-long recognition of Black excellence in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Labor History Association, Portland Rising, Oregon AFSCME, and AFRAM/SEIU Local 503. The primary focus is health care. February 8, 2024 at 6:30pm: Black Relevance in Politics Forum February 15, 2024 at 6:30pm: Health Care Forum February 22, 2024 at 6:30pm: Labor History Workshop (In Person at Oregon AFL-CIO) February 29, 2024 at 7:00pm: Movie Night (In Person at SEIU Local 503) Click here to learn more about these exciting events! 🗺️Strike Map The Oregon AFL-CIO’s Strike Map is back to help mobilize support for the Oregon Nurses Association’s strike at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care services.  Click here to download the map as a PNG or PDF file. If your union is planning to strike, please send a message to communications@oraflcio.org to help us spread the word and mobilize support for your strike. 👉🏼 Must Read New Mural at the Oregon Labor Center February 2, 2024 | Oregon AFL-CIO “Visitors to the Oregon Labor Center may have noticed a big change in the lobby this year: A new mural depicting the fight to build power for working Oregonians.” Oregon Labor What was with the rat? Union holds protest in Wilsonville February 7, 2024 | Wilsonville Spokesman “Outside the Wilsonville headquarters of the Oregon-Columbia chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 701 and other building trade unions stood alongside the inflatables in protest. Cars honked at the union members as they began their campaign to “shame” the AGC chapter for pursuing a restraining order to block a Community Workforce Agreement attached to a number of key construction projects planned by the Oregon Department of Transportation.” Oregon’s labor regulators ask for lawmakers’ help to tackle backlogs February 7, 2024 | Oregon Capitol Chronicle “Officials cite a large uptick in claims filed over the last few years and an outdated system for managing cases as main factors in the civil rights and wage claim backlogs. The pandemic also prevented other labor bureau staff from conducting in-person reviews of Oregon’s apprenticeship programs, as required by federal and state law, to ensure they’re meeting quality standards in training and instruction. Today, 98% of apprenticeships in trades such as electrical and plumbing are overdue for a review.” Lawmakers Consider Increasing Retirement Benefits for Some Public Employees February 6, 2024 | Willamette Week “House Bill 4045, sponsored by state Rep. Dacia Grayber (D-Portland), who is a firefighter, would also lower the retirement age from 60 to 55 for police and firefighters who are in Tier 3 of the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (i.e., the newest members of the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System).” Eugene-area hospice and home care nurses set to strike Feb. 10 February 2, 2024 | Northwest Labor Press “More than 90 registered nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Service near Eugene expect to begin a two-week strike at 7 a.m. Feb. 10.” When snow and ice hit, union members were the first to respond February 2, 2024 | Northwest Labor Press “Michael Faulkner’s Jan. 13 work shift was a race against the clock and the cold. Faulkner, a bridge maintenance specialist with Multnomah County, usually repairs damaged roads or broken mechanical parts on bridges. But when winter weather rolls in — like the snow and ice storm that hit the Portland area mid-January — his duties shift to clearing bridge decks for drivers and keeping drawbridges working.” Politics & Legislation New Bill Would Prevent Billionaires From Donating to Dark Money Groups Tax-Free February 6, 2024 | Common Dreams “Legislation introduced Tuesday by a pair of Democratic lawmakers would close a loophole that lets billionaires donate assets to dark money organizations without paying any taxes. The U.S. tax code allows write-offs when appreciated assets such as shares of stock are donated to a charity, but the tax break doesn't apply when the assets are given to political groups.” Biden Meets With Culinary Workers on Eve of Nevada Primary February 5, 2024 | The New York Times “President Biden met on Monday with members of Nevada’s powerful culinary workers union, after the union averted a planned strike by reaching contract agreements with Las Vegas properties over the weekend. Mr. Biden visited the Vdara Hotel, one of the properties where the union agreed to a contract for its members, and greeted workers in an employee cafeteria — shaking hands, taking photos and at one point appearing to FaceTime with someone on a worker’s phone.” Building Greater Power in 2024 Guest Editorial: The power of workers and unions in 2024 February 5, 2024 | The Globe By U.S. Sen. Tina Smith: “Last year, scenes of striking workers and picket lines dominated the news. Workers from all corners of the American economy — from writers and auto workers, to teachers and health care professionals — came together to fight for their fair share. The labor movement had a big moment in 2023. I hope we can say the same in 2024.” Organizing AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: NLRB Ruling Affirms Freedom to Join a Union for Dartmouth Men’s Basketball Team February 6, 2024 | AFL-CIO “Yesterday’s NLRB decision affirming the right of Dartmouth men’s basketball team to join a union is game-changing. College athletes put their heart and soul into excelling for their schools, working long, grueling hours and risking bodily injury each and every day. These athletes, like so many other young workers, are standing together to improve their lives. The labor movement stands in firm solidarity with student worker-athletes seeking a voice on the job.“ IGN Staff Votes to Unionize With NewsGuild-CWA February 6, 2024 | Variety “Employees at IGN, the popular video game and entertainment media site, have announced that they are unionizing with the NewsGuild-CWA labor union. The IGN Creators Guild consists of editorial and creative workers at IGN, which is owned by digital media parent company Ziff Davis. The guild is currently made of over 80 employees, with 87% of the eligible members signing union authorization cards. The union will be fighting for better pay, layoff protections, measurable steps that increase staff diversity and more.” Union membership grew by 139,000 in 2023, thanks to worker wins February 5, 2024 | Labor Tribune “Union membership grew by 139,000 in 2023, according to a report on union density released Jan. 23 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Union membership in the private sector increased by 191,000 members, with a majority of new members under the age of 45. More than 900,000 union members won double-digit wage increases through new contracts last year.” Is Dance Poised for a Union Boom? February 5, 2024 | Dance Magazine “Lots of dancers are union members—that isn’t new. Many of the country’s largest dance companies are unionized with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), and dancers who work on Broadway are members of the Actors’ Equity Association. The Radio City Rockettes, Cirque du Soleil performers, and dancers at Disney and Universal theme parks are members of the American Guild of Variety Artists, and many other commercial dancers are members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).” Hyundai Workers in the South Are the Latest to Join UAW’s Sweeping Union Drive February 2, 2024 | In These Times “Auto workers at Hyundai in Montgomery, Alabama, have signed up more than 30 percent of their nearly 4,000 co-workers in an ambitious drive to unionize.” Strikes & Collective Bargaining The Onion Union Ratifies Strike-Averting Contract February 6, 2024 | The Hollywood Reporter “Creative workers at The Onion, The A.V. Club and Deadspin and other titles owned by G/O Media have ratified the tentative deal that averted a potential strike. Out of 36 members in the Writers Guild of America East-represented bargaining unit, 33 voted “yes” on the labor agreement reached Jan. 31 while three rejected the deal, the WGA East announced on Tuesday.” Teachers strike at two Chicago Instituto charter schools after failing to reach deal February 6, 2024 | CBS Chicago “More than 40 members of the Chicago Teachers Union at two Instituto charter schools went on strike Tuesday after the union said it failed to reach a new agreement with the school’s operator. “We want to have the administration respect not just us but also the students that are here,” said science teacher Louis Lucas. Teachers hit the picket lines in front of Instituto Health Science Career Academy and said they’ve been working without a contract for two years.” Strike averted as culinary union settles with Las Vegas hotel-casinos before Super Bowl week February 5, 2024 | ABC News “A union representing hospitality workers says it has reached a tentative agreement with six more hotel-casinos in downtown Las Vegas and called off a strike deadline for another. The agreements averted a Monday morning walkout as the city kicks off Super Bowl week. The Culinary Workers Union announced Saturday that it had reached a tentative five-year contract with the Golden Nugget, Binion’s, Four Queens, Fremont and Main Street that covers about 1,000 workers.” Macy's employees in Washington sanction new contract after significant UFCW 3000 boycott January 31, 2024 | KIMA “We previously reported the boycott and strike that took place regarding Macy's workers and the U-F-C-W 3000 that reached an agreement. Yesterday they announced that Macy's workers voted to accept the new contract. Previously the U-F-C-W 3000 called for a boycott in most Washington Macy's stores, which included Macy's Valley Mall in Union Gap, but eventually led to a contract agreement.” Entertainment How Hollywood Learned to Eat the Rich February 5, 2024 | Mother Jones “As the pandemic took hold and tensions between the haves and have-nots simmered, I couldn’t log in to social media without spotting an image of a guillotine, the enduring symbol of the French Revolution. By then, a similar ire toward the wealthy had already begun to seep into cinema, as evidenced by the success of the 2019 Korean film Parasite—pitting a striving family against a grotesquely wealthy one—which swept the Oscars just before the pandemic sent us all into lockdown.” Corporate Greed U.S. Corporations Are Openly Trying to Destroy Core Public Institutions. We Should All Be Worried February 1, 2024 | Vice “Trader Joe’s has become the second company in a month to argue in court that the National Labor Relations Board is “unconstitutional,” following the lead of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, as both companies face board charges for firing employees. These two major corporations aren’t alone in attempting to protect their interests by undermining public institutions; Meta is also arguing in an ongoing lawsuit that the Federal Trade Commission is unconstitutional.” Graphics to Share

It is once again time for Oregon Labor to stand together in solidarity with striking workers. Nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association working for PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care services in Lane County will begin a strike on Saturday, February 10 which is scheduled to go through Friday, February 23. An injury to one worker is an injury to all of us and it's critical that Oregon's workers and unions rally behind the striking ONA members until a fair contract is reached and ratified.  When we join each other's fights, we have the strength in numbers to accomplish anything. These brave workers are striking as part of their fight to fix a failing health care system. From heartlessly closing University District, leaving Eugene without a hospital, to handing corporate executives multimillion dollar raises during the pandemic, PeaceHealth’s corporate executives are cutting health care again so they can cash in. Here's how you can support the strike: Sign up for a shift on the picket line. Donate to the strike fund to help support striking workers and help hold the line. Sign the public petition to put pressure on PeaceHealth. Attend the strike kickoff rally and informational pocket on Saturday, February 10 from 10am to 2pm at 123 International Way in Springfield click here to RSVP. Use ONA’s social media toolkit to help spread the word about the strike. As we saw during the wave of strikes in the Pacific Northwest last year, our solidarity and our unwavering support of any striking worker will help to push management towards a fair settlement. Please stand together with ONA nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care services in their fight to fix a broken health care system and to win the fair contract they deserve. Please click here to see the latest news about this strike.

Visitors to the Oregon Labor Center may have noticed a big change in the lobby this year: A new mural depicting the fight to build power for working Oregonians. The mural was created by Bob Hansen, an IUPAT Local 1094 member who runs INKNIFE, a sign painting and mural company based in Portland, Oregon.  Brother Hansen also hand-painted the lettering in the lobby and Main Hall at the Oregon Labor Center and we’re proud to support a union-powered local business as we continue to make our statewide headquarters a vibrant space filled with images of workers, actions, and more. The concept for the mural was developed by the Oregon AFL-CIO and includes a variety of picket signs, images of workers fighting for their rights, and the silhouette of Mt. Hood to tie it all together.  Bob did an amazing job bringing the concept to life and giving our lobby a much-needed splash of art depicting the values of Oregon Labor. In addition to the new mural, we are also proud to display a collection of prints by Ralph Fasanella, a cherished artist who intended for his work to be hung in union halls. Born in the Bronx on Labor Day in 1914, Fasanella's vibrant and dense compositions celebrate everyday workers and address complex issues of postwar America. Celebrated for his working-class life paintings, he became a tireless advocate for laborers' rights, first as a union organizer and later as a painter. An effort was made in the late 1980’s to place a dozen of his paintings in public locations in several states.  Most prominently, a group of 15 unions purchased one of the Lawrence strike paintings, Lawrence 1912:  The Great Strike, and donated it to Congress, where it hung for years in the hearing room of the House Subcommittee on Labor and Education.  In 1994, after the Republican takeover of Congress, they removed the painting.  It now hangs at the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, DC, where visiting union members can view it. Please take a moment to check out our new artwork the next time you’re in our building!

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. Click here to subscribe to the Oregon Labor Dispatch weekly emails. Keep up with the latest from Oregon’s unions: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! 🗓️Upcoming Events 📖 Support SEIU Local 503 Members at Oregon’s Public Universities Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Noon SEIU-represented workers at all seven of Oregon’s public universities will hold practice pickets to call attention to their fight for a fair contract. These workers play an essential role in the operations of Oregon’s higher education system and deserve to work under a contract that meets their needs.  Click here to learn more about their campaign, how you can get involved, and to register to attend a practice picket at a university near you!  You can also sign a petition to show support if you’re unable to attend a picket. ✈️ AFA-CWA Worldwide Day of Action Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 11:00am at Portland International Airport On February 13, Flight Attendants from around the world are coming together to bring their collective struggle to the public eye. Together, they’re taking a stand against widespread corporate greed and fighting for the contracts they’ve rightfully earned. Click here to RSVP. 🕯️Providence Candlelight Vigil Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 6:00pm at Providence Milwaukie, 10150 SE 32nd Ave in Milwaukie It’s time to call Providence out on their failures. ONA nurses, health professionals, physicians, and their community and labor allies are holding a candlelight vigil to highlight the ongoing patient care crisis at Providence facilities. Join us to say ‘No More’ to unsafe workloads and added job requirements, chronic staffing shortages, and massive attrition caused by gross inequities in working conditions. We will gather outside Providence Milwaukie Hospital. Everyone is welcome to attend. Click here to RSVP. ⚠️Strike Alert 🩺  PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services on Strike in Lane County PeaceHealth executives in Washington are abandoning local patients and putting their own profits ahead of patients’ needs … AGAIN. From heartlessly closing University District–leaving Eugene without a hospital–to handing corporate executives multimillion dollar raises during the pandemic, PeaceHealth’s corporate executives are cutting your health care again so they can cash in.  Thankfully, your local ONA nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services are standing up to fight back! The strike will be held February 12-23 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Health Sign up for a picket shift or take supportive actions online by clicking here. 🖤 Black History Month Coalition of Black Trade Unionists: Black History Month Events Ongoing throughout February both on Zoom and in person in Portland The Oregon Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) cordially invites you to join us for a month-long recognition of Black excellence in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Labor History Association, Portland Rising, Oregon AFSCME, and AFRAM/SEIU Local 503. The primary focus is health care. February 1, 2024 at 6:00pm: Welcome address and podcast of AFSCME President Emeritus William Bill Lucy and the CBTU Under 40 Committee February 8, 2024 at 6:30pm: Black Relevance in Politics Forum February 15, 2024 at 6:30pm: Health Care Forum February 22, 2024 at 6:30pm: Labor History Workshop (In Person at Oregon AFL-CIO) February 29, 2024 at 7:00pm: Movie Night (In Person at SEIU Local 503) Click here to learn more about these exciting events! 👉🏼 Must Read Strike School 2024 February 1, 2024 | Oregon AFL-CIO “On January 27, 2024 nearly 100 union members, leaders, and staff gathered at the Oregon Labor Center for a day-long training designed to increase the effectiveness of Oregon Labor’s ability to plan, organize, and execute strikes and credible strike threats in order to secure collective bargaining wins.” Oregon Labor Labor Won Big In Oregon In 2023. What Now? January 31, 2024 | Portland Business Journal “After hard-won battles in 2023, unions representing nurses and other front-line health care workers aren't resting on their laurels.” Salem-Keizer makes progress in ongoing bargaining talks but much remains on the table January 31, 2024 | OPB “The state’s second-largest school district is gaining ground in recent mediation talks with both of its unions. But there are many things, especially regarding workload, that remain unresolved.” Portland Community College, faculty union reach tentative contract agreement January 30, 2024 | The Oregonian “After nearly a year at the bargaining table, Portland Community College has reached a tentative contract agreement with the union that represents its roughly 1,400 faculty members, the college announced Tuesday.” Portland Public Schools, school employees unions reach tentative agreements January 30, 2024 | The Oregonian “After months of contentious bargaining, Portland Public Schools and the union that represents classified staff, including classroom aides, paraeducators, campus safety officials, library aides, administrative assistants and occupational and physical therapists, have reached a tentative contract agreement.” Bend-La Pine Schools, teachers union reach ‘conceptual agreement’ on contract January 30, 2024 | Central Oregon Daily “The Bend-La Pine School District says it has reached a “conceptual agreement” on a new contract with the Bend Education Association (BEA) after months of negotiations. The new four-year deal is for certified employees including teachers, nurses, school psychologists, social workers and others.” PPS office staff union holds ‘practice picket’ January 28, 2024 | KOIN The union representing the Portland Public Schools office workers, educational assistants and para educators held a “practice picket” on Sunday outside Benson High School. GTFF ratifies new contract, marking an end to UO negotiations January 27, 2024 | Daily Emerald GTFF announced the afternoon of Jan. 26 it has ratified its new contract with the University of Oregon — closing out 10 months of negotiations with the university. 95% of GTFF members voted “yes” to the new contract, with 81% of members participating in the vote. Legislation & Politics Oregon Supreme Court rules that Republican senators who walked out last year can’t seek reelection February 1, 2024 | OPB “In a unanimous opinion that could have reverberations for the upcoming legislative session, the court sided with Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade’s interpretation of Measure 113, the 2022 ballot measure that voters approved with an eye toward ending legislative walkouts.” Lawmakers reject bill to remove civil rights protections for gender identity January 31, 2024 | KWQC “An Iowa House subcommittee unanimously rejected a bill that would have removed civil rights protections for gender identity and instead defined gender dysphoria as a protected disability.“ Bills would give unemployment benefits to strikers January 18, 2024 | Northwest Labor Press “Washington could join New York, New Jersey, and Maine in providing unemployment benefits when workers go on strike.” Biden Orders US Contractors to Reveal Salary Ranges in Job Ads January 29, 2024 | Bloomberg Law “The Biden administration plans to require companies with federal government contracts to disclose expected salary ranges in job postings, as part of a broader effort to boost race and gender pay equity. US contractors, as well as federal agencies, will also be prohibited from using a job applicant’s compensation history to set their starting pay.” Organizing Denver Art Museum workers will vote on a union in March. Here are the details. January 31, 2024 | The Colorado Sun “Throughout the month of January workers at the Denver Art Museum have inched their way toward forming a union to fight for higher wages, more transparency and improved safety procedures.” U.S. ‘Avatar’ Workers Vote to Unionize In Boost for VFX Organizing Effort January 31, 2024 | The Hollywood Reporter “U.S.-based visual effects artists who help bring James Cameron’s Avatar epics to life have voted to unionize in a National Labor Relations Board election.” ‘A vision for a better institution’: Chatham University staff members turn out in droves for public union card signing January 26, 2024 | Pittsburgh Union Progress “We’re really committed to an open and transparent process,” said Jessie Ramey, director of the women’s program and an associate professor at Chatham. “In fact, we’d like to be a part of a new wave in organizing, and I think that this could be part of a new paradigm where we work a little bit more openly.” Strikes Chicago Tribune’s unionized newsroom staff to go on historic 24-hour strike Thursday: ‘Enough is enough’ January 31, 2024 | Chicago Sun-Times “In what’s believed to be a first in Chicago newspaper history, reporters and other newsroom staffers at the Chicago Tribune plan to go on strike Thursday, joining hundreds of other Tribune Publishing employees in a nationwide action after years of contract negotiations.” The Onion Union Reaches Tentative Deal With Management, Averting Strike January 31, 2024 | The Hollywood Reporter “A strike has been averted at The Onion and several of its sister publications, at least for now. Hours before their current labor agreement was set to expire, The Onion union — representing staffers at The Onion, Onion Labs, The A.V. Club, Deadspin and The Takeout — reached a tentative deal on a new contract with owners G/O Media.” Las Vegas Culinary Union announces new downtown strike deadline, upcoming continuous picketing January 31, 2024 | Fox 5 Vegas “Just two days before its strike deadline, the Las Vegas Culinary Union announced that it is moving that deadline back three days as negotiations continue with 10 downtown resorts.” Washington Macy's workers on strike, contract vote scheduled January 26, 2024 | NBC“UFCW 3000 says employees from the Bellingham and Southcenter Mall Macy's have joined the strike as workers continue to push for a fair contract. The union says workers will continue to strike and boycott the store until the contract is achieved.” The Care Economy Care quality declines when hospital privatizes for profit January 26, 2024 | People’s World “When hospital chains privatize in pursuit of profits, the quality of patient care goes down—way down–compared to a control group of other hospitals, a new study shows. Outcomes after discharge are worse.” Labor Leaders Meet the new Kentucky AFL-CIO president focusing on the future of young workers January 31, 2024 | Courier Journal “In December, the now 43-year-old Reinstedler was elected and sworn in as president of the Kentucky AFL-CIO, a state labor council where all labor unions in the state are members.” Graphics to Share