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At the December 7, 2023 meeting of the Oregon AFL-CIO’s Committee on Political Education (COPE) Board, leaders and representatives from unions in every community and sector of Oregon’s economy voted to endorse Oregon Speaker of the House Dan Rayfield to be Oregon’s next Attorney General. With years of experience as a State Representative and now as the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, Dan Rayfield has been a fierce advocate for working people in his own district and across the state. In 2017 the Oregon AFL-CIO awarded Speaker Rayfield Legislator of theYear for his trailblazing work in sponsoring legislation to provide unemployment insurance benefits to workers locked out by their employer, a direct support to Steelworkers in his district who walked picket lines outside of their workplaces for seven months. Most recently, Speaker Rayfield stood shoulder-to-shoulder with striking members of IUOE Local 701 employed at Valley Landfill in Corvallis who walked off the job demanding fair pay and safe working conditions. In the 2023 legislative session, Speaker Rayfield earned a Platinum ranking on the Oregon AFL-CIO’s Legislative Scorecard for his voting record as well as his continued efforts to advance the legislative priorities of Oregon’s unions and worker advocates. “The Oregon AFL-CIO supports Speaker Rayfield’s campaign to be our next Attorney General because of his consistent record of strong advocacy for Oregon’s workers,” said Graham Trainor, Oregon AFL-CIO President. “He’s stood with us as a State Representative and as Speaker of the House, he’s walked picket lines with us, and he listens to the voices of working people to inform his priorities as an elected official.  We can trust that Speaker Rayfield will carry his commitment and effectiveness as a lawmaker to the office of the Attorney General where he will continue to defend the rights of working people.” The Oregon AFL-CIO’s COPE Board will make additional endorsements throughout 2024, including Congressional candidates, ballot initiatives, statewide elected officials, and state legislative candidates.  The Oregon AFL-CIO operates the largest independent voter outreach program in Oregon and is prepared to educate and mobilize Oregon’s workers to support the federation’s endorsements in the 2024 Primary and General elections.

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 Upcoming Events ✈️ Alaska AIrlines Picket at PDX Tuesday, December 19, 2023 | Portland International Airport, meeting location TBD (map) Flight Attendants at United and Alaska Airlines continue to face tough contract fights. As the holiday travel season gets underway, they are holding informational pickets at several airports. Please show your solidarity and support by joining them. Click here to RSVP to picket with AFA-CWA members in Portland International Airport 🏤 Rally: Save the Postal Service & Postal Jobs Monday, January 8, 2024 | East Portland Post Office, 1020 SE 7th in Portland (map) Join APWU Local 128 and the Oregon Labor Movement to protest a massive transformation to the Portland area’s Postal Service that will cost workers their jobs and even close some neighborhood Post Offices. Take Action 🔬 Support OHSU Graduate Researchers OHSU isn’t paying Graduate Researchers the wages they bargained for and are denying the union's grievances.  It’s time to tell OHSU to pay Graduate Researchers what they’re owed! Click send a message to the OHSU President and the Board of Directors and stand with the Graduate Researches United, AFSCME, at OHSU. 📩 Tell the University of Oregon Board of Trustees: Don’t Cut Off Employee Healthcare! Take action to stand with the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation at the University of Oregon who are fighting hard for a fair contract and may face cuts to their healthcare by the Board of Trustees. Click here to write a letter to the Board in support of GTFF, it only takes a few minutes and will help make a tremendous difference in their campaign! 🏫 Respect for Oregon Public University Staff Please take a moment to sign a pledge in support of the 4,500 classified workers at Oregon’s public universities in their campaign to win working conditions that help students succeed, and wages that allow them to support themselves and their families. Click here to sign on. Oregon Labor New Law Means Higher Penalties for Unsafe Employers in Oregon December 14, 2023 | Oregon AFL-CIO “SB 592 is a serious upgrade to the penalties employers face for health and safety violations. The minimum penalty is now a much heftier $1,116, and it's set to keep up with inflation every year. No more being at the bottom of the list – Oregon is stepping up to show that worker safety is a top priority.” Legacy Health employees are unionizing at blinding speed December 14, 2023 | OPB “As Legacy Health leaders work on a proposed merger agreement into Oregon Health & Science University, its workforce continues to organize into unions at blinding speed.  On Dec. 6, more than 40 nurse practitioners and physician assistants at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center signed cards calling for a union election to join the Oregon Nurses Association. That same day, about 150 technical employees at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center in Tualatin voted to form a union affiliated with the Oregon Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals, or OFNHP.” State mediator to step in as union unrest drags on at Portland Community College December 14, 2023 | The Oregonian “A state mediator is scheduled to step into contract negotiations between the Portland Community College administration and the union that represents its roughly 1,400 faculty members in January as the parties near almost a year at the bargaining table.” The meaning of Oregon’s anti-walkout measure will soon be clear December 13, 2023 | OPB “Pushed by public employee unions and backed by top Democrats, Measure 113 was an attempt to end legislative walkouts. To do so, the law inserted language into the state constitution that says any lawmaker with 10 or more unexcused absences can’t hold office “for the term following the election after the member’s current term is completed.” 'It's a thoughtless, reckless decision': Former PeaceHealth nurse speaks about hospital closure at City Club forum December 10, 2023 | KVAL “In the wake of the University District emergency room's closure Friday December 1st, the City Club of Eugene held a panel to discuss the closure, its impact on our most vulnerable populations, and what steps need to be taken going forward. The panel consisted of Dana Petersen-Crabb, the Senior Director of Housing Services at ShelterCare, Lynda Pond, the immediate past president of the Oregon Nurses Association, and Jocelyn Wensel, a rising 3rd year medical student.” Historic AFL-CIO & Microsoft Deal Video: AFL-CIO President Shuler Joins Microsoft Vice Chair & President Smith on AI and the Future of Work December 11, 2023 | AFL-CIO AFL-CIO President Shuler Joins Microsoft Vice Chair & President Smith on AI and the Future of Work New AI alliance will educate workers, incorporate labor’s voice in tech development and help shape policy that supports workers. Microsoft Agrees to Remain Neutral in Union Campaigns December 12, 2023 | New York Times “Punctuating a year of major gains for organized labor, Microsoft has announced that it will stay neutral if any group of U.S.-based workers seeks to unionize. Roughly 100,000 workers would be eligible to unionize under the framework, which was disclosed Monday by Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, and the A.F.L.-C.I.O. president, Liz Shuler, during a forum at the labor federation’s headquarters in Washington.” Microsoft, AFL-CIO reach deal on AI, labor neutrality December 11, 2023 | Reuters “Microsoft and the AFL-CIO union federation said Monday they had struck a deal whereby the U.S. software giant will remain neutral in efforts by unions to encourage workers to become members. The two sides will also work together on the future of artificial intelligence, in a first-of-its-kind partnership on AI and the future of the workforce as business and labor grapple with the impact of the technology.” National Politics AFL-CIO Strongly Condemns House Republicans Impeachment Inquiry Vote December 13, 2023 | AFL-CIO Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on the House impeachment inquiry: “Today’s vote by extremist House Republicans to authorize an impeachment inquiry into President Biden will go down as yet another pathetic and dangerous stunt by a hyper-partisan group of politicians who are more interested in political retribution than governing.” Civil & Human Rights Lawsuit alleges forced prison labor scheme involving private employers December 12, 2023 | The Washington Post “Ten current and former Alabama prisoners say they were forced to participate in work programs that raised money for the state while providing cheap labor to public- and private-sector employers, including franchisees of Burger King, McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday. The plaintiffs, who also include several labor unions and the criminal justice nonprofit Woods Foundation, say the system amounts to a “modern-day form of slavery” comparable to convict-leasing programs that existed after the Civil War.” Buying Union Union-Made Holiday Gift Guide December 1, 2023 | AFL-CIO “Find that perfect holiday gift that carries a union label and is made in America. Shipping gifts this year? Make sure to ship using a union carrier like the U.S. Postal Service or UPS.” Organizing Starbucks accused of illegally shutting stores over union organizing December 14, 2023 | Axios “The closure of the union and non-union stores marks the latest of several cases involving the coffee chain giant and the Starbucks Workers United union, which has on several occasions accused the company of illegally interfering with workers' rights.” Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Workers Unionize with UFCW December 13, 2023 | UFCW “Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents 1.2 million essential workers in grocery, meatpacking, food processing, retail, and other essential industries across North America, released a statement following Ben & Jerry’s ice cream processing workers’ decision to unionize at the Waterbury, Vermont plant.” The unexpected revival of America’s trade unions December 13, 2023 | Financial Times “Christian Sweeney, the group’s deputy organizing director, says it is working to ensure workers have technical tools, such as software designed for organizing, and it is running training sessions to boost organizing capacity. “Organizing begets organizing,” Sweeney says. “When one employer organizes, it’s viral.”” Strikes Four Southern California Hilton hotels reach deals with striking workers, suggesting momentum December 8, 2023 | Los Angeles Times “After five months of on-and-off strikes by Southern California hotel workers, there are signs of progress toward a resolution. On Friday, Unite Here Local 11 announced it had reached a tentative contract agreement with the Beverly Hilton covering more than 500 unionized workers. The union struck deals Saturday with two other properties managed by Hilton: for some 300 workers at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills, and about 800 workers at the Hilton Anaheim.” Washington Post refusal to bargain pushes workers into one-day strike December 7, 2023 | People’s World “Absolute refusal by the Washington Post to bargain, for 18 months pushed 700 of them, represented by The Washington-Baltimore News Guild into an 8 a.m.-midnight strike on December 7. “They haven’t budged,” Guild Executive Director Cet Parks said in a telephone talk with Peoples World. WBNG took to social media and the Action Network to make its case, urging subscribers not to engage with Post any way on strike day. The Action Network letter was addressed to three top Post executives, not including its owner, Jeff Bezos, one of the world’s richest people.” Union Power in Higher Education Student workers at UC Santa Barbara dining halls vote to create Student Labor Union Thursday December 12, 2023 | KEYT “A supermajority of student dining hall workers at UC Santa Barbara signed authorization cards to create the Student Dining Labor Union last Thursday. This is the first undergraduate dining hall workers union on any University of California campus and the new union will join UAW Local 2865, the existing union for UC student workers, detailed Jasmine Rebollar, a current student dining hall worker and third-year student at UC Santa Barbara studying Aquatic Biology.” University of Chicago unions join forces in fight for a fair contract December 12, 2023 | Chicago Reader “As the University of Chicago negotiates with labor groups representing nearly 6,000 workers, graduate student workers joined in solidarity with the university medical center’s nurses Monday, December 4, to demand the school to settle on a fair deal with workers.” NIU Union Workers Demand Better Pay and Staffing Solutions in Ongoing Negotiations December 7, 2023 | WREX “Northern Illinois University union workers spoke out on Thursday about their concerns, demanding improvements in pay rates and staffing levels. This push is coming from members of the AFSCME 963 union.” Graphics to Share

The safety of working Oregonians just got a major boost, thanks to the passage and implementation of Senate Bill 592 which was a major legislative priority for the Oregon AFL-CIO and unions across the state. Prior to SB 592 becoming law,  Oregon ranked dead last in terms of penalties for workplace safety violations, with a measly $50 minimum for serious violations leading to injuries or worse. SB 592 is a serious upgrade to the penalties employers face for health and safety violations. The minimum penalty is now a much heftier $1,116, and it's set to keep up with inflation every year. No more being at the bottom of the list – Oregon is stepping up to show that worker safety is a top priority. The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) is now armed with more power to crack down on violations that put workers at risk. Whether it's a lack of training, faulty equipment, exposure to harmful substances, or missing safety gear, employers are on notice that serious violations should come with serious penalties. And it's not just about punishing after the fact – these changes are aimed at preventing accidents in the first place. With unions pushing for better laws, we're seeing a shift towards safer workplaces and a stronger emphasis on holding employers accountable. Let's not forget the numbers: around 125,000 workers are hurt or disabled every year due to workplace hazards across the country. But here's the good news – researchers say that a 10% bump in penalties and inspection frequency can cut worker injuries by about 1% each. That might sound small, but it adds up when it's you or someone you know – in 2020 we estimate that those increases would have prevented over 400 safety and health incidents in Oregon.

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 🎄81st Annual Children’s Holiday Party - Marion-Polk-Yamhill Central Labor Chapter December 9, 9:00am -12:00pm, Ken Allen AFSCME Labor Canter, 1400 Tandem Ave NE in Salem Join the Marion-Polk-Yamhill Central Labor Chapter for a free and fun-filled event with cookies, crafts, gift bags, live music and the one and only Caesar the No Drama Llama. 🛍️ The Labor Market: Flea Market and Maker Fair December 9-10, Goldsmith Blocks Building, 412 NW Couch in Portland, 10:00am - 6:00pm Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind film worker flea market and maker fair! The Labor Market will feature original works of art, handcrafts and other creative products made by film workers, and a flea market where treasures you’ve seen on the screen in locally filmed tv shows and movies could be waiting to be discovered. All sales of goods go directly to the Union member-vendor. The market will have live music, entertainment, raffles, and special guest Santa Claus. Take Action 📩 Tell the University of Oregon Board of Trustees: Don’t Cut Off Employee Healthcare! Take action to stand with the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation at the University of Oregon who are fighting hard for a fair contract and may face cuts to their healthcare by the Board of Trustees. Click here to write a letter to the Board in support of GTFF, it only takes a few minutes and will help make a tremendous difference in their campaign! 🏫 Respect for Oregon Public University Staff Please take a moment to sign a pledge in support of the 4,500 classified workers at Oregon’s public universities in their campaign to win working conditions that help students succeed, and wages that allow them to support themselves and their families. Click here to sign on. Oregon Labor Advanced Practice Providers Look To Unionize At Legacy Emanuel And Good Samaritan December 6, 2023 | Oregon Nurses Association “Nurse practitioners and physician assistants at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center are calling for a union election to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). The more than 40 advanced practice providers (APPs) want to unionize to ensure safe staffing for patients, address provider burnout, and use their collective voice and expertise to raise standards at both hospitals. The group submitted union authorization cards to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Dec. 6. The NLRB is expected to hold a hearing and set an election date in the coming weeks.” Legacy Meridian Park Techs Unionize With OFNHP December 5, 2023 | OFNHP, AFT Local 5017 “On December 5th, the Technical employees at the Tualatin hospital Legacy Meridian Park voted by 62% to unionize. These healthcare professionals have joined the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP), a local affiliate of the 1.7 million American Federation of Teachers, Nurses and Health Professionals (AFT). This unionization vote follows the physicians at Meridian Park, who themselves recently unionized with AFT.” Gresham firefighters demand better working conditions: 'It's not normal' December 6, 2023 | KGW “Gresham firefighters brought longstanding occupational safety concerns before Gresham City Council on Tuesday. They demanded improved working conditions and more staffing resources after two recent line-of-duty deaths and a growing number of serious illnesses among staff.” Grad workers say low wages make University of Oregon less competitive, diverse December 6, 2023 | OPB “Leslie Selcer, president of the graduate student union, told UO’s Board of Trustees Tuesday that the university is losing talent to institutions offering pay that matches their city’s cost of living. She pointed to a letter of support for the union signed by nearly 200 faculty raising concerns about recruiting and retaining qualified research staff.” UFCW Local 555 ends strike at Kaiser December 1, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Close to 900 Kaiser Permanente pharmacy and imaging department workers in Oregon and Southwest Washington ended their strike Nov. 18 and returned to work without new contracts. The workers are represented by Tigard-based United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 555. The strike began Oct. 1 with about 370 pharmacy technicians and clerks. They stayed out on strike until Oct. 21, then went back out on strike again Oct. 23. About 500 imaging technologists joined them on strike Nov. 1. Under federal law, unions have to give at least 10 days notice before striking or picketing at any health care institution.” Members of other Portland school employee unions react to make-up day plan November 30, 2023 | OPB “To make up the 11 days of lost instructional time for students due to the Portland Public Schools teachers strike, the Portland Association of Teachers and PPS decided to add those days back, starting with the first week of the district’s winter break, which starts on Dec. 18.” Hospital service, tech workers in SW Washington, Oregon reach agreement with PeaceHealth November 30, 2023 | FOX 12 “The union representing more than 1,700 hospital service and tech workers at PeaceHealth locations in southwest Washington and Oregon announced Thursday that they have reached a tentative agreement with PeaceHealth management. This agreement follows nearly a year of negotiations and a five-day strike in October” Tradeswomen Build Nations 2023 Tradeswomen Build Nations 2023 December 5, 2023 | Oregon AFL-CIO “The 2023 Tradeswomen Build Nations conference was held last week in Washington DC and brought together a diverse and dynamic group of women from unions across the building and construction trades industry. Organized by North America’s Build Trades Unions, the annual event’s goal is to celebrate and advance the role of women in the building and construction trades.” Strikes The Washington Post braces for historic 24-hour strike as journalists protest staff cuts and contract frustrations December 6, 2023 | CNN “Hundreds of staffers at The Washington Post are set to strike for 24 hours on Thursday, protesting recently announced cuts to the newspaper’s workforce and applying pressure on management to reach an agreement on a new union contract. “Taking this historic action is not a decision we came to lightly,” The Washington Post Guild said in a letter to readers. “We take seriously the impact it will have on the people, issues and communities we cover.”” Union Power in 2023 Labor’s Very Good Year December 6, 2023 | The New York Times “This year has been a good one for labor unions. They have won victories in Hollywood and the auto industry, and 67 percent of Americans approve of unions, according to Gallup. Still, I remain skeptical that union organizing is on the cusp of a major turnaround, unless federal law changes. For now, companies that aren’t unionized have many ways to prevent a union from forming even when most workers want to join one.” Collective Bargaining SAG-AFTRA members easily ratify new contract after actors’ strike December 5, 2023 | Los Angeles Times “Members of performers union SAG-AFTRA have voted in favor of the contract that ended the actors’ strike, following a weeks-long ratification period that saw a number of actors voice concerns about the new deal. The ratification vote, which was expected, marks the end of Hollywood’s extraordinary season of labor discontent that caused widespread disruptions across the film and TV industry.” MSNBC union ratifies first contract after 2 years of negotiations December 5, 2023 | Editor & Publisher “Nearly 300 Writers Guild of America East members at MSNBC have overwhelmingly ratified their first collective bargaining agreement after over two years of negotiations. The contract includes minimum salaries for all titles, with significant pay increases for all production assistants and most associate producers, a guaranteed minimum 3% pay increase on March 1 every year for the next three years, and a ratification bonus that amounts to 2% of members’ current annual salaries.” UAW ratifies 3.5-year contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan December 6, 2023 | The Detroit News “The United Auto Workers union ratified a 3.5-year labor agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan on Wednesday, ending an 88-day strike by 1,360 workers. The agreement was "overwhelming in favor of ratification" by UAW-represented employees in voting on Dec. 5-6, covering 1,360 BCBSM and Blue Care Network workers. The deal is retroactive to Sept. 1 and runs to May 1, 2027, Blue Cross officials said in a statement late Wednesday.” MGM Grand Detroit union workers approve new contract, ending over month-long strike December 4, 2023 | CBS Detroit “Union members with the Detroit Casino Council voted to ratify a new contract with MGM Grand Detroit after 47 days on strike, according to UNITE HERE Local 24.The unions are to stop striking effective immediately.” Organizing Netflix Production Accountants Unionize With IATSE December 7, 2023 | The Hollywood Reporter “A group of production accountants employed by Netflix in New York and New Jersey has unionized with IATSE. A third party certified that a majority of the group of key accountants, assistant production accountants, payroll accountants and clerks supported joining IATSE Local 161 in a card count Wednesday.” Hunger in Oregon Podcast: Food Bank sees worst levels of hunger in decades December 7, 2023 | Oregon Center for Public Policy “In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with Susannah Morgan, President of the Oregon Food Bank. As Susannah explains, the level of hunger right now is the worst that she has seen in her 28 years of working in food banks in several states.” Labor Law Public worker lawsuit seeks to overturn Wisconsin’s anti-collective bargaining law December 7, 2023 | AFSCME “Wisconsin workers have sued the state, seeking to overturn a 2011 law championed by former Gov. Scott Walker that all but ended collective bargaining rights for most public sector workers.The lawsuit, filed in state court on Nov. 30, says the Wisconsin statute is unconstitutional because it divided public employees into two groups — a disfavored class and a favored class — and then imposed severe burdens just on employees in the disfavored group, violating their right to equal protection under the law.” NLRB says ‘common law’ — and common sense — defines joint employers December 4, 2023 | Labor Tribune “Attempting to put an end, once and for all, to a controversy that has swirled for more than a decade, the National Labor Relations Board issued what it calls “a common law”— and common sense — rule on when joint employers are jointly responsible for obeying or breaking Labor law. Using that same “basic common sense” explanation, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler called the new rule “an important win” for workers.” Labor & Civil Rights Labor and civil rights leaders’ memoir called ‘a valuable addition’ to U.S. history December 5, 2023 | AFSCME “Norman Hill and Velma Murphy Hill have played prominent roles in both the civil rights movement and the labor movement over the past 60 years. With the publication of their memoir in October, “Climbing the Rough Side of the Mountain” (Regalo Press), they share their six-decade story of partnership, while describing the far-reaching impact of their efforts, which is sure to inspire a new generation of activists.” Higher Education College students at Smith, Mount Holyoke joining union wave December 4, 2023 | Daily Hampshire Gazette “Joining a rising wave of fledgling student worker unions nationally and locally, student dining workers and residential advisers at Smith College have announced the formation of new unions to represent their interests.” International Solidarity A group of Norwegian unions says it will act against Tesla in solidarity with its Swedish colleagues December 6, 2023 | The Derrick “ A conglomerate of unions in Norway said Wednesday it will take action against Tesla in solidarity with its Swedish colleagues, who are demanding that the Texas-based automaker sign a collective bargaining agreement.” Graphics to Share

The 2023 Tradeswomen Build Nations conference was held last week in Washington DC and brought together a diverse and dynamic group of women from unions across the building and construction trades industry. Organized by North America’s Build Trades Unions, the annual event’s goal is to celebrate and advance the role of women in the building and construction trades. The conference served as a platform for tradeswomen to share their experiences, insights, and accomplishments, fostering a sense of solidarity and empowerment. Attendees participated in a wide range of workshops, panel discussions, and networking events, covering topics such as skill development, workplace equality, and strategies for overcoming barriers in the trades. The conference not only highlighted the achievements of tradeswomen but also addressed ongoing challenges and advocated for gender equality in the workforce. Inspirational keynote speakers, industry leaders, and seasoned tradeswomen including SMART Local 16 member Korri Bus provided valuable perspectives, inspiring the next generation of tradeswomen to pursue and thrive in their chosen fields. With a focus on education, mentorship, and community building, the Tradeswomen Build Nations conference played a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and breaking down the barriers women face in the building and construction trades. Click here to learn more about the event. SMART Local 16 (Portland, Oregon) member Korri Bus took the stage in front of 4,000+ tradeswomen and allies to talk about her journey and discuss the importance of accessible childcare. Oregon Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson joined AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and thousands of tradeswomen from across the country at the conference. Check out more photos from Tradeswomen Build Nations, courtesy of UA, BAC, IUPAT, SMART, NABTU and the AFL-CIO:

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 📣 Rally with SEIU Local 503 Members at Portland State University Tomorrow: Friday, December 1, Urban Plaza, SW Mill St in Portland at noon SEIU Local 503 members are rallying at PSU to show they are united, strong, and fighting for the fair contract they deserve. Join with them to send a strong message to PSU administration! 📖 University of Oregon Labor Center Collective Bargaining Institute December 3-8, University Place Hotel, Portland Oregon Want to be ready for your next round of bargaining? Join union leaders from around the state at the Labor Education and Research Center's Collective Bargaining Institute. In this hands-on program, participants learn all the fundamentals of effective negotiations -- from drafting proposals and contract costing, to managing the bargaining team and finding a settlement. Scholarships are available! Click here for more details and to register online. 🎄81st Annual Children’s Holiday Party - Marion-Polk-Yamhill Central Labor Chapter December 9, 9:00am -12:00pm, Ken Allen AFSCME Labor Canter, 1400 Tandem Ave NE in Salem Join the Marion-Polk-Yamhill Central Labor Chapter for a free and fun-filled event with cookies, crafts, gift bags, live music and the one and only Caesar the No Drama Llama. 🛍️ The Labor Market: Flea Market and Maker Fair December 9-10, Goldsmith Blocks Building, 412 NW Couch in Portland, 10:00am - 6:00pm Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind film worker flea market and maker fair! The Labor Market will feature original works of art, handcrafts and other creative products made by film workers, and a flea market where treasures you’ve seen on the screen in locally filmed tv shows and movies could be waiting to be discovered. All sales of goods go directly to the Union member-vendor. The market will have live music, entertainment, raffles, and special guest Santa Claus. Take Action 📩 Tell the University of Oregon Board of Trustees: Don’t Cut Off Employee Healthcare! Take action to stand with the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation at the University of Oregon who are fighting hard for a fair contract and may face cuts to their healthcare by the Board of Trustees. Click here to write a letter to the Board in support of GTFF, it only takes a few minutes and will help make a tremendous difference in their campaign! 🏫 Respect for Oregon Public University Staff Please take a moment to sign a pledge in support of the 4,500 classified workers at Oregon’s public universities in their campaign to win working conditions that help students succeed, and wages that allow them to support themselves and their families. Click here to sign on. Oregon Labor Portland teachers ratify contract with nearly 95% approval, school board passes unanimously November 28, 2023 | OPB “According to the union, teachers approved the contract with overwhelming support. More than 93% of members voted, with 94.7% voting to ratify. PAT represents the largest group of educators in the district, including classroom and special education teachers, counselors, speech-language pathologists and many more.” Gratitude for those who have walked the picket line or risked their jobs to form a union November 23, 2023 | Oregon Capital Chronicle “This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the teachers, nurses and other workers who have walked the picket line to demand better wages and working conditions. I am thankful for the workers who have risked their jobs to form a union. I am thankful for a resurgent labor movement — the most hopeful sign that a brighter future for our state and nation is possible.” IBEW Local 48 gets $13/hour increase over three years November 16, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Members of IBEW Local 48 ratified three agreements in the last month that cover nearly all of the union’s 6,000 members.” UFCW files crop of ballot measures November 16, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “The grocery union wants repeal of self-service gas, union neutrality at cannabis businesses, and legislative and hospital reforms.” Oregon Politics Oregon Republicans plan legislation to ban teacher walkouts as Portland strike continues November 21, 2023 | Oregon Capital Inside “The proposal from Reps. Vikki Breese-Iverson, Jami Cate and Christine Goodwin, all rural Republicans, will almost certainly be dead on arrival in the state Capitol, where Democrats supported by the Oregon Education Association control both legislative chambers and the governor’s office.” Healthcare PeaceHealth to refund millions to low-income patients in Washington, but not Oregon November 21, 2023 | The Lund Report “Following a Washington state investigation into PeaceHealth, the Vancouver-based health system has agreed to provide refunds worth as much as $13.4 million to as many as 11,500 past patients of its five hospitals in the state. But PeaceHealth tells The Lund Report those refunds won’t be extended to Oregon, where PeaceHealth has operated four hospitals, and where the Oregon Department of Justice says it is not currently investigating PeaceHealth.” Strikes Blue Cross, UAW reach tentative deal to end strike November 28, 2023 | Detroit Free Press “Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announced late Tuesday that it has reached a tentative contract agreement with the UAW that would bring an end to a strike involving more than 1,000 Blue Cross workers.“ Macy's workers striking in Lynnwood, Tukwila and Bellingham over 'unfair labor practices' November 24, 2023 | King 5 “Hundreds of Macy’s department store workers went on strike Friday at three western Washington locations over what the union called unfair labor practices. About 400 workers were expected to picket at Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood and Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham, which the union said would effectively shut down stores. Macy's has confirmed stores will remain open.” Collective Bargaining New York City Ballet and Its Orchestra Reach Contract Deal November 28, 2023 | The New York Times “After months of wrangling, New York City Ballet and the union representing its musicians announced on Tuesday they had reached a deal for a new contract.” USC and graduate students union reach tentative pact with big pay boosts, bias protections November 27, 2023 | Los Angeles Times “USC and about 3,000 newly unionized graduate student workers who teach, grade and do research reached a tentative labor agreement Sunday evening with big pay boosts and anti harassment protections, averting a threatened Tuesday strike weeks before final exams.” Black Actors Praise Sag’s New Hair and Makeup Requirements, ‘We Feel Heard’ November 27, 2023 | Black Enterprise “Black Hollywood actors “feel heard” now that SAG-AFTRA has finally addressed their long-overlooked concerns about hair and makeup. Details into SAG-AFTRA’s recently reached deal with Hollywood studios reveal the new provisions for hair and makeup that will greatly benefit actors with more textured hair who have faced discrimination in the past.” Organizing Disney's remote animators seek to join union for higher pay November 28, 2023 | Reuters “Ten of Walt Disney's (DIS.N) animation workers who operate remotely across six U.S. states are seeking to unionize, the Animation Guild said on Tuesday. The workers have filed with the National Labor Relations Board for an official union election and sought representation by the Animation Guild and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).” Legoland trying to deter ride techs’ bid to unionize, workers say November 28, 2023 | The Guardian “Lego play sets have captivated children and adults alike for decades, but engineers at Legoland California are dealing with blocks of a different kind: opposition from management and hired union avoidance consultants trying to deter their bid to formally unionize.” It’s official. Tacoma Art Museum workers unionize! November 27, 2023 | The Stand “After 12 months of fighting for their union, workers at Tacoma Art Museum voted overwhelmingly Nov. 15-16 to form Tacoma Art Museum Workers United. This year-long campaign brought workers from multiple departments together, the first museum workers union in Washington to do so.” Supporting Workers RWDSU to shoppers: Treat retail, warehouse, farm workers with respect November 29, 2023 | People’s World “Retail workers, trying to deal with hordes of customers between now and New Year’s Day, warehouse workers—especially at Amazon—engaging in backbreaking and sometimes dangerous toil to get your goods to you, and farmworkers who put food on your holiday tables need dignity and respect from you as a consumer, the head of a top retail union says. That’s because they face many problems on the job.” 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! Oregon Workers on Strike ➡️ UFCW Local 555 Strike at Kaiser Local 555 members working at Kaiser facilities across Oregon and Southwest Washington are currently engaged in a ULP strike until November 18, 2023. Picketing is happening daily from 6:00am - 6:00pm at the following locations: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus in Clackamas (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus in Hillsboro (map) Kaiser Regional Lab in NE Portland (map) Kaiser Cascade Park in Vancouver (map) Kaiser North Lancaster in Salem (map) ➡️ Portland Association of Teachers on Strike On November 1, 2023 the Portland Association of Teachers went on strike for the first time in district history following ten months of fighting at the bargaining table for a fair contract. Here’s how you can get involved: PAT members are picketing at all Portland Public Schools in the city from 7:45am - 10:15am daily. Rallies are being held at noon each day during the strike at various locations throughout the city. To find out where the next rally is happening, please check PAT’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Strike Map The Strike Map can be found at www.oraflcio.org/strikemap. If you know of an upcoming strike or a strike we have not listed, please email it to us at communications@oraflcio.org. Upcoming Events 📖 University of Oregon Labor Center Collective Bargaining Institute December 3-8, University Place Hotel, Portland Oregon Want to be ready for your next round of bargaining? Join union leaders from around the state at the Labor Education and Research Center's Collective Bargaining Institute. In this hands-on program, participants learn all the fundamentals of effective negotiations -- from drafting proposals and contract costing, to managing the bargaining team and finding a settlement. Scholarships are available! Click here for more details and to register online. 🎄81st Annual Children’s Holiday Party - Marion-Polk-Yamhill Central Labor Chapter December 9, 9:00am -12:00pm, Ken Allen AFSCME Labor Canter, 1400 Tandem Ave NE in Salem Join the Marion-Polk-Yamhill Central Labor Chapter for a free and fun-filled event with cookies, crafts, gift bags, live music and the one and only Caesar the No Drama Llama. Take Action 🪥 Support Multnomah County Dentists Multnomah County Dentists stand united, asking for the opportunity to provide patients meaningful care, in an environment that allows enough time to do the work. Click here to take action today and stand with AFSCME-represented dentists at Multnomah County! Oregon Labor Student workers are making history November 16, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press From Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor: “Throughout history, university campuses have been a hotbed for student organizing and progressive action, from the anti-war and civil rights movements to international campaigns like the anti-sweatshop movement. And that has often included labor action, where workers on campuses stand together to form unions and fight for their rights as workers. In fact, Oregon’s public university system is already one of the most highly unionized in the country thanks to the bravery and determination of workers — from graduate employees to faculty members to classified staff — and the investment and support from the labor movement.” Here’s what’s happening with other unionized Portland schools workers during teachers strike November 15, 2023 | OPB “Hundreds of Portland Public Schools employees continue to work in school buildings and serve students as the district’s first-ever teachers strike stretches into its third week. Many are helping on picket lines while their own contract tensions grow.” University of Oregon student workers form new labor union November 14, 2023 | OPB “Across the U.S., undergraduate student workers at colleges and universities are unionizing. Students at the University of Oregon in Eugene have formed one of the first unions for mostly undergraduate student workers at a public college or university. Last week, the Oregon Employment Relations Board certified the results of the unionization vote which was held on the UO campus last month.” Fruit Packers In Washington and Oregon Take Union Vote This Week November 13, 2023 | Missoula Current “More than 350 apple, pear and cherry packers at three facilities in Washington and Oregon will decide this week whether to unionize. It’s among the first and largest unionization efforts among fruit packers in the region in years, according to Kristina Storm, director of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 3000, the union that employees will consider joining. It follows more than three years of organizing by mostly Latina women who have worked for decades for the Washington-based company Mount Adams Fruit.” Oregon unions, progressive groups weigh in on Senate walkout lawsuit November 6, 2023 | Oregon Capital Insider “Unions and progressive advocacy groups that advocated for a new voter-approved law to punish lawmakers for walkouts are weighing in on a lawsuit by a group of Republican senators that challenges how the secretary of state interpreted the law. Supporters of the new law filed two amicus, or friend of the court, briefs urging the Oregon Supreme Court to uphold Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade’s ruling that a handful of Republican senators who missed more than 10 days of work are ineligible to run for reelection. If the court upholds the law, one-third of the Senate will be ineligible to run for reelection.” Strikes IATSE has an appetite for a strike ahead of contract negotiations November 15, 2023 | KRCW “The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) represents tens of thousands of below-the-line workers, including grips, sound mixers, animators, set builders, and more. IATSE’s worker contract is set to expire in July and members are pushing for a better work agreement.” Hotel Union Gears Up to Picket Major Hollywood Awards Ceremonies November 14, 2023 | The Hollywood Reporter “After the union’s latest labor contract expired on June 30, Unite Here Local 11 has staged rolling strikes, which have hit major hospitality venues at unexpected times. With the fight the union has sought major pay bumps for around 15,000 affected members — including dishwashers, housekeepers and cooks — to account for rising L.A.-area housing expenses.” Low pay forces anti-union Maximus call center workers to strike November 14, 2023 | People’s World “How do you choose between going to the hospital for needed regular medical treatment for a chronic condition and buying food for yourself and your family? That’s the dilemma Katherine Charles, a bilingual call center worker in Tampa, Fla., for a top federal contractor, Maximus, faces when she needs health care. “It’s a struggle,” Charles said during a Zoom press call with other workers, Communications Workers President Claude Cummings, and Georgia voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, a native with a load of family members in Hattiesburg, Miss., site of one of the call centers.” Casino and Blue Cross labor strikes stretch on in Detroit November 11, 2023 | Michigan Advance “Detroit casino workers are continuing their strike against three operators, hopeful that they’ll be able to secure a big win like the UAW has in tentative deals with domestic automakers. It’s day 26 for the strike. On Oct. 17, unionized casino workers at MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown launched a strike affecting 3,700 casino workers, including dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers, and more.” SAG-AFTRA reaches tentative agreement with Hollywood studios in a move to end nearly 4-month strike November 9, 2023 | CBS News “The union representing film and television actors has struck a tentative deal with entertainment industry studios on a new labor contract, SAG-AFTRA announced Wednesday, moving the sides closer to ending what has been a contentious nearly four-month strike. "In a unanimous vote this afternoon, the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Committee approved a tentative agreement with the AMPTP bringing an end to the 118 day strike," the union said Wednesday in a statement.” Federal Government Shutdown Service workers brace for no income or backpay if government shuts down November 13, 2023 | The Washington Post “There are a lot of long-term problems that are compounding, one after another, that our members are not able to dig out of,” said Marlene Patrick-Cooper, president of UNITE HERE, the union that represents Capitol Hill hospitality workers. “Any small amount of missed wages can lead to further crisis.” Organizing & Building Power REI accused of widespread labor law violations at unionized US stores November 15, 2023 | Reuters “REI, the camping and outdoor sports equipment retailer, was accused on Wednesday of dozens of violations of U.S. labor law at eight retail stores that have unionized since last year. Workers at stores in New York, California, Chicago and Boston, among others, filed a total of 80 complaints with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeking to force the company to bargain with their unions.” University of Utah health care workers have unionized. This is what they want. November 14, 2023 | The Salt Lake Tribune “Health care workers across the University of Utah’s hospitals and clinics have unionized — a move that comes, representatives say, as employees have been sacrificing their own health to take care of patients in a system that they feel is critically understaffed. Utah Health Workers United (UHWU) Local 7765 will be the first of its kind in the state: the only union directly tied to a specific health care system. Its members are calling for higher and safer staffing ratios per patient, as well as wage increases.” Starbucks Insists It Isn’t Union-Busting. A Growing List Of Rulings Say Otherwise. November 14, 2023 | Huffington Post “Ever since the union Workers United began organizing Starbucks stores in late 2021, the company has denied it threatened or retaliated against union supporters like Clark. But a growing body of decisions by NLRB judges and board members is undermining the company’s public insistence that it has run a clean campaign against the union.” New federal rule could allow millions of workers to more easily unionize at big companies November 13, 2023 | PBS “A new federal rule that goes into effect next month could make it easier for millions of workers to form unions at big companies like McDonald’s. But it’s already facing significant pushback from businesses and some members of Congress. The rule — announced late last month by the National Labor Relations Board — sets new standards for determining when two companies should be considered “joint employers” under the National Labor Relations Act.” Raising Wages Hyundai joins Honda and Toyota in raising wages after auto union wins gains in deals with Detroit 3 November 13, 2023 | Associated Press “South Korean automaker Hyundai has joined Honda and Toyota in raising factory worker wages after the United Auto Workers union reached new contract agreements with Detroit automakers.” Politics New Global Labor Directive Is a Game Changer for Workers in the U.S. and Around the World November 16, 2023 | AFL-CIO Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: “We applaud President Biden’s announcement today of the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally, a framework that will reshape how U.S. government agencies conduct international diplomacy by putting workers’ rights and standards at the center.” 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! Oregon Workers on Strike ➡️ UFCW Local 555 Strike at Kaiser Local 555 members working at Kaiser facilities across Oregon and Southwest Washington are currently engaged in a ULP strike until November 18, 2023. Picketing is happening daily from 6:00am - 6:00pm at the following locations: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus in Clackamas (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus in Hillsboro (map) Kaiser Regional Lab in NE Portland (map) Kaiser Cascade Park in Vancouver (map) Kaiser North Lancaster in Salem (map) ➡️ IUOE Local 701 Members on Strike in Corvallis IUOE Local 701 members employed by a Republic Services subsidiary at the Coffin Butte landfill near Corvallis have been on strike since September 11, 2023. They are picketing outside of the Coffin Butte landfill outside of Corvallis from 5:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Click here for directions to the picket line. ➡️ Portland Association of Teachers on Strike On November 1, 2023 the Portland Association of Teachers went on strike for the first time in district history following ten months of fighting at the bargaining table for a fair contract. Here’s how you can get involved: PAT members are picketing at all Portland Public Schools in the city from 7:45am - 10:15am daily. Rallies are being held at noon each day during the strike at various locations throughout the city. To find out where the next rally is happening, please check PAT’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Strike Map The Strike Map can be found at www.oraflcio.org/strikemap and has been updated to reflect the tentative agreement won by AFSCME Local 1422 members in Yamhill County. Upcoming Events 📖 University of Oregon Labor Center Collective Bargaining Institute December 3-8, University Place Hotel, Portland Oregon Want to be ready for your next round of bargaining? Join union leaders from around the state at the Labor Education and Research Center's Collective Bargaining Institute. In this hands-on program, participants learn all the fundamentals of effective negotiations -- from drafting proposals and contract costing, to managing the bargaining team and finding a settlement. Scholarships are available! Click here for more details and to register online. Take Action Fair contract now for MSNBC Union workers! Unionized workers at MSNBC have been bargaining their first contract for nearly two years, but the company’s management has so far refused to agree to livable wages and fair pay for performing extra work. Workers Winning: Tentative Agreements Yamhill County Workers Win Strong Contract November 8, 2023 | Oregon AFSCME “Yamhill County workers represented by the Yamhill County Employees Association/AFSCME Local 1422, ended their five day strike after a 12 hour day of mediation, reaching a three-year tentative agreement with Yamhill County. Next, members of Local 1422 will vote to ratify the contract. “The level of solidarity workers showed throughout the bargaining process was instrumental in making this strike successful,” said Michelle Mendoza, President of YCEA/AFSCME Local 1422.” Yamhill County, employees reach agreement November 8, 2023 | Yamhill News-Register “Yamhill County and the Yamhill County Employee Association reached a tentative agreement on a three-year contract late on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 7. The two sides continued to mediate earlier in the day, and the Board of Commissioners held an executive session Tuesday afternoon to discuss labor negotiations. County Administrator/Budget Officer Ken Huffer confirmed the two sides had come to the agreement, but added the contract must still be ratified by AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) Local 1422 and the commissioners.” SAG-AFTRA: Tentative Agreement Reached November 8, 2023 | SAG-AFTRA “In a contract valued at over one billion dollars, we have achieved a deal of extraordinary scope that includes "above-pattern" minimum compensation increases, unprecedented provisions for consent and compensation that will protect members from the threat of AI, and for the first time establishes a streaming participation bonus. Our Pension & Health caps have been substantially raised, which will bring much needed value to our plans. In addition, the deal includes numerous improvements for multiple categories including outsize compensation increases for background performers, and critical contract provisions protecting diverse communities.” SAG-AFTRA committee approves deal with studios to end historic strike November 8, 2023 | Los Angeles Times “SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee has approved a tentative deal with the major studios that would end a nearly four-month-long strike that has sidelined thousands of workers and hobbled much of Los Angeles’ signature entertainment industry. The unanimous vote came Wednesday after a tense week. SAG-AFTRA leaders worked feverishly for days to improve terms of the proposed labor contract offered by the media companies, which bargain through the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The union said the 118-day strike would officially end at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.” Las Vegas Unions and Caesars Reach Tentative Agreement as Strike Looms November 8, 2023 | The New York Times “Unions representing hospitality workers in Las Vegas reached a tentative agreement on Wednesday with one of the city’s three major resort operators, two days before a strike deadline that loomed just as tourists arrive for a major sporting event. Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, which are affiliates of UNITE HERE, announced the tentative agreement on a five-year contract with Caesars Entertainment. Negotiations with MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts are continuing.” Caesars reaches deal with Las Vegas union to avoid strike November 8, 2023 | CNBC “A strike is off the table for nearly 10,000 Caesars Entertainment union workers on the Las Vegas strip. The Culinary Union said it took 20 straight hours of negotiations to produce a tentative deal for a new five-year contract, two days before a deadline for a walkout.” Organizing Biden Supports UAW Organizing Tesla, Toyota Workers November 9, 2023 | Bloomberg “President Joe Biden threw his support behind the United Auto Workers’ efforts to unionize employees at Tesla Inc. and Toyota Motor Corp. in the wake of the labor group’s historic contract with Detroit’s Big Three automakers.” Union Fever Is Spreading to Undergraduate Workers November 8, 2023 | The Messenger Business “Undergraduate student workers at campuses across the U.S. are getting in on the wave of labor movements that have swept across the country. Late last month, Harvard’s non-academic student workers voted overwhelmingly to unionize workers across the university’s cafes, libraries and offices. Student workers at the University of Oregon also voted to unionize the same day, creating a “wall-to-wall” union that represents all student employees of the university.: Swarthmore RAs join student-worker organizing wave, following in Penn RAs’ footsteps November 7, 2023 | The Philadelphia Inquirer “Resident assistants (RAs) at Swarthmore College are trying to organize, and they submitted a petition to president Valerie Smith on Monday asking for voluntary recognition of their union. The college has 56 RAs, and 93% of them signed the petition, according to Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153, the union they’re looking to join. They would be the first unionized workers at Swarthmore in the college’s history, according to the union.” Group of Google contractors who work on Search and Bard win union vote November 7, 2023 “The group, from Google contractor Accenture, filed for unionization efforts in June after claiming Google asked them to help train the generative AI answers offered in Search and Bard, and that they felt underprepared for their work. The tasks included handling “obscene and graphic” content, according to Bloomberg reports. Following the filing for unionization, the group, which included 120 writers, graphic designers and coordinators, among others, were told more than half the team would be laid off, according to the Alphabet Workers Union, which alleged the layoffs were an act of retaliation. The Alphabet Workers Union teamed up with the Communications Workers of America in 2021 as a minority union.” Actors’ Equity, Broadway League settle after historic effort to organize ‘Waitress’ tour November 6, 2023 | Los Angeles Times “Actors’ Equity Assn., the national union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers working in live theater, and the Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry, on Monday announced a settlement agreement following last year’s organizing effort of the nonunion touring company of “Waitress.”” Collective Bargaining Shawn Fain's bold negotiation strategy for UAW wasn't nuts. It worked. November 7, 2023 | Detroit Free Press “It’s not complicated. Fain was saying to corporate, on behalf of the membership, “Hey, you guys seem to be doing OK, right? Seems to me you’re doing OK largely because of the work my guys are doing. Only my guys are not doing OK. So I think we need to fix this. Because with the money you’re making, we should all be doing OK.” UAW's $5,000 bonus — plus more cash for many — could cover holiday splurge or big bills November 9, 2023 | Detroit Free Press “Pumped up paychecks and a $5,000 pre-tax bonus would hit checking accounts of UAW members at the Detroit Three shortly after union members approve the tentative agreements in the next few weeks.” As Boeing Machinists contract talks near, union savors new labor power November 6, 2023 | The Seattle Times “Boeing’s contract with the Machinists who build the jets in the Renton and Everett assembly plants runs out in 10 months. The union leadership is preparing now for a high-stakes confrontation — with a careful eye on the successful tactics of the autoworkers union in Detroit. For two decades, Boeing has repeatedly wielded threats to send work out of state that have forced concessions and weakened the historically powerful International Association of Machinists.” Workplace Safety & Health US nursing home workers face ‘catastrophic crisis’ of understaffing November 7, 2023 | The Guardian “But, workers and labor experts say, short-staffing in the crucial US industry has persisted after the pandemic, with grave impacts on patient care and residents’ wellbeing, and spiraling burnout that has become pervasive in the care industry. More than 50 unions, worker groups and organizations signed on to a letter in support of federal minimum staffing levels in nursing homes, including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the AFL-CIO and MomsRising.” Burnout, Poor Mental Health on the Rise for Healthcare Workers, CDC Says October 24, 2023 | Medpage Today Healthcare workers reported increasing numbers of poor mental health days and increasing feelings of burnout from 2018 to 2022, although these issues were less common among those who trusted management and had help from their supervisor, a CDC study found. The Building Trades Careers in construction can offer women a path to economic freedom The Gander | November 6, 2023 “During my years in the construction industry, I’ve seen demand come and go. But with the influx of infrastructure and clean energy funding coming into Michigan from the Biden administration, there is currently a huge demand for skilled laborers – and that looks set to keep growing.” Politics Biden bashes Trump’s auto industry record in remarks to UAW members November 9, 2023 | The Hill “President Biden on Thursday used a major labor agreement between the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the Big Three auto companies to hammer former President Trump for his record on jobs and support for union workers.” The Economy Podcast: Policy for the People November 9, 2023 | Oregon Center for Public Policy “Perhaps the biggest danger from rising economic inequality is what it’s doing to our bodies, to our health. Economic inequality is killing us. Literally. In this episode of Policy for the People, we hear from Dr. Stephen Bezruchka, author of the book Inequality Kills Us All. A former emergency room physician, Stephen is currently an Associate Teaching Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington’s School of Public Health.” Veterans Day Proposal to Strip Veterans Day as a Paid Holiday Is ‘Slap in the Face’ November 9, 2023 | AFL-CIO “Statement from Will Attig, executive director of Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO, on Atlantic City Electric’s proposal to strip Veterans Day as a paid holiday from its workers, many of whom are members of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 210: As a veteran, it's absolutely outrageous to see a proposal from Atlantic City Electric, a unit of Exelon Corp., stripping Veterans Day as a paid holiday for our fellow veterans, members of IBEW Local 210. Veterans deserve respect and dignity on the job after serving our country with honor and protecting the freedoms we all hold dear. Let’s be clear: This offensive proposal is a slap in the face to veterans and all workers” Labor Leaders Massachusetts AFL-CIO's first woman president takes the helm November 8, 2023 | WBUR “Massachusetts' largest federation of unions has a new president. Chrissy Lynch takes the helm of the state AFL-CIO during a big moment for labor. She's also the first woman to head the organization. Lynch joined WBUR's Morning Edition host Rupa Shenoy to talk more about this.”

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! Oregon Workers on Strike ➡️ Yamhill County Employees to Strike 11/3 at 10:00am The Yamhill County Employees Association (YCEA), AFSCME Local 1422, will strike tomorrow, November 3, 2023 at 10:00am in McMinnville. YCEA is a union of over 400 workers who provide vital services in Yamhill County, but many of them cannot afford to live in the area and even qualify for public assistance because their wages are so low. Join them at the strike kickoff tomorrow, or on Saturday in McMinnville. Strike Kickoff: Friday, November 3 at 10:00am Corner of NE 5th st. and NE Evans Street, McMinnville (map) If you’re unable to attend on Friday, YCEA will be picketing on Saturday, November 4 as well beginning at noon at the same location. The strike will continue until workers reach a tentative agreement, stay tuned for more information about the strike. ➡️ Portland Association of Teachers on Strike On November 1, 2023 the Portland Association of Teachers went on strike for the first time in district history following ten months of fighting at the bargaining table for a fair contract. Here’s how you can get involved: PAT members are picketing at all Portland Public Schools in the city from 7:45am - 10:15am daily. Rallies are being held at noon each day during the strike at various locations throughout the city. To find out where the next rally is happening, please check PAT’s Facebook and Twitter pages. ➡️ UFCW Local 555 Strike at Kaiser Local 555 members working at Kaiser facilities across Oregon and Southwest Washington are currently engaged in a ULP strike until November 18, 2023. Picketing is happening daily from 6:00am - 6:00pm at the following locations: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus in Clackamas (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus in Hillsboro (map) Kaiser Regional Lab in NE Portland (map) Kaiser Cascade Park in Vancouver (map) Kaiser North Lancaster in Salem (map) ➡️ IUOE Local 701 Members on Strike in Corvallis IUOE Local 701 members employed by a Republic Services subsidiary at the Coffin Butte landfill near Corvallis have been on strike since September 11, 2023. They are picketing outside of the Coffin Butte landfill outside of Corvallis from 5:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Click here for directions to the picket line. Strike Map We’ve added a new section to the Oregon AFL-CIO website where the Strike Map can be found and will be updated as strikes end and new strikes begin. Head to www.oraflcio.org/strikemap to see and download the latest map. Upcoming Events 🏤 No Cuts, No Closures: Save the Post Office Monday, November 6, 2023 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | East Portland Post Office: 1020 SE 7th Ave in Portland Stand with APWU Local 128 to protest a huge transformation of Oregon's Postal Service which is planned to begin in 2024. Postal workers’ jobs are on the line - let’s rally and demand no more cuts to our Postal Service! Click here to learn more about the proposed changes. 📖 University of Oregon Labor Center Collective Bargaining Institute December 3-8, University Place Hotel, Portland Oregon Want to be ready for your next round of bargaining? Join union leaders from around the state at the Labor Education and Research Center's Collective Bargaining Institute. In this hands-on program, participants learn all the fundamentals of effective negotiations -- from drafting proposals and contract costing, to managing the bargaining team and finding a settlement. Scholarships are available! Click here for more details and to register online. Oregon Labor Here’s why Portland teachers are on strike: Time, salary, safety November 2, 2023 | The Washington Post “The Portland Association of Teachers began its strike Wednesday, closing all 81 of the city's public schools.” On the inaugural day of strike, Portland teachers, families and students rally on the picket line November 1, 2023 | OPB “The Portland Association of Teachers formally began their strike Wednesday morning. This is the first teachers’ strike in the history of Oregon’s largest school district. Actions are taking place across the city.” Legislative Aides Ratify First-in-the-Nation Union Contract November 1, 2023 | Willamette Week “The aides who staff Oregon’s 90 lawmakers (60 in the House, 30 in the Senate) have voted to accept a contract that will make Oregon’s legislative staff the first in the nation to unionize.” Kaiser imaging workers strike November 1, 2023 | Becker’s Hospital Review “Members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 began a weekslong strike Nov. 1 at five Kaiser Permanente locations in Washington and Oregon. The union represents hundreds of Kaiser imaging technicians, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting. Kaiser is an Oakland, Calif.-based nonprofit organization with locations in Georgia, Hawaii, California, Colorado, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Oregon.” Kaiser, SEIU reach tentative deal to avert strike October 30, 2023 | Becker’s Hospital Review “Kaiser Permanente Washington and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW have reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract. The four-year agreement, reached Oct. 30, covers about 3,000 workers at 36 Kaiser facilities across Washington state, a union representative said.” As PeaceHealth strike ends, bargaining resumes October 31, 2023 | The Stand “On Saturday, Oct. 28, the 1,300 PeaceHealth workers who went on strike on Oct. 23 returned to work. These workers had organized a five-day Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike to protest actions by management that the union says were illegal and violated the union rights of their workers.” National union leader joins health care workers at PeaceHealth on picket line October 26, 2023 | The Columbian “Randi Weingarten, president of the 1.7 million-member American Federation of Teachers, a national union that represents teachers, federal, state and local government employees and other health care professionals, spoke at Thursday afternoon’s rally outside the hospital at 92nd Avenue and Mill Plain Boulevard in central Vancouver.” UAW Tentative Agreements U.A.W. Strike Gains Could Reverberate Far Beyond Autos October 31, 2023 | The New York Times “Laying out a tentative contract agreement to end a six-week wave of walkouts at Ford Motor, the United Automobile Workers president made an unusual pitch to other labor unions. “We invite unions around the country to align your contract expirations with our own,” the U.A.W. leader, Shawn Fain, said Sunday night. “If we’re going to truly take on the billionaire class and rebuild the economy so that it starts to work for the benefit of the many and not the few,” Mr. Fain added, “then it’s important that we not only strike, but that we strike together.”” UAW announces deal with General Motors that tentatively ends strikes against Detroit automakers October 30, 2023 | KEZI “The United Auto Workers union says it reached a tentative contract with General Motors, the last of the Detroit three automakers to agree to a deal.” U.A.W. Reaches Tentative Deal With Stellantis, Following Ford October 28, 2023 | The New York Times “The United Automobile Workers union announced on Saturday that it had reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract with Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, Jeep and Ram. The agreement came three days after the union and Ford Motor announced a tentative agreement on a new contract.” National Strikes ‘Cautious optimism’ ahead of negotiations on SAG-AFTRA strike’s 111th day November 1, 2023 | KTLA “In a bit of serendipity, the Hollywood actors’ strike against television and movie producers hit its 111th day on Wednesday, Nov. 1, which is 11/1 when written numerically. To celebrate the coincidence, SAG-AFTRA encouraged members to join union officials at Disney Studios in Burbank ahead of more negotiations later Wednesday. Tuesday was “productive,” negotiation insiders told Variety, and there’s “cautious optimism” about a deal being reached.” Labor Unions Show No Signs of Slowing Down November 1, 2023 | The Messenger “As the United Auto Workers' labor stoppages come to a close with pending contracts at the Detroit Three automakers, labor unions are showing no signs of slowing down.” 'We are preparing': Culinary Union on the brink of striking October 31, 2023 | KTNV “Thousands of Culinary Union members are still without a contract following yet another round of bargaining sessions with major resort companies. In the last week, the Culinary Union met with MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts. Despite those meetings and months of back and forth there is still no contract.” New York Times tech workers to strike over return-to-office rules October 30, 2023 | Reuters “Tech workers at the New York Times (NYT.N) plan to strike for half a day on Monday, accusing the publisher of attempting to unilaterally force them back to the office. The stoppage of work will start at 1 p.m. ET and the nearly 700 workers will hold demonstrations on Zoom and outside the company's headquarters in Manhattan, where some will wear Halloween costumes, said the Times Tech Guild (TTG).” Milk-Bone workers ratify contract; return to work October 30, 2023 | WGRZ “Workers at Buffalo's Milk-Bone plant will return to work after their three-year-contract was ratified. 40 repair and maintenance workers had been on strike since October 16, and demanded better wages to meet the rise in inflation. Richard W. Dahn, BR, union rep for the International Association of Machinists (IAM) that represents the workers said the new deal includes raises of 8.5%, 3.5% and 2.0% in each of the three years, plus a $2,500 signing bonus.” Why workers are resorting to more strikes this year to pressure companies October 28, 2023 | NPR “So far in 2023, there have been 22 major work stoppages, meaning strikes involving at least 1,000 workers, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: 17 of those strikes have been at companies, making it the largest number of strikes in the private sector since 2011.” National Politics ‘Speaker Mike Johnson does not stand with workers’ October 30, 2023 | Forward Kentucky “House Republicans, who unanimously elected Johnson, are all abuzz about getting back “to ‘the business of legislating,’” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. But working folks, she added, “have a simple question: Legislating for whom?” The headline atop the statement answers the query: “AFL-CIO: Speaker Mike Johnson Does Not Stand with Workers.”” AFSCME supports new federal rule that seeks to improve nursing home staffing October 20, 2023 | AFSCME “...AFSCME supports a new rule by the Biden administration that would establish a federal floor for staffing levels to prevent owners of nursing homes – both public and private – from slashing staffing to unsafe levels. The proposal would require every nursing home facility in the nation to have a registered nurse on-site 24/7, as well as a certain minimum number of registered nurses and nurse aides to provide routine care.” Labor & Technology Biden’s AI order calls for guardrails to protect workers October 31, 2023 | CFODive “The Labor Department is tasked with leading the development of artificial intelligence guidelines for employers under a sweeping executive order signed by President Joe Biden on Monday.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: Executive Order Lays Foundation for Substantive Worker Engagement on AI October 30, 2023 | AFL-CIO “Today, the Biden–Harris administration reaffirmed its commitment to America’s workers through a pioneering executive order on artificial intelligence (AI). The AFL-CIO applauds the centrality of workers’ rights and values within this order—including the right to collectively bargain—while acknowledging there is much ground to cover in enshrining accountability, transparency and safety as bedrocks of AI.” Workers’ Rights UN decries Amazon, Walmart, DoorDash for ‘shameful’ wages and union-busting November 2, 2023 | The Guardian “The UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights has called on the CEOs of Amazon, Walmart and DoorDash and the US government to address allegations that top US corporations pay such low wages that they trap workers in poverty, forcing them to rely on government-assistance programs to survive.” Organizing Workers Want Unions: How States Have Strengthened Worker Power in 2023 November 1, 2023 | Center for American Progress “Unions and collective bargaining increase workers’ democratic voice; raise wages and build wealth; and improve conditions for all workers. It should be no surprise that nearly 70 percent of Americans support unions, and support is especially high among younger generations. Despite the fact that workers want and need unions, decades of weakened labor law has eroded workers’ ability to form unions and engage in collective bargaining. Yet, states have significant authority to build power for working people.” Labor Board: ‘Common law’—and common sense—defines joint employers November 1, 2023 | People’s World “That means it should be easier for workers to organize and bargain without being bounced from pillar to post when it comes to whom to bargain with or complain about. Using that same “basic common sense” explanation, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler called the new rule “an important win” for workers. “The point of the rule is simple—when workers negotiate for fair wages and working conditions, companies shouldn’t be able to hide behind a subcontractor or staffing agency to deny us what we’ve rightfully earned.” Las Vegas Grand Prix, Culinary Union reach deal to let workers explore unionizing October 31, 2023 | News 3 “Labor leaders and the Las Vegas Grand Prix have reached an agreement that will let workers for the Formula One race explore unionizing.The Culinary Union, the Grand Prix and Liberty Media Corporation announced Tuesday that they have entered into a card check neutrality agreement.” Graphics to Share

Solidarity Season isn’t over yet - and it’s clear from the three consecutive tentative agreements won by UAW with Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors that this wave of strikes is seriously moving the ball forward for working people across the country. In Oregon and SW Washington, three picket lines stopped over the weekend: UAW in Beaverton and OFNHP, AFT Local 5017 in Vancouver and Longview. OFNHP’s strike was a five-day Unfair Labor Practice strike and while it has ended, the 1,300+ workers at PeaceHealth are still fighting for a fair contract. Stay tuned for more ways that you can help support them in their struggle. And in case you missed it, PeaceHealth showed their true colors and how little they value their workers by threatening to cut healthcare for striking workers while preparing to pay scabs around $8,000 per week during the strike. SAG-AFTRA has been on strike since July 14, 2023. While we do not have any active picket lines in support of this strike in our area, we will spread the word should there be any actions in support of the actors who have shown our country what commitment and bravery looks like as they continue to hold the line for a fair deal. This week, we have active picket lines in Hillsboro, Clackamas, Portland, Vancouver, and Salem for UFCW Local 555’s imaging and pharmaceutical workers at Kaiser and picketing continues in Corvallis where IUOE Local 701 are still fighting for a safe workplace and a fair contract with Republic Services. On Wednesday, unless Portland Public Schools comes to their senses and delivers a fair offer to the teachers and substitutes represented by the Portland Association of Teachers, 4,300+ workers will walk out and take up picket lines across the city in a historic strike. Should that happen, we will update the Strike Map with picket times and locations so that Oregon Labor can stand together with Portland teachers and help win a fair contract. Click here to download the latest Oregon AFL-CIO Strike Map as a PDF or PNG Picket Times & Locations ➡️ UFCW Local 555 Strike at Kaiser Local 555 members working at Kaiser facilities across Oregon and Southwest Washington are currently engaged in a ULP strike until November 18, 2023. Picketing is happening daily from 6:00am - 6:00pm at the following locations: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus in Clackamas (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus in Hillsboro (map) Kaiser Regional Lab in NE Portland (map) Kaiser Cascade Park in Vancouver (map) Kaiser North Lancaster in Salem (map) ➡️ IUOE Local 701 Members on Strike in Corvallis IUOE Local 701 members employed by a Republic Services subsidiary at the Coffin Butte landfill near Corvallis have been on strike since September 11, 2023. They are picketing outside of the Coffin Butte landfill outside of Corvallis from 5:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Click here for directions to the picket line.

The Oregon Labor Dispatch: October 26, 2023 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! Oregon Workers on Strike ➡️OFNHP, AFT Local 5017 on Strike at PeaceHealth in SW Washington More than 1,300 healthcare workers from PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver and PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview began a ULP strike on October 23. The workers will be on strike for five days and are prepared to return to work on Saturday, October 28. The picket lines are active at the following locations from 6:30am until 7:00pm daily: PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver (map) PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview (map) Click here to donate to OFNHP’s strike fund ➡️ UFCW Local 555 Strike at Kaiser Local 555 members working at Kaiser facilities across Oregon and Southwest Washington are currently engaged in a ULP strike until November 18, 2023. Picketing is happening daily from 6:00am - 6:00pm at the following locations: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus in Clackamas (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus in Hillsboro (map) Kaiser Regional Lab in NE Portland (map) Kaiser Cascade Park in Vancouver (map) Kaiser North Lancaster in Salem (map) ➡️ UAW Stand Up Strike While UAW members secured a tentative agreement with Ford this week, UAW members at the Chrysler Parts Distribution Center in Beaverton, alongside UAW locals around the country, are continuing to strike until a fair contract is reached with Stellantis and General Motors. They are picketing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Click here for directions to the picket line in Beaverton. Click here to donate to UAW Region 6’s fund, which directly helps Local 492 ➡️ IUOE Local 701 Members on Strike in Corvallis IUOE Local 701 members employed by a Republic Services subsidiary at the Coffin Butte landfill near Corvallis have been on strike since September 11, 2023. They are picketing outside of the Coffin Butte landfill outside of Corvallis from 5:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Click here for directions to the picket line. Strike Map Our updated Strike Map can be downloaded here, please share far and wide! This week’s map includes picketing locations and times for OFNHP, AFT Local 5017, UFCW Local 555, UAW Local 492, and IUOE Local 701. Please note: While SAG-AFTRA is still on strike, they do not have active picket lines in our region. Should that change we will update the map accordingly, for SAG-AFTRA or any other union that goes on strike in our area. Upcoming Events 🏫 March for Portland Students! Saturday, October 28 | 9:00am rally, 10:00am march | PAT: 345 NE 8th Ave in Portland Join the Portland Association of Teachers to march for Portland students, where educators and parents are rallying for the outstanding public schools our future deserves. Portland teachers are committed to building safe, modern classrooms and providing personalized attention to students, all while ensuring dedicated educators receive competitive wages and benefits. Your support is essential to shape a thriving educational landscape for our community. Click here for more information. 🎥 IATSE Local 600 Video Editors and Photographers Rally & Picket KGW in Portland Thursday, November 2, 2023 | 8:00am - 9:00am | Pioneer Park Building: 715 SE Morrison St in Portland Please join IATSE Local 600 video editors and photographers employed by KGW for a rally and picket to send a message to KGW management that Local 600 members deserve fair wages and job security. 🏤 No Cuts, No Closures: Save the Post Office Monday, November 6, 2023 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | East Portland Post Office: 1020 SE 7th Ave in Portland Stand with APWU Local 128 to protest a huge transformation of Oregon's Postal Service which is planned to begin in 2024. Postal workers’ jobs are on the line - let’s rally and demand no more cuts to our Postal Service! Click here to learn more about the proposed changes. Take Action Better Care Now: Safe Staffing for Nursing Homes Just about everyone in America has a loved one in a nursing home, knows someone who works in a nursing home, or recognizes that they may need nursing home care in the future—even if just temporarily. But understaffed nursing homes put the health and safety of both residents and workers at risk. Tell the Department of Health and Human Services: We need safe staffing now! The deadline to submit is November 6, 2023. Add your voice to support safe staffing: The Biden administration has proposed a historic new rule that would establish a minimum staffing standard in nursing homes for the first time. The nursing home industry is spending big to prevent this rule from being finalized. Click here to share support or stories now. Click here to share your stories by video. Oregon Labor It’s Official: Kaiser is an Unfair Employer October 25, 2023 | Oregon AFL-CIO “Today, at the request of Local 555, we are escalating our support for their fight for a fair contract by adding Kaiser Permanente to the Oregon AFL-CIO’s “Unfair Employer List.” The addition of Kaiser to the “Unfair Employer” list is intended to strongly discourage unions from entering into new healthcare agreements or renewing existing agreements until Local 555 members ratify a new contract. Adding Kaiser to the list does not mean we are asking patients to avoid getting the healthcare they need.” UO student workers secure union certification, the first of its kind in the U.S. October 25, 2023 | Daily Emerald “The University of Oregon Student Workers have been rallying to gain union certification since Oct. 5, 2022. Today, their time has finally come, as they have tallied enough “yes” votes to secure unionization. “ Oregon labor union pushes ballot measure to restore self-serve gas ban October 26, 2023 | Central Oregon Daily News “One of Oregon’s largest labor unions wants to reinstate Oregon’s ban on self-serve gas. It’s trying to get the question put on the ballot so voters can decide in November 2024. UFCW Local 555 cited attendant jobs as one of their concerns as to why they want to overturn the law.” More than 1,300 workers on strike at PeaceHealth October 24, 2023 | American Federation of Teachers “More than 1,300 healthcare workers from PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Wash., and PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview, Wash., walked off the job and onto a picket line on Oct. 23. The workers will be on strike for five days. Respiratory therapists, radiology techs and maintenance workers in PeaceHealth’s Tech, Service and Maintenance, and Lab Professional bargaining units are members of the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, Local 5017. They are demanding improved patient staffing, living wages and a fair contract.” Teachers union in Portland, Oregon, votes to strike over class sizes, pay, lack of resources October 22, 2023 | ABC 6 Action News “Teachers in Portland, Oregon, have voted to go on strike, their union announced Friday, in another sign of a growing national organized labor movement that's seen thousands of workers in various sectors walk off the job this year. The Portland Association of Teachers' strike would start Nov. 1 unless an agreement with the school district is reached before then.” Oregon and Washington imaging workers join Kaiser Permanente strike October 20, 2023 | KGW Kaiser Permanente imaging workers will join pharmacy technicians in a strike protesting "unfair labor practices" beginning in November. Last week, Kaiser Permanente had reached a breakthrough in negotiations with the 75,000 workers who staged a three-day strike across Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado, Virginia and Washington D.C. However, the tentative deal did not cover a separate group of Oregon and Southeast Washington pharmacy technicians who are undertaking their own strike. UAW Tentative Agreement with Ford Ford, UAW reach tentative deal to end labor strikes October 25, 2023 | CNBC “We told Ford to pony up and they did. We won things nobody thought was possible,” UAW President Shawn Fain said during a video posted online Wednesday night. He said the value of Ford’s offer increased by 50% compared to when the targeted, or “stand-up,” strikes began Sept. 15.” Strikes SAG-AFTRA Negotiations Rescheduled for Thursday October 25, 2023 | The Hollywood Reporter “Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood studios have been rescheduled for Thursday after the performers’ union decided to take more time to offer responses to the companies’ latest proposals. Thursday’s face-to-face gathering will see SAG-AFTRA responding to the companies’ offers after what sources describe as a lackluster return to negotiations on Tuesday.” Hotel workers union hold massive rally in downtown LA amid contract talks October 25, 2023 | ABC 7 Eyewitness News “Striking hotel workers and their supporters, numbering in the thousands, marched through downtown Los Angeles Wednesday in the union's largest single-day labor action since rotating work stoppages began in early July. “ Strike threat looms as 3 SEPTA unions seek new contracts October 24, 2023 | NBC Philadelphia “The largest union that represents SEPTA workers -- Transit Workers Union Local 234 -- has authorized a strike if a contract deal can't be reached by the end of October. And, in a statement released Monday, TWU Local 234 President Brian Pollitt warned that talks -- that began this week -- are "going nowhere fast." New developments in strike against Woodland Pulp LLC October 23, 2023 | WABI “The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), has filed additional Unfair Labor Practice Charges with the National Labor Relations Board against Woodland Pulp.” Dropkick Murphys visit striking UAW workers at Toledo Jeep plant (Video) October 22, 2023 | WTOL “Dropkick Murphys visited Toledo Jeep workers to show support for the UAW strike.” Building Power US unions winning big gains amid ‘Great Reset’ in worker power October 24, 2023 | The Guardian Call it the Great Reset. Across the US, labor unions are winning surprisingly large contract settlements as workers have reset their expectations to demand considerably more than they did just a few years ago, and that has in turn pressured many corporations to reset – and increase – the pay packages they are giving in union contracts. National Politics Reps. Schiff, Ocasio-Cortez, Norcross, And 35 + Colleagues Introduce Bill To Grant Striking Workers Unemployment Insurance October 25, 2023 | Representative Adam Schiff “Today, Representatives Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), and Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), introduced the Empowering Striking Workers Act, new legislation that would ensure workers exercising their legal right to collectively bargain, as well as workers directly impacted, are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits after 14 days of striking.” Transportation Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen, Norfolk Southern announce new safety initiative October 23, 2023 | Trains.com “The Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen and Norfolk Southern will create a new program, the Signal Safety Collaboration — including joint inspections, information sharing, and training — to address signal safety, the two parties announced last week. The one-year pilot program was developed with input from the Federal Railroad Administration.” Buy Union Union-Made Tires Buying Guide October 15, 2023 | Labor 411 “Tires are one of the most important car components. They serve as the sole connection between the road and an automobile. A quality tire often means a better and safer driving experience. And union-made tires are some of the best in the business.” Labor History New Memorial Honors Victims of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire October 25, 2023 | Smithsonian Magazine “Until recently, a bronze plaque was the only marker indicating that the building at the corner of Greene Street and Washington Place was the site of New York City’s deadliest workplace disaster prior to the 9/11 attacks. On March 25, 1911, 146 workers—mostly young women, many of whom were immigrants—died when a fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.” Graphics to Share

UFCW Local 555 represented workers at Kaiser Permanente locations in Oregon and SW Washington are currently engaged in a ULP strike against their employer. We have been encouraging Oregon AFL-CIO affiliates to mobilize members to support the active picket lines, which can be found on our updated Strike Map. Today, at the request of Local 555, we are escalating our support for their fight for a fair contract by adding Kaiser Permanente to the Oregon AFL-CIO’s “Unfair Employer List.” The addition of Kaiser to the “Unfair Employer” list is intended to strongly discourage unions from entering into new healthcare agreements or renewing existing agreements until Local 555 members ratify a new contract. Adding Kaiser to the list does not mean we are asking patients to avoid getting the healthcare they need. Show your support for UFCW Local 555 by joining a picket line at a Kaiser facility near you: