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It’s been a banner few years for Oregon’s workers and we’re excited to reflect on the wins, champions and places for improvement when it comes to labor policies in our state by officially rolling out our 2023 Legislative Scorecard and award winners in tandem with the 2023 Legislative Session Report. Legislative Awards At the 2023 Oregon Labor Awards Ceremony at the 58th Biennial Oregon AFL-CIO Convention, unions and legislators were recognized for their incredible contributions to the Oregon Labor Movement since our last convention in 2022. For a full recap of all of the awards given at the ceremony, please click here. At the ceremony, we recognized three legislators who advocated for policies and laws that benefit workers in some exceptionally amazing ways: LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR: Representative (and union firefighter) Dacia Grayber for her incredible support of Oregon Labor’s priority bills across the board. RISING STAR: Representative Nathan Sosa for truly for sending a clear signal in his first several legislative sessions and as vice-chair of the House Business and Labor Committee as a fighter for workers’ rights. (Representative Sosa was unable to attend the ceremony.) SOLIDARITY CHAMPION: Senate Majority Kate Lieber who proactively listened to and reached out to workers and our unions to understand our needs in an exemplary way. 2023 Scorecard & Legislative Session Report Despite the longest legislative walk-out in American history, it was a banner year for Oregon’s Labor Movement, with legislative wins across affiliated unions and in every region of the state and sector of the economy. We saw many legislators truly hear the needs of workers and take action to protect wages and benefits, increase workplace safety, and improve our communities. The legislators listed below each earned their score based on their voting records and advocacy for Oregon workers across a wide range of priorities set by Oregon AFL-CIO’s affiliates including bills around safety and health reforms, procurement policy and labor standards, healthcare, organizing and collective bargaining, education, worker recruitment and retention, and creating the Oregon that workers need. We were excited that labor priorities including OSHA penalty increases, massive investments in infrastructure programs and good labor jobs, safe hospital staffing, electronic signature cards in organizing and so many more made it across the finish line thanks to the advocacy of key legislators, unions and workers across the state. The Oregon AFL-CIO has compiled an extensive report of how each Oregon Labor priority bill fared during the session. Click here to download the report. Please click here to download a PDF of the 2023 Oregon AFL-CIO Legislative Scorecard. These medals were awarded based on key votes in the 2023 session on the Oregon AFL-CIO and our affiliates priority bills, in addition to behind-the-scenes advocacy on behalf of workers and union members. PLATINUM Senate President Rob Wagner (D) Sen. Chris Gorsek (D) Sen. Kayse Jama (D) Sen. Kate Lieber (D) Sen. Deb Patterson (D) Sen. Kathleen Taylor (D) Speaker Dan Rayfield (D) Rep. Dacia Grayber(D) Rep. Tom Andersen (D) Rep. Ben Bowman (D) Rep. Jason Kropf (D) Rep. Nathan Sosa (D) GOLD Sen. Wlnsvey Campos (D) Sen. Michael Dembrow (D) Sen. Lew Frederick (D) Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin (D) Sen. Jeff Golden (D) Sen. James Manning (D) Sen. Floyd Prozanski (D) Sen. Janeen Sollman (D) Sen. Aaron Woods (D) Rep. Maxine Dexter(D) Rep. Julie Fahey (D) Rep. Mark Gamba (D) Rep. Annessa Hartman (D) Rep. Ken Helm (D) Rep. Paul Holvey (D) Rep. Zack Hudson (D) Rep. Susan McLain (D) Rep. Nancy Nathanson (D) Rep. Travis Nelson (D) Rep. Courtney Neron (D) Rep. Hoa Nguyen (D) Rep. Rob Nosse (D) Rep. Hai Pham (D) Rep. Lisa Reynolds (D) Rep. Ricki Ruiz (D) Rep. Tawna Sanchez (D) Rep. Andrea Valderrama (D) Rep. Jules Walters (D) SILVER Sen. Mark Meek (D) Sen. Elizabeth Steiner (D) Rep. Farrah Chaichi (D) Rep. David Gomberg (D) Rep. John Lively (D) Rep. Pam Marsh (D) Rep. Khanh Pham (D) Rep. Thuy Tran (D) BRONZE Sen. Dick Anderson (R) Rep. Janelle Bynum (D) Rep. Paul Evans (D) Rep. Emerson Levy (D) Rep Daniel Nguyen (D) Rep. Kevin Mannix (R) Rep. Greg Smith (R)

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 ⚠️Alert: More Strikes Next Week Next week, we expect to see UFCW Local 555 members strike at Kaiser and over 1,300 OFNHP, AFT Local 5017 members strike at PeaceHealth in SW Washington. Both unions plan to begin their strikes on Monday, October 23. Stay tuned for more information! 🤝🏻 Donate to Strike Funds & Drop Off Supplies OFNHP and UAW Local 492 are asking for donations to their strike funds to help bolster strike efforts until a fair contract is reached. Click here to donate to OFNHP’s fund Click here to donate to UAW Region 6’s fund, which directly helps Local 492 In addition to strike fund donations, UAW Local 492 is asking for generous donations from the Oregon Labor Movement to bolster their efforts in Beaverton, where union members are picketing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They need: Hand warmers, lawn chairs, outdoor folding tables, warm drinks / hot water for overnight picketing, single serve packages of chips and snacks and individual facial tissue packs. Supplies can be brought directly to the picket line, located at 10030 SW Allen Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005. Active Picket Lines ➡️ 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. ➡️ UFCW Local 555 Strike at Kaiser Local 555 members began an Unfair Labor Practices strike at Kaiser pharmacies on October 1st and will continue to picket until October 21st. They are picketing at the following locations daily beginning at 6:00am and ending at 7:00pm: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus (map) Kaiser Regional Lab in NE Portland (map) Kaiser Airport Way Center in NE Portland (map) ➡️ UAW Stand Up Strike at the Big 3 Automakers UAW members at the Chrysler Parts Distribution Center in Beaverton, alongside UAW locals around the country representing workers at the Big 3 automakers, have been on strike since September 22nd and will continue to hold the line until a fair contract is reached. They are picketing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here for directions to the picket line in Beaverton. 📍 Strike Map: Get Out There & Support Active Picket Lines! Our updated Strike Map can be downloaded here, please share far and wide! Oregon Labor Leaving Bend united and hopeful October 19, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press From Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor: “This year’s convention could not have come at a more opportune time for labor to strategize about how to harness the moment we’re in.” How Oregonians flexed their union power this year October 18, 2023 | Axios Portland “In Portland, labor activity picked up in May when baristas at the now-shuttered downtown Starbucks went on strike, followed by Providence nurses in June. Both unions called on management to address safety and staffing concerns.” A letter to the Bend-La Pine School Board October 18, 2023 | The Source Weekly From the Central Oregon Labor Chapter: “We urge the Bend-La Pine School Board to do everything within your power and authority to make sure that OSEA and BEA members get all that they deserve in their next contracts. We are counting on you to stand with the unions.” We told UO that we’re declaring impasse this week October 16, 2023 | Graduate Teaching Fellows Fellowship (University of Oregon) “GTFF’s goal here is to come to a deal. We believe this step is necessary to move forward in the process. We’re declaring impasse because we want UO to understand how serious we are about the demands still on the table, including our key asks on Salary (Article 22) and the International GE and Caregiver Articles. We will continue meeting with UO until we reach a deal. Meanwhile, we need all members to continue building pressure on the university to bring us a deal that reflects GE needs.” Union leaders, House Speaker show support for Coffin Butte mechanics at rally October 13, 2023 | Corvallis Gazette-Times “Striking Coffin Butte mechanics were joined by several union leaders, elected officials and concerned community members at a rally on Thursday, Sept. 12, in front of the Corvallis Republic Services office. Carrying placards, with an inflatable "Scabby the Rat" mascot standing guard, a small group came out in support of the seven heavy duty mechanics who have been striking since Sept. 11 at various locations around the Coffin Butte Landfill.” Republic Services workers strike for better healthcare, safer working conditions October 12, 2023 | KLCC “Seven Corvallis-based workers for the waste disposal company Republic Services have been on strike for over a month to demand safer working conditions and adequate healthcare. About two dozen union representatives, industry members, and politicians turned out Thursday morning to support the striking workers.” PNW Strike Updates Workers set to strike Oct. 23 at PeaceHealth October 19, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “A strike is likely and will include lab techs, service, and maintenance workers at PeaceHealth hospitals in Vancouver and Longview.” Multnomah County dentists authorize strike October 19, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Dentists working for Multnomah County are prepared to strike if negotiations for a second union contract lock up. AFSCME Local 88 represents 20 dentists at seven county clinics. Earlier this month, they overwhelmingly authorized a strike.” Corvallis landfill strike now in its second month October 19, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Seven heavy equipment mechanics are now in their second month of striking a Corvallis landfill. It’s a fight that Operating Engineers Local 701 business manager James Anderson says they’re determined to win.” Portland teacher strike inches closer after negotiators remain at odds October 18, 2023 | Fox 12 “Oregon’s largest school district, Portland Public Schools, could soon face a massive teacher strike after contract negotiations reached a stalemate Tuesday. A spokesperson for the union that represents PPS educators, the Portland Association of Teachers, said voting is currently underway for teachers to authorize a strike.” Kaiser pharmacy workers in Oregon and Washington continue ongoing strike October 14, 2023 | KGW “Kaiser Permanente reached a breakthrough Friday in negotiations with 75,000 workers who staged a three-day strike across multiple states last week, but the tentative deal doesn't cover a separate group of pharmacy technicians in Oregon and Southwest Washington who have been staging their own strike for two weeks — and plan to keep it going.” Congressional Budget Cuts We are one month away from yet another catastrophic government shutdown. And extreme Republicans in the House can’t even manage to elect a speaker. And we know that instead of proposing a budget that supports working people, creates good jobs and protects families, some extreme Republican politicians plan to push an extreme agenda that threatens the wages, health care, education and safety of workers and our families. These extremists are threatening to shut down the government—putting our economy in peril and hundreds of thousands out of work—if they don’t get extreme cuts that could heap even more hardship on our families, just to funnel our hard-earned dollars to the wealthy, big corporations and political donors. Click here to sign the petition Click here to call your member of Congress Strikes Beyond the PNW Hollywood Unions Call For Immediate Resumption Of SAG-AFTRA Talks October 17, 2023 | KCAL News “SAG-AFTRA members are expected to return to the picket lines Monday to continue striking against the Hollywood Studios amid calls from union president Fran Drescher and union leaders for negotiations to resume "immediately."” Thousands of Detroit casino workers strike over pay, benefits October 17, 2023 | Michigan Advance “Casino workers took to picket lines on Tuesday outside each of Detroit’s three casinos after going on strike following months of failed negotiations for a new union contract. This is the latest labor action to hit Southeast Michigan, with thousands of United Auto Workers (UAW) on strike for over a month at Blue Cross Blue Shield, as well as General Motors, Stellantis and Ford plants.” 40 workers on strike at Milk-Bone plant in Buffalo October 17, 2023 | The Buffalo News “Forty workers at Milk-Bone's plant in Buffalo are on strike, after rejecting a tentative agreement. The 40 maintenance and repair workers are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge 330.“ SoCal hotel workers continue strike as negotiations stall October 16, 2023 | Bay News 9 “Hotel workers took to picket lines outside the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, after labor contract negotiations stalled. According to Unite Here! Local 11 Union members, the labor contract expired back in June.” What Workers Across the U.S. Can Learn From the WGA Strike October 13, 2023 | Time “Income inequality is at historic highs. Tens of millions of working-class Americans can’t afford a home, medical care, or an education for their children. And we live under a political system run by the wealthy, in which average citizens hardly get a say. How do we solve these seemingly intractable problems? The Economy Union Density Lowers the Income Share Going to the Top 1% October 16, 2023 | Jacobin “Strong unions can reduce inequality in society through various means. Most directly, through collective bargaining, they lift wages for union members and negotiate other employment benefits that stabilize incomes and secure household financial well-being for union members.” New research finds $15 minimum wages raise pay and increase employment for low-wage workers October 16, 2023 | Washington Center for Equitable Growth “Increasing the minimum wage has repeatedly been shown to raise the pay of low-wage workers and improve the overall economy. While the federal minimum wage remains at its 2009 level of $7.25 per hour, 30 states and dozens of cities, as well as Washington, DC, have instituted much higher wage floors.” September Jobs Report: Strikes Promote a Good Jobs Economy October 6, 2023 | National Employment Law Project “The unemployment rate was steady at 3.8% in September according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The economy gained 336,000 jobs. The unemployment rate for Black workers was 5.7%, significantly higher than the 3.4% unemployment rate for white workers. These disparities are a result of structural racism in the U.S. labor market.” Amazon A Good Living: Amazon Can and Must Make a Middle-Income Livelihood Possible for the People Who Work in its Warehouses September 26, 2023 | National Employment Law Project “Amazon directly employs over a million people in the U.S.[i] It is now the second largest private-sector employer and the largest warehouse employer in the country.[ii] As such, Amazon has tremendous power to improve the standard of living for many in the U.S., including for the Black workers on whom it relies disproportionately for its front-line operations, and for Black women in particular, who make up the largest group of front-line workers at the company.” Graphics to Share

Hillsboro. Beaverton. Sunnyside. Corvallis. Portland. Across Oregon, workers are walking picket lines demanding fair contracts, dignity, and respect on the job. Last week, IUOE Local 701 made headlines by taking their fight to the front steps of Republic Services where workers were joined by elected leaders, community members, and unions from throughout the region. Next week, we expect to see UFCW Local 555 members strike at Kaiser and over 1,300 OFNHP, AFT Local 5017 members strike at PeaceHealth in SW Washington. Both unions plan to begin their strikes on Monday, October 23. Stay tuned for more information! This week we’re asking for Oregon Labor to continue to mobilize to support striking workers from UFCW Local 555, UAW Local 492, and IUOE Local 701. Here’s how you can help: Donate to the UAW Strike Fund and Drop Off Supplies UAW Local 492 has two asks for support that can help them continue their fight against Stellantis as part of the coordinated nationwide strike against the Big 3 Automakers: Strike Fund Donations: Click here to make a donation to the UAW Region 6 Strike & Support Hardship Fund Picket Line Supplies: Local 492 is asking for generous donations from the Oregon Labor Movement to bolster their efforts in Beaverton, where union members are picketing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They need: Hand warmers, lawn chairs, outdoor folding tables, warm drinks / hot water for overnight picketing, single serve packages of chips and snacks and individual facial tissue packs. Supplies can be brought directly to the picket line, located at 10030 SW Allen Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005. Walk a Picket Line ➡️ UFCW Local 555 Strike at Kaiser Local 555 members began an Unfair Labor Practices strike at Kaiser pharmacies on October 1st and will continue to picket until October 21st. They are picketing at the following locations daily beginning at 6:00am and ending at 7:00pm: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus (map) Kaiser Regional Lab in NE Portland (map) Kaiser Airport Way Center in NE Portland (map) ➡️ UAW Stand Up Strike at the Big 3 Automakers UAW members at the Chrysler Parts Distribution Center in Beaverton, alongside UAW locals around the country representing workers at the Big 3 automakers, have been on strike since September 22nd and will continue to hold the line until a fair contract is reached. They are picketing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here for directions to the picket line in Beaverton. ➡️ 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. Share on Social Media Strikes are most effective when the community stands behind the striking workers. Let’s make a splash on social media this week by sharing graphics directing people to the picket lines, click here to download the graphics. Share the Strike Map Our updated Strike Map can be downloaded here, please share far and wide!

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 📢 OFNHP Practice Picket at PeaceHealth SW in Vancouver Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 5:00pm - 8:00pm | 400 NE Mother Joseph Pl, Vancouver, WA 98664 Join us at our practice picket from 5:00pm - 8:00pm on October 11th at PeaceHealth Southwest (400 NE Mother Joseph Pl) where we can show management we are united as a potential strike becomes more possible. Click here to RSVP and let OFNHP know you will join them on the picket line! 🏗️ Rally to Support Operating Engineers on Strike in Corvallis Thursday, October 12, 2023 - 11:00am - 12:00pm | Republic Services: 110 NE Walnut Blvd in Corvallis Stand with striking IUOE Local 701 members who have been on the picket line since September 11, 2023. These workers are facing unsafe working conditions including dangerous equipment, exposure to hazardous materials, and a lack of concern from management. Let’s help them win a fair contract that helps keep them safe on the job. Speakers include Oregon Speaker of the House Dan Rayfield, IUOE Local 701 leadership, striking workers, and Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor. Click here to RSVP and spread the word on Facebook. 🏥Die-In Protest | Save Eugene's Hospital Friday, October 13, 2023 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm | 1200 Hilyard St, Eugene, OR 97401 PeaceHealth's corporate executives in Washington are trying to increase their profits by shutting down Eugene's only hospital-PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center University District. Their greed will lead to worse health care for you and your loved ones, longer waits, and slower emergency response times. Come to a Die-In protest in front of University District Friday, Oct. 13 and lie on the ground with us for 15 minutes to demonstrate to PeaceHealth executives how many people will die if they put profits over patients and close University District. Oregon Workers on Strike ➡️ 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. ➡️ UFCW Local 555 Strike at Kaiser Local 555 members began an Unfair Labor Practices strike at Kaiser pharmacies on October 1st and will continue to picket until October 21st. They are picketing at the following locations daily beginning at 6:00am and ending at 7:00pm: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus (map) Kaiser Regional Lab in NE Portland (map) Kaiser Airport Way Center in NE Portland (map) ➡️ UAW Stand Up Strike at the Big 3 Automakers UAW members at the Chrysler Parts Distribution Center in Beaverton, alongside UAW locals around the country representing workers at the Big 3 automakers, have been on strike since September 22nd and will continue to hold the line until a fair contract is reached. They are picketing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here for directions to the picket line in Beaverton. 📍 Strike Map: Get Out There & Support Active Picket Lines! Our Strike Map has been updated to reflect the end of SEIU Local 49’s three-day ULP strike at Kaiser, here’s the map for this week, click here to download the map as a PDF or PNG file. Oregon Labor 2023 Convention Recap: Organize. Fight. Rise. October 6, 2023 | Oregon AFL-CIO “The 58th Biennial Convention of the Oregon AFL-CIO was held September 20th - 23rd, 2023 at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes in beautiful Bend, Oregon. With over 350 affiliated union delegates, guests and honorary delegates in attendance, our convention serves as the single largest gathering of Oregon Labor in the state and the spirit of solidarity was felt by everyone who joined us.” 2023 Oregon AFL-CIO Convention Report October 10, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Over 210 delegates and 100 honorary delegates and guests assembled Sept. 21-23 in Bend for the state’s biggest labor gathering.” VIDEO: Multiple unions rally at PPS HQ in solidarity as bargaining continues for several groups of workers October 10, 2023 | Fox 12 “Members of several unions rallied together Tuesday demanding fair contracts.” Sheet Metal Local 16 wins $23.25 raise October 10, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Members of Sheet Metal Workers Local 16 will see a record-busting $23.25 an hour increase in compensation in their new four-year agreement with union contractors. That includes an hourly wage increase for journeymen of at least $19.77.” PeaceHealth workers vote to authorize strike October 10, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “More than 1,000 health care workers at two PeaceHealth hospitals in Southwest Washington voted by 95% to authorize a strike in ballots counted Oct. 6.” Columbia Memorial nurses reach tentative agreement October 5, 2023 | The Daily Astorian “Nurses at Columbia Memorial Hospital have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract after several months of negotiations that included sessions with a mediator and a strike authorization vote.” Last Month in Oregon Labor | September 2023 October 4, 2023 | Street Roots Oregon saw at least three union election wins, 11 new campaigns or workplaces file for elections and eight labor actions in September. The three election wins is a decrease from six in August, but 10 new campaigns and election filings increased from six in August. September tied with August for labor actions. Oregon Healthcare OHSU President Danny Jacobs Says Executive Vice Presidents Won’t Get Bonuses Because Money Ran Out October 9, 2023 | Willamette Week Jen Laverdure, vice president at AFSCME Local 328, said the unions wanted the money distributed to other employees, not just clawed back. “We would like some transparency about what OHSU is planning to do with that money,” Laverdure added. “Our demand was not just ‘don’t give the bonuses’ but to spend it on those that do the work.” Unions at OHSU Petition Top Executives to Decline “Egregious” Bonuses October 6, 2023 | Willamette Week “Unions representing employees at Oregon Health & Science University are circulating a petition calling on executives there to decline one-time bonuses that amount to more than $100,000 for the highest-paid leaders.” Peace Out: The plan to close PeaceHealth's only Hospital in Eugene October 6, 2023 | KLCC “The Mayor of Eugene, Lane County Public Health, nurses and many other constituencies have voiced their concern about what this might do to particularly vulnerable populations in Eugene, especially those who need emergency care and mental health crisis interventions.” Offshore Wind Offshore wind energy is an emerging industry that stands to add billions of dollars to Oregon’s economy in the coming decades. The development of offshore wind platforms and associated infrastructure has the potential to add thousands of jobs by 2050—in construction, operations, manufacturing, maintenance, and associated economic activities. Offshore Wind Works for Oregon is a coalition of labor organizations and other groups, including the Oregon AFL-CIO, who is working to ensure new offshore wind jobs are high-wage, offer new career opportunities, and long-term benefits for local and impacted communities. Can you take a few minutes to provide public comment using this link? Enter your comment and provide the required information about yourself or your organization, then press Submit Comment when you are done. We encourage you to personalize the comments to make them your own, but here is some suggested language to get you started: Responsibly developed offshore wind could create quality family-wage jobs and new career pathways for Oregonians in coastal communities. With any offshore wind development, strong labor standards must be in place to keep workers safe on the job, pay a prevailing wage, and prioritize training and hiring women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with disabilities, and people in communities where offshore wind is being developed. Maximizing the number of union workers that are part of any offshore wind project can help achieve these goals. Unionized workers earn up to 20% more than non-union households — and for workers of color and workers with less formal education, that figure is even higher. Kaiser Bargaining Kaiser Permanente and unions for 75,000 striking health workers hit bargaining snag October 5, 2023 | Reuters “Kaiser Permanente and union negotiators for 75,000 striking medical workers suspended a marathon round of contract talks without a settlement on Wednesday, the two sides said, hours after the largest such walkout ever in the U.S. healthcare sector commenced.” Hollywood Strike Hollywood Writers Ratify New Contract With Studios October 9, 2023 | The New York Times “Hollywood film and TV writers voted overwhelmingly to approve a new three-year contract with the major entertainment studios, the Writers Guild of America said on Monday, formally bringing to a close a bitter five-month labor dispute. During the one-week voting period, more than 8,500 writers submitted ballots, and the contract was ratified with 99 percent of the vote, according to the Writers Guild, which represents more than 11,000 screenwriters.” WGA Votes to Ratify Contract, Officially Ending One of Hollywood’s Longest Strikes October 9, 2023 | Variety “The Writers Guild of America has voted overwhelmingly to ratify its new contract, formally ending one of the longest labor disputes in Hollywood history. The membership voted 99% in favor of ratification, with 8,435 voting yes and 90 members opposed.” SAG-AFTRA, major studios continue negotiations as strike nears three months October 6, 2023 | Los Angeles Times “Leaders of SAG-AFTRA and the major Hollywood studios are wrapping up their first week of negotiations since the 160,000-member performers union went on strike in mid-July, but the sides aren’t yet close to a deal, sources familiar with the talks said Friday.” UAW Strike In 'major' development, GM to put battery plants under master contract with union, UAW says October 6, 2023 | Detroit Free Press “UAW President Shawn Fain on Friday declared a "transformative win" with General Motors after the automaker agreed earlier in the day to include its battery plant workers in the union's national labor agreement, thereby avoiding an expansion of the union's strike to one of GM's crucial assembly plants.” 4,000 more UAW workers on strike after rejecting deal with Mack Trucks October 9, 2023 | CNN “The United Auto Workers union says nearly 4,000 members are on strike at heavy truck manufacturer Mack Trucks after voting down a tentative agreement reached a week ago. The union said 73% of its workers had voted against the proposed deal.” Education AFT Exposes House GOP’s Failed Plot to Scapegoat Educators and Their Unions for Political Gain October 10, 2023 | American Federation of Teachers “A multiyear scheme waged by extremist lawmakers to exploit the tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic to attack teachers and their unions was based on a flagrant misrepresentation of the facts, a new report reveals.” Collective Bargaining Amid Strikes, One Question: Are Employers Miscalculating? October 10, 2023 | The New York Times "But perhaps most important, employers seem to be underestimating the determination of workers, who believe they have little to lose from striking amid rising prices and fundamental shifts in their industry that have sometimes made their jobs more precarious. Culinary Union announces picket lines on the Strip as negotiations with MGM, Wynn, and Caesars stall October 9, 2023 | KSNV “The Culinary Union on Monday announced plans for large-scale picket lines in front of eight properties on the Strip as contract negotiations continue between the union and MGM, Wynn, and Caesars resorts. Union leadership called the negotiations “disappointing” so far and said the two sides remain far from a deal. “On economics for example, we're dollars apart–significantly apart,” said Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for the Culinary Union. “Two of the companies made zero economic proposals or counters. And one made something so minimal, that was really not consequential.” Organizing Ex-Starbucks CEO Schultz illegally threatened union supporter, NLRB judge rules October 9, 2023 | Reuters “Former Starbucks Corp CEO Howard Schultz violated federal labor law by telling a barista in California who questioned the coffee chain's response to union organizing to "go work for another company," a National Labor Relations Board judge has ruled.” University of Maine graduate union receive certification October 6, 2023 | The Maine Campus “Last week, the University of Maine graduate union received its certification from the Maine Labor Relations Board. The Maine Graduate Workers Union-UAW was certified on Friday after an independent arbitrator decided that it had major support from graduate workers. The certification was announced by the Maine AFL-CIO.” Grad Worker Unionization Is Booming, Even Down South September 6, 2023 | Inside Higher Ed While the movement has spread to private Southern institutions (a few Florida public universities already had grad employee unions), 70 percent of the new student worker units since 2022 have formed in the Northeast, half of them in Massachusetts and New York. The recent upswing of grad workers unionizing at private institutions bucks the long-established status quo. Workplace Safety Want a Safer Workplace? Join a Union. October 5, 2023 | The American Prospect “Why are jobs so dangerous in America? The rates of fatal work injuries in the United Kingdom and several European countries are one-third that of the United States, where a worker is killed on the job every 99 minutes. One leading cause of this heightened mortality rate is the proliferation of violations of employment and labor law that result in workers’ exposure to hazardous conditions on the job. We studied one such law, the legal requirement that certain businesses report summary workplace injury and illness data to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This law is routinely violated without consequence, but our research identifies an important mechanism to boost compliance: labor unions.” Labor Leaders Alan Eisenberg Dies: Longtime Exec Director Of Actors’ Equity Was 88 October 9, 2023 | Deadline “Alan Eisenberg, the longest-serving executive director of Actors’ Equity Association, died October 7 in Rhinebeck, New York. He was 88. His death was announced by Equity. A cause was not disclosed. Eisenberg led Equity from 1981 to 2006, a time of significant growth in membership, workweeks and member earnings, according to Equity.” Labor Movement mourns passing of United Steelworkers International President Tom Conway October 9, 2023 | Labor Tribune “Elected as the union’s president in 2019, Conway was known for his quick wit, formidable bargaining skills and unwavering devotion to workers and their families. His opinion pieces were frequently featured in the Labor Tribune. “From his earliest time making steel to his steady hand leading us through the darkest days of the pandemic, Tom followed two simple guiding principles: the dignity of work and the power of working people,” said David R. McCall, the USW’s international vice president of administration, who was selected last week to succeed Conway as president.” Graphics to Share

It’s Solidarity Season, and unions across the Pacific Northwest are striking and fighting for fair contracts. From pharmaceutical technicians to healthcare workers to operating engineers and autoworkers, collective action is in the air and it’s critical that the Oregon Labor Movement mobilizes to support each group of workers. Here’s how you can get involved this week: ➡️ OFNHP Practice Picket: Today at 5:00pm in Vancouver Join OFNHP, AFT Local 5017 members today from 5:00 - 8:00pm at PeaceHeatlh Southwest Medical Center (400 NE Mother Joseph Pl. in Vancouver) and support the workers as they hold a practice picket to show management they are united as a potential strike at the facility becomes more and more possible. Click here to RSVP for the picket. ➡️ 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. On Thursday, October 12, IUOE Local 701 and the Oregon AFL-CIO are holding a rally outside of Republic Services headquarters in Corvallis to support the workers’ fight for a fair contract. The rally begins at 11:00am and will feature Oregon Speaker of the House Dan Rayfield as a guest speaker. Click here to learn more about the rally and to RSVP on Facebook. ➡️ UFCW Local 555 Strike at Kaiser Local 555 members began an Unfair Labor Practices strike at Kaiser pharmacies on October 1st and will continue to picket until October 21st. They are picketing at the following locations daily beginning at 6:00am and ending at 7:00pm: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus (map) Kaiser Regional Lab in NE Portland (map) Kaiser Airport Way Center in NE Portland (map) ➡️ UAW Stand Up Strike at the Big 3 Automakers UAW members at the Chrysler Parts Distribution Center in Beaverton, alongside UAW locals around the country representing workers at the Big 3 automakers, have been on strike since September 22nd and will continue to hold the line until a fair contract is reached. They are picketing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here for directions to the picket line in Beaverton. 📍 Strike Map: Get Out There & Support Active Picket Lines! Our Strike Map has been updated to reflect the end of SEIU Local 49’s three-day ULP strike at Kaiser, here’s the map for this week: Click here to download the map as a PDF or PNG file.

The 58th Biennial Convention of the Oregon AFL-CIO was held September 20th - 23rd, 2023 at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes in beautiful Bend, Oregon. With over 350 affiliated union delegates, guests and honorary delegates in attendance, our convention serves as the single largest gathering of Oregon Labor in the state and the spirit of solidarity was felt by everyone who joined us. Together, delegates proposed and approved an array of resolutions to guide the Oregon Labor Movement for the next two years, elected a strong slate of State Federation officers and Executive Board members, and heard from guest speakers, panelists, and workshop presenters. We held the 2023 Oregon Labor Awards Ceremony, where unions and elected officials were recognized for their achievements in building power for working Oregonians since our last convention in 2022. We ended the convention by mobilizing attendees and local community members to rally and march through downtown Bend in support of Central Oregon workers who are currently fighting for fair contracts. Officer & Executive Board Elections Delegates unanimously voted to reelect Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor and Oregon AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Sarina Roher, R.N., to serve our State Federation for another four years and lead us through what is becoming a historic moment of power for the Labor Movement. Together, President Trainor and Secretary-Treasurer Roher will continue to lead the Oregon AFL-CIO in our mission to build a fair and just economy for all Oregon workers. In addition to electing our principal officers, delegates unanimously voted in a slate of Oregon AFL-CIO Executive Board members who embody the diversity of Oregon Labor and represent workers from every sector of our state’s workforce. Resolutions Resolutions are a key component of each Oregon AFL-CIO Convention. Submitted by affiliated unions and the Oregon AFL-CIO Executive Board, resolutions serve as the roadmap we use to take Oregon Labor forward. They are carefully crafted and debated during the convention, playing an instrumental role in shaping the direction of the Oregon AFL-CIO by providing a clear and collective vision for our organization's future endeavors. This year, we are proud to see delegates pass resolutions pertaining to union organizing and supporting striking workers, apprenticeships and standards in the construction industry, protections for healthcare workers, supporting the LGBTQ+ community and engaging in Pride, and building power for immigrant workers among others. Taking Action No Oregon AFL-CIO Convention would be complete without attendees getting outside of the convention center and taking action to support local workers. This year, we rallied in Drake Park in Bend to hear from school employees, teachers, healthcare workers, and actors about their current fights at the bargaining table. After the rally, we marched through the streets of Bend and leafleted citizens about how they can support workers in their communities. 2023 Oregon Labor Awards Ceremony We recognized the unions, unionists, and elected leaders who have gone above and beyond to build power for working people since our last convention at the 2023 Oregon Labor Awards Ceremony, and enjoyed remarks from Oregon State Legislature leadership as well. The 2023 award winners are: Legislator of the Year State Representative Dacia Grayber Rising Star State Representative Nathan Sosa Solidarity Champion Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber Leadership in Organizing & Growth Oregon Nurses Association For historic campaign wins and membership growth throughout Oregon’s healthcare industry. Leading the Way in Organizing Oregon AFSCME For the incredible and continued achievements in building industry-wide power for workers throughout behavioral healthcare in Oregon. IATSE Local 154 For making history as the first IATSE local in the union’s history to organize maintenance and custodial workers. Innovations in Organizing UFCW Local 555 For organizing at Imperfect Foods and building power for delivery drivers who are fighting for safety, fairness, and respect in the gig economy. AFT-Oregon For an exciting and innovative organizing campaign at Friends of the Children Portland and giving a voice to non-profit education workers. Holding the Line LIUNA Local 737 For standing strong against CertainTeed and striking to win a fair contract. LIUNA Local 483 For striking to win a fair contract for municipal laborers at the City of Portland. IAMAW District Lodge W24 For taking on Weyerhaeuser in a historic strike and winning a fair contract for union woodworkers. Oregon Nurses Association For standing up to Providence during a five-day unfair labor practice strike to win fair contracts for nurses and clinicians. SAG-AFTRA Portland For inspiring workers across the country as part of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Tom Chamberlain “Working Class Hero” Russell Lum, Oregon Nurses Association For consistently mobilizing members, leading by example, and building power for working Oregonians throughout the Labor 2022 political campaign. Building Local Worker Power Central Oregon Central Labor Chapter For running a strategic and engaging field campaign during the Labor 2023 local election season and elevating the voice of working people in Central Oregon. Aida Aranda “Women Leading in Labor” In honor of Aida Aranda, the Aranda family, and LiUNA. For a life and career of leadership and empowerment of women and workers of color in the Oregon Labor Movement. Guest Speakers Our convention featured guest speakers who each brought a unique perspective on how we can embody the theme of the 2023 convention: Organize. Fight. Rise. From our United States Senator and members of Congress to national labor leaders to grassroots organizers, our speakers left attendees feeling inspired, educated, and agitated to keep up the fight for worker power. Panels Discussions & Workshops One of the central goals of every Oregon AFL-CIO Convention is to leave delegates and guests with new skills and ideas on building power for workers. Our panels and workshops did exactly that, and we are incredibly grateful for everyone who participated in a panel discussion and facilitated a workshop. 2023 Convention Panels Training the Next Generation: Building a Vibrant & Prosperous Workforce through Apprenticeships Film Screening and Panel Discussion: 9 to 5 the Story of a Movement The Future is Now: Powering the Clean Energy Economy through Union Labor Rising Up: Growing Our Unions Through Groundbreaking Organizing Strategies 2023 Convention Workshops Union Power, Political Power: 2024 and Beyond First Contract Campaigns: Strategies for Winning the Critical Next Step after a Successful Organizing Drive Oregon’s Paid Family and Medical Leave: What You Need to Know Now and When you Bargain AFL-CIO Tech Institute: Leveraging the Power of Technology and Innovation for the Labor Movement Up with the Union: Internal Organizing and Power Building Strategies Bargaining for the Common Good: Strengthen Member Engagement Through Campaigns that Invest in Our Communities Total Worker Health® Awareness: Advancing the Well-being of the U.S. Workforce Registered Apprenticeships: Preparing Oregon’s Workforce for the Jobs of Today and Tomorrow More Photos from Convention

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! Support Active Picket Lines in Oregon & SW Washington Right now, four different unions have active picket lines in Oregon and SW Washington: UAW Local 492 members at Chrysler, UFCW Local 555 and SEIU Local 49 members at Kaiser Permanente, and Operating Engineers Local 701 members at Republic Services. Join picket lines at locations across the Portland Metropolitan Area, Vancouver, Salem, and the Corvallis area: UAW Local 492 members at the Chrysler Parts Distribution Center in Beaverton, alongside UAW locals around the country representing workers at the Big 3 automakers, have been on strike since September 22nd and will continue to hold the line until a fair contract is reached. They are picketing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here for directions to the picket line in Beaverton. IUOE Local 701 members have been on strike at Republic Services in Corvallis for a first contract since September 11th, 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. UFCW Local 555 members began an Unfair Labor Practices strike at Kaiser pharmacies on October 1st and will continue to picket until October 21st. They are picketing at the following locations daily beginning at 6:00am and ending at 7:00pm: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus (map) Kaiser Regional Lab in NE Portland (map) Kaiser Airport Way Center in NE Portland (map) SEIU Local 49 members walked out on Wednesday, October 4 starting a three day Unfair Labor Practice strike against Kaiser in Portland, Salem, and Vancouver. They are picketing at the following locations and times from Wednesday October 4th through Friday, October 6th: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus, 7:00am - 7:00pm (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus, 7:00am - 7:00pm (map) Kaiser North Lancaster in Salem, 8:00am - 5:00pm (map) Kaiser Cascade Park in Vancouver, 8:00am - 5:00pm (map) Click here to download a map with all active picket lines in Oregon and SW Washington. Upcoming Events 🎥 SAG-AFTRA Photo Op - Portland to Portland Monday, October 9, 2023 - 12:00pm - 12:30pm | 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205 Join Portland SAG-AFTRA Local members and supporters in front of the Portland sign on Schnitzer Concert Hall for a photo op in conjunction with the New England Local members in Portland, Maine. From Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon we stand in solidarity! Please meet up at the corner of SW Broadway and SW Main St. Members and supporters will then gather for a photo opportunity. 📢 OFNHP Practice Picket at PeaceHealth SW in Vancouver Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 5:00pm - 8:00pm | 400 NE Mother Joseph Pl, Vancouver, WA 98664 Join us at our practice picket from 5:00pm - 8:00pm on October 11th at PeaceHealth Southwest (400 NE Mother Joseph Pl) where we can show management we are united as a potential strike becomes more possible. Click here to RSVP and let OFNHP know you will join them on the picket line! 🏥Die-In Protest | Save Eugene's Hospital Friday, October 13, 2023 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm | 1200 Hilyard St, Eugene, OR 97401 PeaceHealth's corporate executives in Washington are trying to increase their profits by shutting down Eugene's only hospital-PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center University District. Their greed will lead to worse health care for you and your loved ones, longer waits, and slower emergency response times. Come to a Die-In protest in front of University District Friday, Oct. 13 and lie on the ground with us for 15 minutes to demonstrate to PeaceHealth executives how many people will die if they put profits over patients and close University District. Oregon Labor Multnomah County Dentists Authorize Strike Amid Concerns That Increased Workloads Will Impact Patient Care Quality October 4, 2023 | Oregon AFSCME “Multnomah County Dentists, who care for Multnomah County’s most vulnerable residents, have reached a boiling point in their contract negotiations with the County, leading to Dentists overwhelmingly voting to authorize a strike.. They have expressed deep concerns with the County’s current contract offer, which includes a decision to increase the number of patients they see in a week without consideration to how this will impact the quality of care they are able to provide to their patients. This, coupled with the County’s refusal to offer a fair compensation package and additional administrative time has led these unionized workers to authorize a strike.” Astoria nurses vote to authorize strike at Columbia Memorial October 4, 2023 | Fox 12 “Nurses at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria hospital have voted to authorize a strike, the Oregon Nurses Association announced Wednesday. If a strike is called, nurses will give the community and hospital executives a 10-day advance notice to allow the hospital to prepare.” Kaiser pharmacy workers walk off job, cite ‘unfair labor practices’ by hospital September 30, 2023 | Fox 12 “Pharmacy workers at Kaiser Permanente locations in Oregon and southwest Washington will walk off the job Sunday morning to protest what they say are unfair labor practices used by the hospital since they started bargaining months ago. The striking workers, who are pharmacy technicians, clerks and warehouse employees, will be picketing every day between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Kaiser Sunnyside and Westside Medical Center campuses as well as two locations in northeast Portland.” UFCW Local 555 Strike at Kaiser Starts 10/1 September 29, 2023 | Oregon AFL-CIO “UFCW Local 555 members at Kaiser Permanente Pharmacies in Oregon and Southwest Washington will begin a ULP strike on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 6:00am. Let's stand together with fellow union members to tell Kaiser to follow Federal Law at the bargaining table. Kaiser has committed numerous Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs), including failing to provide information regarding bargaining and grievances, attempting to directly deal with UFCW Local 555 members, and attempting to dictate to Local 555 who may serve as its representative.” Oregon state workers ratify contract granting robust wage hikes September 27, 2023 | AFSCME “Thousands of state government workers will see fair and much-needed pay increases under a new contract negotiated through their union, Oregon AFSCME, and ratified last month. The contract offers more evidence of the union difference and benefits of workers securing a voice on the job.” Nurses, leadership at OHSU reach tentative deal ahead of strike September 26, 2023 | OPB “Nurses and administrators at Oregon Health & Science University announced on Tuesday that they have reached a tentative agreement that will avoid a potential strike. The three-year contract includes pay raises, new safety measures and the right to reopen the contract to negotiate over the impacts of a proposed merger with the Legacy Health system.” Union members stage rally and march to support workers rights at Drake Park in Bend September 23, 2023 | KVTZ “A rally and march to support workers' rights and fair contracts took place at Drake Park in Bend Saturday as the 58th Oregon AFL-CIO State Convention was taking place at The Riverhouse in Bend. The event, which was organized by the union organization, brought out crowds of people, including community advocates, concerned citizens and most importantly union workers. They carried flags and signs which read "Solidarity Forever" and "Union Strong." Coffin Butte mechanics protest alleged unfair labor practices September 14, 2023 | Corvallis Gazette-Times “A seven-man unit of heavy-duty equipment mechanics are on an indefinite strike, picketing in front of the Coffin Butte Landfill in Corvallis. The walkout, which began early on Monday, Sept 11, is in protest of what they say are unfair labor practices by Valley Landfills Inc., a subsidiary of the waste management company, Republic Services, which runs the Benton County dump.“ Kaiser Strike Striking Kaiser Permanente workers say patients and employees are suffering under staffing shortages October 4, 2023 | NBC News “From coast to coast Wednesday, more than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers picketed outside of health care facilities, arguing that staffing shortages have reached crisis levels for employees and patients alike. Sarah Levesque, the secretary-treasurer for OPEIU Local 2, told NBC News’ Tom Costello that workers were “looking for Kaiser executives to come to the table and bargain in good faith over the short-staffing crisis.” With strike underway, Kaiser Permanente warns about potential service delays October 3, 2023 | OPB “As roughly 4,000 Kaiser Permanente workers in Oregon and Southwest Washington go on strike this week, the health care provider is advising its patients to expect some delays.” Kaiser Permanente faces twin strikes in Oregon October 2, 2023 | The Oregonian “About 400 pharmacy technicians and other workers at Kaiser Permanente in Oregon walked off the job Sunday, beginning a 21-day strike. Another 4,000 Kaiser workers in Oregon and southwest Washington are poised to do the same Wednesday morning in a three-day strike that includes 75,000 Kaiser workers across the health care giant’s vast territory.” UAW Strike New UAW Video, “Broken Promises,” Reveals the Roots of the Stand Up Strike Against the Big Three Automakers October 4, 2023 | UAW The UAW just released “Broken Promises,” a new video that reveals the deep roots of the union’s ongoing strike against the Big Three automakers. The video, narrated by UAW President Shawn Fain, describes the deal made during the Great Recession when the auto industry was on the brink of collapse. As Fain says, “The deal was, UAW members take some short-term cuts for the long-term survival of Ford, General Motors and Chrysler.” From UPS to Detroit Three automakers, US labor unions flex muscle October 2, 2023 | Reuters “A tight U.S. labor market, the expiry of union contracts and high living costs have led to tough negotiations for pay hikes and benefits from workers and triggered strikes and protests across industries. Nearly 309,700 workers have been involved in work stoppages and strikes through August this year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, putting 2023 on track to becoming the busiest year for strikes since 2019.” UAW targets more Ford and GM plants as union expands autoworker strike September 29, 2023 | CBS News “United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain on Friday announced additional work stoppages as the union continues its historic strike against the Big Three carmakers, expanding the walkouts to a General Motors plant in Lansing, Michigan, and a Ford plant in Chicago.” Trump Didn’t Go to Michigan to Support Autoworkers September 28, 2023 | The Atlantic “The United Auto Workers union is striking for a better contract. The combination of a tight labor market and President Joe Biden’s pro-labor appointees to the National Labor Relations Board has given workers new leverage, leading workers in writers’ rooms, kitchens, and factories to demand more from their employers. This has been broadly beneficial, because many of the gains made by union workers benefit other workers.” Hollywood Strikes & Contract Negotiations SAG-AFTRA, Hollywood studios to resume talks Wednesday October 4, 2023 | Los Angeles Daily News “After negotiators for SAG-AFTRA and the major studios met for the first time since the actors union walked off the job in mid-July, talks are set to resume today in a bid to put Hollywood back in business. Following Monday’s initial negotiating session, the two sides issued a joint statement saying only that they had met for a full day. The sides are set to reconvene Wednesday — while pickets continue outside all the major studios around the Los Angeles area.” How Hollywood writers set a new standard for AI protections October 4, 2023 | The Hill “A tentative agreement between Hollywood writers and film studios could set a precedent for protecting workers from being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI). After a 148-day strike, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) reached a tentative agreement last week including several AI-related protections for writers.” Organizing Disney VFX workers vote to unionize with IATSE October 3, 2023 | Los Angeles Time “Walt Disney Pictures visual effects workers voted to unionize under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb, in a statement, said the workers’ collective action “represents a seismic shift in this critical moment in our industry.”” The Biden Administration Just Made Organizing a Union Exponentially Easier October 2, 2023 | Slate “Unions are hot right now, but you wouldn’t know it from the historically puny percentage of workers who are members. The news is full of high-profile organizing drives at Amazon and Starbucks, and in food service, retail, and nonprofits; strikes or possible strikes by autoworkers, Hollywood writers and actors, and Las Vegas hospitality workers; and President Joe Biden’s historic visit to striking workers on the picket lines in Detroit. Public support for unions is at an all-time high, and a majority of American workers say they would join a union if they could.” Labor Education California Public School Students Will Learn About Labor Rights Under First-of-Its-Kind Law October 3, 2023 | Common Dreams “While Republican-controlled state legislatures have rolled back child labor protections this year, Democratic lawmakers and rights advocates in California on Monday celebrated Gov. Gavin Newsom's signing of a first-of-its-kind law that they say will make young people less vulnerable to workplace abuses by teaching them about labor protections.” Labor Law Judge: Starbucks violated federal labor law by withholding pay hikes from unionized workers September 29, 2023 | CNN Business “Starbucks violated federal labor law when it increased wages and offered new perks and benefits only to non-union employees, a National Labor Relations Board judge found Thursday. The decision is the latest in a series of NLRB rulings finding that Starbucks has violated labor law in its efforts to stop unions from forming in its coffee shops.” Graphics to Share

The Hot Labor Summer of 2023 has shifted into a new season of solidarity as temperatures grow colder and more workers stand up and speak out for dignity, respect, and fair contracts in the workplace. Beginning Wednesday October 4th, four different unions will have active picket lines in Oregon and SW Washington: UAW members at Chrysler, UFCW Local 555 and SEIU Local 49 members at Kaiser Permanente, and Operating Engineers Local 701 members at Republic Services. Picketing will happen throughout the day at locations across the Portland Metropolitan Area, Vancouver, Salem, and the Corvallis area. Here’s a map of who is picketing where and when: (Click here to download as PNG or PDF) UAW members at the Chrysler Parts Distribution Center in Beaverton, alongside UAW locals around the country representing workers at the Big 3 automakers, have been on strike since September 22nd and will continue to hold the line until a fair contract is reached. They are picketing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here for directions to the picket line in Beaverton. IUOE Local 701 members have been on strike at Republic Services in Corvallis for a first contract since September 11th, 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. UFCW Local 555 members began an Unfair Labor Practices strike at Kaiser pharmacies on October 1st and will continue to picket until October 21st. They are picketing at the following locations daily beginning at 6:00am and ending at 7:00pm: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus (map) Kaiser Regional Lab in NE Portland (map) Kaiser Airport Way Center in NE Portland (map) SEIU Local 49 members will walk out tomorrow (10/4) starting a three day Unfair Labor Practice strike against Kaiser in Portland, Salem, and Vancouver. They are picketing at the following locations and times from Wednesday October 4th through Friday, October 6th: Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus, 7:00am - 7:00pm (map) Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus, 7:00am - 7:00pm (map) Kaiser North Lancaster in Salem, 8:00am - 5:00pm (map) Kaiser Cascade Park in Vancouver, 8:00am - 5:00pm (map) It’s up to the Oregon Labor Movement to stand behind these brave workers during their strikes and keep fighting side by side until all have settled fair contracts with their employers. When we fight together, we win together and there is nothing more powerful than seeing working people support each other on picket lines. We’ll see you out there!

UFCW Local 555 members at Kaiser Permanente Pharmacies in Oregon and Southwest Washington will begin a ULP strike on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 6:00am. Let's stand together with fellow union members to tell Kaiser to follow Federal Law at the bargaining table. Kaiser has committed numerous Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs), including failing to provide information regarding bargaining and grievances, attempting to directly deal with UFCW Local 555 members, and attempting to dictate to Local 555 who may serve as its representative. Enough is enough. There is a wave of collective action sweeping the country and Oregon is no exception. Let's come together as Oregon Labor and send a message to Kaiser that we support Local 555 members fighting for a fair contract and we won't back down until they win. Picketing will commence at 6:00am and conclude at 7:00pm at the locations listed below starting October 1, 2023 and concluding on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 3:00am. Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Campus 10180 SE Sunnyside Rd Clackamas, OR 97015 Kaiser Westside Medical Center Campus 2875 NE Stucki Ave Hillsboro, OR 97124 Kaiser Regional Lab 13705 NE Airport Way C Portland, OR 97230 Kaiser Airport Way Center 5717, 5721 and 5725 NE 138th Ave. Portland, OR 97230 See you on the picket lines!

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 ☕ TODAY: Starbucks Workers Solidarity Day of Action Today, Thursday September 14 | Locations nationwide In the face of Starbucks' attempts to crush the union, Starbucks workers have organized, gone on strike, and pressured the company to quit union busting. Now it's time for Starbucks customers and allies to demand that Starbucks respects workers' right to organize. Meet outside the store with signs and petitions to engage customers and passersby in support of Starbucks workers. Many times, locations. Find events here! ⚕️ TOMORROW: Save Eugene’s Hospital Community Forum Tomorrow: Friday, September 15, 2023 | 160 Madison Street in Eugene All are welcome! Join local health care workers, elected leaders and residents for a community-wide forum on the wide-ranging impact closing University District will have on local families, students, seniors and vulnerable populations. Get your questions answered and find out how you can help keep health care local and save Eugene's only hospital. Click here to learn more and get involved in the campaign. 🏥 OHSU Nurses: Ready to Bargain! Ready to Strike! Monday, September 18 | 11:30am - 2:00pm OHSU Waterfront, Elizabeth Caruthers Park, 3508 S Moody Ave in Portland Join OHSU Nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association rallying with fellow nurses, the Oregon Labor Movement, and community allies to demand a contract that nurses and their patients deserve! Click here to RSVP. ✊Rally to Support Central Oregon Workers Saturday, September 23 at 4:00pm | Drake Park: 777 NW Riverside Blvd In Bend Join the delegates and guests of the 2023 Oregon AFL-CIO Convention at a rally and march in downtown Bend in support of Central Oregon workers including healthcare workers, classified education workers, teachers, and striking SAG-AFTRA members! Take Action 🎓Support PSU Adjuncts! Over 1,000 adjunct faculty are employed at Portland State University. Faculty have endured years of inequitable and degrading working conditions and wages that have not kept pace with the cost of living. PSUFA asks for your signature on the “Community Letter of Solidarity” and your support as faculty advocate for themselves and their students. Click here to read and sign the letter. Oregon Labor 88% – A Number to Inspire and Harness September 14, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press From Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor: “With historic opportunities before us, and young people doubling down in their support for and understanding that our movement is the greatest force for taking on corporate greed and making our economy more fair and just, this is our moment to harness. Are you ready? See you on the picket line!” PeaceHealth wants to close the only hospital in Eugene September 14, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Union health care workers, local officials, and community members in Eugene launched a campaign this month to save the city’s only hospital and emergency room.” Portland’s Guardian Games goes union September 14, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Workers at Guardian Games in Portland voted 10-0 to join United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 in a Sept. 1 vote held in the employee break room. Guardian Games is a board game and trading card shop on 345 SE Taylor St. It includes a bar and table space where customers can play games. It is owned by Bourke Retail, a limited liability corporation that also runs games shops in Corvallis and Aloha.” Magic Tavern Becomes the Second Unionized Strip Club in the U.S. September 8, 2023 | Willamette Week “The strippers at Northwest Portland’s Magic Tavern have unanimously voted to unionize with Actors’ Equity Association, making it the second unionized strip club in the country. “I’m over the moon,” says Daphne, a Magic Tavern stripper who helped lead the club’s unionization efforts. “There’s no feeling like hearing, ‘Yes, yes, yes,’ 16 times as they counted the votes.” After Equity certifies the election, it will begin the bargaining process on behalf of the strippers. Equity also represents Star Garden Topless Dive Bar in North Hollywood, Calif., which voted to unionize in May.” Oregon Healthcare Strikes Strike vote at OHSU September 14, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Union nurses at Oregon Health and Science University (OSHU) began a strike vote Sept. 6 following nearly nine months of negotiations with the hospital’s leaders. If it passes, the vote would allow union leaders to call for an open-ended strike of almost 3,200 nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). Nurses have been working without a contract since their previous agreement expired June 31. On Aug. 9, they declared an impasse and entered a 30-day cooling off period.” Strike vote at Kaiser September 14, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Workers at Kaiser Permanente hospitals in seven states and Washington D.C. participated in a nationwide strike authorization vote Aug. 28 through Sept. 16. SEIU Local 49, which represents about 4,500 technicians and hospital support staff at Kaiser facilities in Oregon, tallied its members’ votes on Sept. 13, after this issue went to press. SEIU Local 105, a union representing 3,000 Kaiser workers in Colorado, passed its strike vote with 99% approval. Other results were not available by press time." The Union Difference Unions Put More Money in the Pockets of Black Folks September 8, 2023 | Word in Black “The union movement is the equalizer,” Fred Redmond, secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, says. The AFL-CIO represents 12.5 million workers internationally. “The fact of the matter is that the Black middle class was essentially built by the labor movement,” Redmond says. “What we see is that people are fed up, including Black workers, by not being able to share in the wealth they help create on these jobs every day.” UAW Strike UAW leaders rally workers in waning hours of contract negotiations September 13, 2023 | Kokomo Tribune “We’ve got to make sure that transition is just,” said Brett Voorhies, president of the Indiana State AFL-CIO. “We got to make sure those jobs are for our people.” UAW prepares to strike at Detroit Three automakers, rejects new offers September 13, 2023 | Reuters “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler told Reuters autoworkers do not want to go on strike "but they will if they have to in order to reach a fair deal." Shuler noted there have been over 200 strikes this year in the United States. "It's because the economy is broken. Workers are fed up," she said.” Hollywood Strikes SAG-AFTRA actors march from Netflix Studios to Paramount September 13, 2023 | CBS Los Angeles “Striking members of the SAG-AFTRA actors union gathered at Netflix Studios Wednesday morning and are marching to Paramount. The SAG-AFTRA National board voted unanimously to call a strike following the conclusion of the TV/Theatrical/Streaming negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). According to the release, they are fighting to ensure its members receive their fair share of streaming revenues, increased compensation to keep pace with inflation, and an agreement that will give actors informed consent and fair pay if A.I. is used to create digital replicas of their performance, voice, or likeness.” There’s still no end in sight for the Hollywood strikes September 11, 2023 “The unions representing Hollywood’s striking screenwriters and actors remain miles apart from the big studios on key issues, meaning that the majority of entertainment productions are still on hold and most rank-and-file members remain out of work.” Labor & Technology The who's who of the tech world meet with senators to debate plan to regulate AI September 13, 2023 | WESA “Ahead of Wednesday's meeting, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler argued that workers must be central to AI policy. "Public support for unions is at near record highs because workers are tired of being guinea pigs in an AI live experiment," Shuler said in a statement. "The labor movement knows AI can empower workers and increase prosperity – but only if workers are centered in its creation and the rules that govern it.” The Lesson for Employers at the Center of Hollywood's AI Standoff September 12, 2023 | Time “Amanda Ballantyne, the director of the AFL-CIO Technology Institute, argues that there’s one key reason worker voice should drive technology adoption: “We think of workers as experts in technology because they’re the end users.” That on-the-ground experience gives them valuable knowledge about which tools make their jobs better and which just waste their time, she explains. It’s a sentiment echoed by University of Pennsylvania professor Ethan Mollick in a recent essay: “The innovation groups and strategy councils inside organizations can dictate policy, but they can’t figure out how to use AI to actually get work, only the workers, experts at their own jobs, know that,” he writes.” Organizing Marvel Visual Effects Workers Unanimously Vote “Yes” to Unionize September 13, 2023 | The Hollywood Reporter “It’s official: In a unanimous vote, the visual effects employees at Marvel Studios voted to unionize with IATSE in a closely watched election held by the National Labor Relations Board. The vote marks the first time a unit of solely VFX workers has unionized with IATSE. Voting closed on Monday after the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Disney/Marvel reached a stipulated election agreement last month. According to today’s announcement from IATSE, there was a “high turnout” from the roughly 50 Marvel employees, which includes jobs such as VFX coordinators and data wranglers.” Graphics to Share

The Oregon Labor Dispatch is a weekly email and blog series designed to keep Oregon’s workers informed of the latest news about unions, worker power, and much more. Each week, we bring you a curated selection of news stories, graphics, and information about upcoming events and actions. When Oregon’s Labor Movement is connected, updated and informed we are able to be stronger advocates for all working Oregonians. If you have a news story, event or action you’d like to see featured in the Oregon Labor Dispatch please email us at communications@oraflcio.org. Click here to subscribe to the Oregon Labor Dispatch weekly emails. Keep up with the latest from Oregon’s unions: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Upcoming Events Find upcoming events on the Oregon AFL-CIO Solidarity Calendar. Do you have an event you’d like us to share? Send an email to communications@oraflcio.org and we’ll make it happen! Take Action ✊ TELL THE FTC TO STOP THE KROGER ALBERTSONS MERGER Kroger & Albertsons grocery stores are pushing for a corporate merger that could give them nearly unchecked control over food prices, wages & benefits of thousands of United Food and Commercial Workers International Union grocery workers & so much more. Join us & tell the FTC to stop this merger. National Labor News Unions Are America's Future. The Numbers Say So September 1, 2023 | Newsweek From National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: “A few weeks ago, I stood on the streets of New York City with working actors, performers and writers from SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America who have been on strike for months now: risking their livelihoods to win a fair contract for themselves and all who come after. We chanted. We walked the picket line. But what inspired me most was when working people all around us—overwhelmingly young workers, in their 20s and 30s—saw what was happening and joined in: UPS drivers who laid on their horns to show support. Construction workers who clapped as they passed by. Food delivery workers who stopped for a minute to cheer us on.” More workers striking in 2023 than the previous three decades September 4, 2023 | NBC San Diego “Labor Day is not just a three-day weekend, but a holiday that honors the workers for their contribution to our economy. According to this year’s annual labor report, over 270,000 California workers have joined the picket lines since January of this year. Across the country, more workers have participated in striking for their rights in 2023 than during the last three decades.” Workers Rights Won by Unions, From the 8-Hour Workday to Overtime Pay September 5, 2023 | Teen Vogue “Workers at American companies and institutions of higher learning are making headlines for strikes and unionizing efforts among employees, including Amazon, Starbucks, Rutgers University, HarperCollins, and Hollywood writers.” Labor Day in Oregon ‘Reclaiming our power:’ Oregon AFL-CIO president talks union growth September 4, 2023 | KOIN 6 “There’s lots of reasons that go into what’s driving this moment in labor action. Coming out of the pandemic, workers were treated as expendable while told that they were heroes by employers and so workers are angry, we’re reclaiming our power and we’re doing that at a time when union approval rating… is through the roof,” Trainor explained.” Guest Column: The labor movement has your back September 2, 2023 | The Bulletin “Over the past few months, American workers have captured both headlines and the imaginations of the entire working class of our great nation. By standing together, speaking up, and taking collective action workers are winning organizing drives and collective bargaining campaigns from coast to coast. Oregon is no exception: From the five-day strike by nurses and clinicians at Providence to the thousands of Teamsters at UPS ratifying a historic contract without having to strike, it is clear that the power of workers organizing is fueling something amazing in America.” Oregon union workers celebrate Labor Day September 4, 2023 | KEZI 9 “Lane County Central Labor Chapter hosted their 24th annual Labor Day picnic, and celebrated accomplishments of the past year and the public support for unions being at record levels according to the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.” Central Oregon's labor union landscape has changed for the better in recent years September 4, 2023 | The Bulletin “The challenges we face may evolve, but the spirit of solidarity and determination that propels us remains steadfast,” said Brenda Johnson, chair of the Central Oregon Central Labor Chapter of the state branch of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).” Oregon Labor Powell’s Workers Shut Down City of Books With One-Day Strike September 4, 2023 | Willamette Week “The solidarity of all unions is to make a simple demand,” wrote Local 5 spokesperson Myka Dubay in a statement. “Powell’s should return to the table; participate in the process by negotiating with the Union; and do so in good faith as required by federal labor law.” Religion & Labor U.S. archbishop lays out 'urgent' need for 'radical solidarity' with working families September 1, 2023 | National Catholic Reporter “The chairman of the U.S. bishops' domestic policy committee said the nation has "urgent work" to do to really show a "radical solidarity with working families" and provide ongoing support for the well-being of all families.” Strikes SAG-AFTRA Says Dual Strikes Against Video Games & Film/TV Industry “Makes Sense” As Key Issues Of Wages & AI “Mirror” Each Other September 6, 2023 | Deadline’ “With SAG-AFTRA members already on strike against films and TV shows and voting now underway to authorize a separate strike against the video game industry, the guild’s leaders are saying that a dual strike, if it comes to that, “makes sense” because the issues at stake in both contracts “mirror” each other. “These are largely the same fight over the same issues, and members are stronger together,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in their latest message to the guild’s members. “By standing shoulder to shoulder and in solidarity, we multiply our strength and send a clear and unmistakable message to all of our employers: We will not be exploited. Without fair terms that protect our members and respect their contributions, employers should not have the benefit of our members’ services.” UAW leader warns of strike at any Detroit automaker without a new contract deal next week September 6, 2023 | The Hill “The leader of the United Auto Workers (UAW) warned the union will strike at any Detroit automaker that does not reach a new labor agreement by next week. When asked by The Associated Press (AP) if the union would call a strike on any of the companies that do not reach a tentative agreement, UAW President Shawn Fain said, “That’s the plan.” The contracts with the three major automakers — Ford, General Motors and Stellantis — are set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 14. “ Labor leader Shuler touts union support as possible auto strikes loom September 4, 2023 | Wisconsin Examiner “Support for unions is growing amid shifting working conditions and labor disputes around the country, according to Liz Shuler, the president of the largest labor group in the country. In Shuler’s comments last week at the AFL-CIO’s first State of the Unions event in Washington, she cited polling that showed support for unions cut across party lines. The AFL-CIO commissioned a poll by GBAO, a Democratic polling and research firm, that found 91% of Democratic respondents and 52% of Republicans approved of unions, with even higher numbers supporting the right to strike.” Nurses striking for ‘safe staffing’ vow to keep up the fight September 1, 2023 | New Jersey Monitor “Negotiations started in April. The nurses’ contract expired June 30 and was extended to July 21, and nurses went on strike Aug. 4. Since the most recent bargaining session Aug. 16, the two sides are now at an impasse. RWJBarnabas Health is the largest health care system in the state and employs the most nurses statewide. The 620-bed Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick is its biggest hospital. The ongoing strike is nurses’ first since 2006, when they were off the job for about 25 days, Danella said.” Workplace Safety & Safe Staffing Unionized nursing homes 78% more likely to report workplace injury and illness data, study finds September 5, 2023 | Medical Press “Nursing homes that unionize are more likely to report workplace injury and illness data to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a study published in the journal Health Affairs says. "Unionization led to a 78% increase in employer compliance with OSHA's requirement to report workplace injury and illness data," said the lead author of the study, Adam Dean, professor of political science at the George Washington University. "Reporting such information helps make nursing homes safer." Nursing homes must boost staffing levels under new Biden plan September 1, 2023 | ABC News “Leaders of labor unions, which pushed for the new rule, say more people will raise their hands to work at nursing homes if employment conditions were better. "Care workers are egregiously underpaid and deeply undervalued, and it's past time they receive good pay and dignity on the job," said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, a federation of labor unions.” Labor & Economy Black unemployment rate in August is cautiously good news as Biden touts strong economy September 1, 2023 | The Grio “Fred Redmond, secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest federation of unions, told theGrio that President Biden has taken steps to reshape the economy to be more equitable for Black Americans. “Time and time again, this president stood with working people to tackle the most pressing challenges we face, and he’s trying to create an economy that works for all of us,” Redmond said. “This president understands the inequality in this country, and he’s doing everything he can through his policies.” Union Busting Popular Union-Busting Tactic Banned in New York in 'Major Victory' September 6, 2023 | Vice “New York has banned captive audience meetings, a popular union-busting tactic used by companies during organizing periods to disseminate anti-union information. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill on Wednesday morning, making the state the fifth in the U.S. to make such meetings illegal.” ‘This is psychological warfare’: Starbucks workers allege anti-union firings The Guardian | September 4, 2023 “Alicia Flores had worked at Starbucks in Portland, Oregon, for seven years until June, when she received a voicemail from a manager – filling in for her usual boss, who was taking a leave of absence – who informed her she was being fired. Flores is far from alone.” Organizing Virginia Tech graduate students and staff are launching labor unions September 5, 2023 | Cardinal News “The organizing units launching at Tech have a common mission of improving workplace conditions and pay for those who work on campus. Faculty and staff will be represented by the United Campus Workers of Virginia, which has chapters at the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University and the College of William & Mary.” The National Labor Relations Board Just Made It Easier for Workers to Win Unions September 5, 2023 | Jacobin “An NLRB decision delivered late last month substantially lowers the legal hurdles to union recognition. But using that opening will require unions to build strong cultures of shop-floor solidarity in the face of employer intimidation. According to the board’s decision, an employer now faces a choice when a union, “designated” by a majority of employees, demands to bargain on their behalf.” Bargaining How a first union contract provides workers a seat at the table September 5, 2023 | Labor Tribune “Along with wage increases, better work-life balance, and other wins, the workers gained a real voice on the job in early August when they ratified their first contract with Kumho as members of the United Steelworkers (USW). The contract establishes a Labor-management workplace improvement committee, affording Golden and others on the front lines the means to address issues like turnover, efficiency, and quality. The agreement also mandates a joint health and safety committee, giving workers not only a say in how to properly operate and maintain equipment but also a role in developing emergency plans and input into other aspects of plant safety.” Graphics to Share

The Oregon Labor Dispatch is a weekly email and blog series designed to keep Oregon’s workers informed of the latest news about unions, worker power, and much more. Each week, we bring you a curated selection of news stories, graphics, and information about upcoming events and actions. When Oregon’s Labor Movement is connected, updated and informed we are able to be stronger advocates for all working Oregonians. If you have a news story, event or action you’d like to see featured in the Oregon Labor Dispatch please email us at communications@oraflcio.org. Click here to subscribe to the Oregon Labor Dispatch weekly emails. Keep up with the latest from Oregon’s unions: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Upcoming Events 🏳️‍⚧️ TRANS DAY OF SOLIDARITY: RALLY & PICKET Saturday, September 2 at 4:00pm, Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland Hear from trans union members on what unions across the country and in Oregon could be doing to benefit and protect not only their own trans union members, but all trans workers in our country. 📖POWELL’S LABOR DAY STRIKE RALLY Monday, September 4 at 1:00pm Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209 On Monday, September 4, workers at Powell’s Books will be going on a one-day Unfair Labor Practice Strike. This will be the first strike for Powell’s workers in 20 years! Join workers for a rally at Powell’s City of Books on Labor Day at 1:00pm 🏞️ LABOR DAY 2023 Monday, September 4: Picnics in Canby, Salem, Springfield, Bend and Phoenix Join union members, local elected officials, and working families in communities across Oregon to celebrate Labor Day! Click here to find out more information about the picnics and events happening throughout Oregon. Find more upcoming events on the Oregon AFL-CIO Solidarity Calendar. Do you have an event you’d like us to share? Send an email to communications@oraflcio.org and we’ll make it happen! Take Action ⚕️STAND WITH SEIU LOCAL 49 MEMBERS AT KAISER Show your support for Kaiser healthcare workers in their efforts to address the staffing crisis and improve patient care at Kaiser Permanente. Click here to sign on. 🏫SUPPORT PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY ADJUNCT FACULTY Over 1,000 adjunct faculty are employed at Portland State University. Faculty have endured years of inequitable and degrading working conditions and wages that have not kept pace with the cost of living. Click here to learn more about their struggle and sign onto a letter of community support. The State of the Unions State of the Unions is Strong with Record Public Support, Unprecedented Activism and Organizing this Labor Day August 29, 2023 | AFL-CIO “Today, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond delivered an inaugural State of the Unions address where they released new polling which underscores the American people’s support of unions—especially that of young workers—and their view of unions as critical to growing the middle class and providing opportunities for working people to thrive. Additionally, both officers stressed that with this unprecedented level of support, working people in unions are prepared to organize like never before, hold big corporations accountable and restore America’s promise for all.” AFL-CIO’s ‘State of the Unions’ set to be new Labor Day tradition August 31, 2023 | New York Amsterdam News “The State of the Unions event touted the strength of union membership and is promoting labor union organizing with the idea that #ItsBetterInAUnion. Shuler pointed to a new poll conducted by the political research firm GBAO that found support for unions is at an all-time high. Democrats, Independents, and Republicans all look favorably upon unions, according to poll results. In fact, among those surveyed, GBAO found “the want and need for unions is greatest among those” who are under 30.” New Polling on Support for Unions More in U.S. See Unions Strengthening and Want It That Way August 30, 2023 | Gallup “Labor unions continue to enjoy high support in the U.S., with 67% of Americans approving of them, similar to the elevated level seen in recent years after more than a decade of rising support. Mirroring this trend, Americans have gradually become more likely than a decade ago to want unions’ influence to strengthen and to believe unions benefit various aspects of business and the economy.” Two-thirds of Americans support unions: poll August 29, 2023 | The Hill “More than two-thirds of Americans support unions, according to new polling data the AFL-CIO released Tuesday. Union support is particularly high among young Americans: 88 percent of Americans younger than 30, according to AFL-CIO data. “Do you know how hard it is to get two-thirds of Americans to agree on anything? Let me put it another way: More Americans believe in unions than like chocolate ice cream,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler told union organizers and members during the organization’s inaugural “State of the Unions” address.” Majority of Americans support labor unions, new poll finds. See what else the data shows. August 29, 2023 | USA Today “Widespread strikes and contract negotiations brought unions to the forefront of the news this summer, coining the term "summer of strikes." As Labor Day approaches, strike activity remains steady and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. How does the public feel about labor unions and hot strike summer? More than two-thirds of Americans support unions, according to a recent poll from The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO). That number is even higher for people younger than 30, 88% percent saying they support labor unions.” Oregon Labor The colorful mural, newly reimagined, that honors labor's past, present and future in Springfield August 30, 2023 | KLCC “In downtown Springfield, construction workers are adding a new story to a building across from the Emerald Arts Center. The renovation is tearing down a mural that honored local laborers. But its demise has given rise to a new, reimagined mural full of the faces past and present who made Springfield what it is today.” OHSU is slow with raises. But can afford to buy Legacy. August 24, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “One week after union nurses reached an impasse in negotiations with Oregon Health and Sciences University, the hospital announced a $1 billion merger with Legacy Health System. The deal — if approved by the Oregon Health Authority, Washington Health Department, and the Federal Trade Commission — would combine the two largest health care systems in the Portland region and create what would be the city’s single largest employer.” Labor Law Biden’s NLRB Brings Workers’ Rights Back From the Dead August 28, 2023 | The American Prospect “Hot Labor Summer just became a scorcher. Last Friday, the National Labor Relations Board released its most important ruling in many decades. In a party-line decision in Cemex Construction Materials Pacific, LLC, the Board ruled that when a majority of a company’s employees file union affiliation cards, the employer can either voluntarily recognize their union or, if not, ask the Board to run a union recognition election.” Strikes Hundreds of nurses join actors, writers on strike to share one message: 'Flip the script on AI' August 30, 2023 | ABC 7 “Hundreds of nurses joined Hollywood writers and actors on the picket lines Tuesday for a solidarity march that focused on their concerns regarding artificial intelligence. Registered nurses with National Nurses United, the nation's largest union of registered nurses, rallied around the Sunset Bronson Studios, many with signs that read, "Flip the script on AI."” Resident assistants at Tufts University plan to go on strike on move-in day Tuesday August 28, 2023 | Boston 25 “The union that represents resident assistants at Tufts University is planning to go on strike on move-in day on Tuesday, August 29. OPEIU Local 153 voted in favor on Friday to authorize a strike after management refused to meet their demand of providing an economic counterproposal.” Labor unions are pushing hard for double-digit raises and better hours. Many are winning. August 27, 2023 | CNBC “From writers’ rooms to car factories, workers are pressing companies for higher pay and better quality of life. Many are willing to walk off the job to get there, and some are winning.” University of Michigan grad student employees ratify new deal after historic strike August 25, 2023 | CBS News Detroit “Members of the University of Michigan's Graduate Employees' Organization have ratified a new three-year contract with the administration, bringing a five-month strike to an end. Members of the union rallied on campus on Friday before marching to Rackham Graduate School to hold a press conference. The grad workers walked off the job on March 29, demanding a living wage and better benefits. It was the longest work stoppage in both the union and the university's history.” Fellow unions launch food drive to express solidarity with striking Hollywood actors, writers August 25, 2023 | ABC 7 "This is solidarity, baby!" said Teamster member Alison Taylor, who was volunteering at the food drive taking place on the Motion Picture and Television Fund's Woodland Hills campus Thursday. "If you want something done, you have to band together. You have to stick together to get anything accomplished. That's what we're doing." Building a Fair & Just Economy Unions are key to reversing stagnant wages and economic inequality, Treasury Department says in first-of-its-kind report August 29, 2023 | Market Watch “The decline of U.S. worker power since the 1970s has led to economic inequality and stagnant wages, and supporting labor unions may be key to reversing that trend, the Biden administration said Monday. President Joe Biden often calls himself the most pro-union president in American history, and on Monday — a week before Labor Day, and as many workers around the country are either on strike or poised to go on strike — the Treasury Department released a report about the benefits of unions and what the administration can do to help boost unionization.” Buy Union on Labor Day Union-Made in America Barbecue List August 31, 2023 | AFL-CIO Whether it's Memorial Day, July 4 or Labor Day, make sure your barbecue is stocked with union-made in America products. Organizing VFX Workers at Disney File for Unionization Under IATSE August 28, 2023 | The Hollywood Reporter “Visual effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures have filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board that could allow them to unionize with IATSE. The news comes as Disney-owned Marvel VFX workers are currently organizing for their own union election amid the writers and actors strikes.” Workplace Safety Proposed OSHA Rule Will Make Workplaces Safer August 30, 2023 | AFL-CIO Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: “We commend this week’s announcement from the Department of Labor on its proposed rule to clarify workers’ rights to fully participate during the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s inspections. This will level the playing field to ensure that workers have representation of our choosing, just as employers do.” Overtime Protections Proposed Overtime Rule Would Make a Difference in the Lives of Working People August 30, 2023 | AFL-CIO Statement by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: “New proposed overtime protections mark a victory for working people that will improve the lives of millions of families across America. The new rule ensures workers who make less than $55,068 automatically are eligible for overtime, and this threshold is indexed to wage growth going forward. This is one more example of the Biden administration delivering on its promises to prioritize the needs of working people. Denying overtime for workers earning over $35,568 a year is simply not acceptable, not fair and not reflective of the work employees do every day to go above and beyond.” Millions more workers would be entitled to overtime pay under proposed Biden administration rule August 30, 2023 | ABC 7 “The Biden administration proposed a new rule Wednesday that would make 3.6 million more U.S. workers eligible for overtime pay, the most generous such increase in decades. The rule revives an Obama-era effort that faced pushback from business leaders and Republicans and was ultimately scuttled in court. Business groups Labor advocates and liberal lawmakers have pushed the Biden administration to take the fight back up, arguing that overtime protections have been sharply eroded over the decades by wage stagnation and inflation.” Labor & Technology Unions Must Be at Forefront of AI Battle, AFL-CIO President Says August 29, 2023 | Bloomberg Law “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler called on the US labor movement Tuesday to put itself at the front of the effort to stop job loss to artificial intelligence. “We better be damn sure that the benefits and wealth created are shared by all of us,” Shuler said in a pre-Labor Day speech at the labor federation’s headquarters in Washington. “Let it make our lives easier, let it make our jobs better.” “That is not how it feels right now,” she continued. “We feel afraid that technology is going to make us earn less, it’s going to make our jobs worse. It’s going to dehumanize us.” Shuler’s remarks came on the 46th day of tandem strikes by screenwriters and actors, who are at a stalemate with studios over concern that workers would be replaced by AI-generated content. The AFL-CIO represents SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union.” Graphics to Share