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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

Today, National 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. “The idea of a union may sound complicated, but in reality, unions are just a group of people coming together. They are about each of us becoming the most powerful version of ourselves that we possibly can,” said Shuler. “And there is nothing better than finding that power alongside the people we work with and being a part of something bigger than ourselves. That’s all a union is. It’s that simple. People in this country have been searching for their power for a long time now, young people especially.” You can read President Shuler’s full remarks here. “Every day, more and more working people are finding out that the labor movement is the solution to low wages and unsafe workplaces, to inequality and discrimination. That the labor movement is the only institution in America that has the infrastructure and reach to address and vanquish oppression in all its forms,” said Redmond. “That working people—standing together and standing up for one another—are an incredible force for progress at work, in our unions, in our economy and in our democracy.” You can read Secretary-Treasurer Redmond’s remarks here. Below are some of the poll’s key findings. Full results of the GBAO poll conducted on behalf of the National AFL-CIO are available here. 7 in 10 Americans (71%) support unions cutting across party lines. A majority of Republicans and more than two-thirds of Independents join 9 in 10 (91%) Democrats in supporting unions. It’s crystal clear from these numbers that Americans of all political stripes want and need unions. An unprecedented number of young Americans support unions. Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) people under 30 view unions favorably. We’ve never seen a number that high, which is testament to the deep desire of young people to act collectively to demand respect and dignity on the job. In the midst of a number of ongoing worker strikes around the country, Americans are strongly supportive of working people walking off the job for better wages and working conditions. Three-fourths of Americans support workers going on strike and support is strong regardless of party affiliation. Americans are concerned about tech companies putting profits over the well-being of people in the implementation of artificial intelligence. 70% of people express concern that AI will displace workers, with women workers especially concerned given AI’s potential to exacerbate inequity on the job. “I started this apprenticeship knowing that it would equip me with the training and expertise to put me on a solid path to a good career,” said Luis Arriaza 17, a union apprentice at the Electricity and Wiring Program at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute in Massachusetts. “Through my apprenticeship, I know that I will be able to earn a living wage, gain critical benefits and protections and continue developing my skills. I am passionate about the work that I do and I am grateful that I will experience firsthand the solidarity and support of a good union job.” View a recording of today’s event at aflcio.tv

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 🎵 AUGUST FAIR TRADE MUSIC MEETING Tuesday, August 29, 7:00 - 8:00pm, Workers Tap (basement) 101 SE 12th Ave in Portland Musicians Union (AFM) Local 99 is building solidarity between freelance musicians, clubs, and concert-goers to raise standards in the sector. Share your experience as a freelance musician at the monthly fair trade music meeting 5:30-7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month. Contact info@fairtrademusicpdx.org to sign up or for more information! 🏞️ 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! Disaster Recovery Donate to help your union siblings in Hawaii, Washington, California August 22, 2023 | AFSCME Please donate to AFSCME Fallen Heroes Fund to help fellow union members affected by not just the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, but also the wildfires in Washington state and historic rains and flooding unleashed by Tropical Storm Hilary in Southern California. Relief fund established help Hawaiian union families August 21, 2023 | Labor Tribune “To help the thousands of union families who lost everything in the massive Hawaiian wildfires of last week, the AFL-CIO has launched a special relief fund: Hawaii State AFL-CIO Labor Community Services Program/Hawaii Employees Lifeline Program. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler made a special appeal to unions and union members for donations. For locals, the suggested donation is $2,500; from individuals, whatever you can afford.” Oregon Labor A betrayal of Oregon workers August 24, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press From Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor: “At a time when polarization and political disagreement have reached a fever pitch, the last thing we need is more gridlock and dysfunction in the halls of our state capitol. We must build trust and confidence in our public institutions, and if 2022 was any indication, Oregonians expect their elected leaders to show up, do their jobs, take votes, and engage in the rigorous debate that moves us forward. These expectations don’t preclude dissent or heated debate. They just say that if you consistently don’t show up to do the job we’ve elected you to do, then there will be consequences. Working people don’t soon forget betrayals, and we will never stop fighting for a stronger democracy.” Sheet metal workers ready to strike August 24, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “If arbitration fails to produce a new master agreement, roughly 1,750 members at nearly 60 contractors could strike.” The arc of the labor movement lands in Canby August 24, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press By Northwest Oregon Labor Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Laurie Wimmer: “As the day approaches for celebrating our labor force and its hard-won gains, let us examine the arc of our movement.” Strikes UAW workers overwhelmingly vote to authorize strikes at GM, Ford, Stellantis August 25, 2023 | CNBC “United Auto Workers members overwhelmingly granted union leaders authorization to call strikes during ongoing contract negotiations with General Motors, Ford Motor and Stellantis, if warranted.” Tens of thousands of Kaiser healthcare workers to vote on possible strike August 24, 2023 | Los Angeles Times “Patient care is in crisis at Kaiser Permanente,” said Linda Bridges, president of one of the unions in the coalition, OPEIU Local 2 in Silver Spring, Md. “Staffing was decimated during the pandemic and it has not gotten any better. The problem we’re dealing with is Kaiser is not hearing us.” Hot labor summer: Hype, or a real shift in mood? August 24, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Strike: It’s what every worker is thinking about right now, says Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor. Roughly 11,500 Hollywood writers and 65,000 actors are out on strike together for the first time in 63 years. Starbucks baristas are flexing the strike muscle almost weekly on short-term walkouts demanding a fair first contract. And 340,000 Teamsters at UPS just won historic gains as the company backed down in the face of their enthusiastic preparations to shut the company down.” SAG-AFTRA, WGA hold National Day of Solidarity amid strike August 22, 2023 | 11 Alive “In a show of support, nearly 4,000 actors and writers gathered Tuesday night for a "National Day of Solidarity" rally in Atlanta. Unions SAG-AFTRA and WGA joined forces with the AFL-CIO and its affiliates from across the nation and across industries for the movement, SAG-AFTRA said in a statement. There were a number of speakers including Liz Shuler, who is the president of AFL-CIO, the democratic federation of 60 national and international unions that represent 12.5 million working people. Shuler is the first woman leader of America's labor movement.” Martin Sheen, Kerry Washington, Ron Perlman at Solidarity Rally: Don’t Let Studios “Gaslight Us” August 22, 2023 | The Hollywood Reporter “Thousands of union members braved a beating sun on Tuesday outside Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, as SAG-AFTRA brought out speakers including Kerry Washington, Martin Sheen and Ron Perlman as well as such labor leaders as Lindsay Dougherty, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Joely Fisher as part of its National Day of Solidarity rally.” Collective Bargaining Teamsters Ratify Historic UPS Contract August 22, 2023 | International Brotherhood of Teamsters “Today, Teamsters voted by an overwhelming 86.3 percent to ratify the most historic collective bargaining agreement in the history of UPS. The five-year contract protects and rewards more than 340,000 UPS Teamsters nationwide, raising wages for full- and part-time workers, creating more full-time jobs, and securing important workplace protections, including air conditioning.” Labor & Civil Rights 60 Years After the March on Washington, Let’s Recommit to the Fight for Justice August 23, 2023 | Word in Black From National AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond: “Sixty years ago this month, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered perhaps his most famous speech to a quarter of a million people. He told the crowd that he dreamt of a day where “this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed,” where his children “will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” And it was a call to action “to make real the promises of democracy” and “to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.”” ‘Tell ’em about the dream, Martin!’: Memories from the crowd at MLK’s March on Washington August 23, 2023 | USA Today “It's 1963, and 15-year-old Clayola Brown just heard the news on the car radio in Philadelphia: There was going to be a march on Washington. She recalls the deep, heavy baritone of civil rights activist and march organizer A. Philip Randolph, describing the inequities of Jim Crow America and the promise of freedom and economic justice. "It was like a calling," said Brown, now 75 years old. "I just knew I wanted to be there."” Labor & Economy Unions’ warning to Wall Street August 23, 2023 | Financial Times “Behind today’s surge in labour action is a combination of a tight labour market raising employee leverage and the pandemic’s stark reminder that working conditions matter, said Candace Archer, policy director at the AFL-CIO union federation. She adds that inflation is better attributed to high corporate profits and supply-side disruptions than wage growth.” Labor & Environment Renewable Energy Jobs Are Coming to Appalachia August 22, 2023 | Mother Jones “They’ve made the US the place for the private sector to invest in clean energy,” Samantha Smith, senior adviser for clean energy jobs at the AFL-CIO, said of the IRA’s incentives.” Buy Union Union-Made in America School Supplies August 23, 2023 | AFL-CIO “Around the country, classes are starting up again, students are getting ready to learn once more and parents are rushing out to buy the supplies their children need for school. When shopping for those necessary items, you can make sure your purchases support working families.” Free Labor Day Stickers Are you a union member? Do you have a family member in a union? Or do you just want a free sticker and a way to show union pride this Labor Day? Sign up for National AFL-CIO text messages and request a sticker now. 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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 🎵 AUGUST FAIR TRADE MUSIC MEETING Tuesday, August 29, 7:00 - 8:00pm, Workers Tap (basement) 101 SE 12th Ave in Portland Musicians Union (AFM) Local 99 is building solidarity between freelance musicians, clubs, and concert-goers to raise standards in the sector. Share your experience as a freelance musician at the monthly fair trade music meeting 5:30-7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month. Contact info@fairtrademusicpdx.org to sign up or for more information! 🏞️ 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! PORTLAND AREA Hosted by the Northwest Oregon Labor Council Clackamas County Fairgrounds: 694 NE 4th Ave in Canby 10:00am - 5:00pm SALEM Hosted by the Marion Polk Yamhill Central Labor Chapter Ken Allen AFSCME Labor Center: 1400 Tandem Ave NE in Salem 11:30am LANE COUNTY Hosted by the Lane County Central Labor Chapter Splash Pad Picnic Shelter: 6100 Thurston Road in Springfield 12:00pm - 3:00pm CENTRAL OREGON Hosted by the Central Oregon Labor Chapter Alpenglow Park: 61049 SE 15th St on Bend 12:00 - 3:00pm SOUTHERN OREGON Hosted by the Southern Oregon Central Labor Chapter Clyde's Corner: 4495 S Pacific Hwy in Phoenix 4:00pm 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 🎥 PHOTOJOURNALISTS & EDITORS AT KGW DESERVE A FAIR CONTRACT The Portland public deserves skilled and experienced journalists to deliver the news to the community. Currently, IATSE Local 600 is fighting for a fair contract - expired since March - with fair wages for photojournalists & editors at KGW-TV. KGW's parent corporation, Tegna, wants to remove protections on maintaining staff positions and won't agree to fair wage increases or adding new protected classes in the contract in the non-discrimination section. Click here to take action. ✏️ CENTRAL OREGON LABOR CHAPTER’S SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE Now through August 23, bring donations to Bend Senior High School between 8:00am and 3:00pm Donated items will be distributed to the Family Access Network. Supplies needed are refillable water bottles, college ruled spiral notebooks, mechanical pencils and lead, backpacks of all sizes, pencil sharpeners, colored pencils, highlighters, and 3” binders. Oregon Labor We mourn Haley Rogers, an Oregon behavioral health worker who died on the job July 27, 2023 | AFSCME “The shocking death of Haley Rogers underscores just how dangerous it can be to work in public service, especially in the behavioral health sector,” AFSCME President Lee Saunders said. “This tragedy will strengthen our resolve to fight for safer working conditions. By partnering with employers to fill vacant public service positions, our union’s Staff the Front Lines initiative is focused on increasing staffing levels to ensure workers have the protections they need.” Crisis home workers ask Governor Kotek: Fire our boss August 4, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “State workers in Oregon’s Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU) on July 12 asked Governor Tina Kotek to remove Director Sierra Rawson because she’s created an unsafe, unsupportive work environment, they say. Two weeks later, their union reached a tentative agreement on a new contract after months of difficult bargaining. SACU serves more than 95 people in 20 group homes along Interstate 5 from Portland to Eugene. The residents have intellectual and developmental disabilities, usually with mental health diagnoses that require close supervision and may contribute to sometimes violent outbursts.” Oregon Politics 10 Oregon senators disqualified from reelection after walkout: Sec. of State August 8, 2023 | FOX 12 “ In a decision Tuesday, Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade stated senators disqualified under Measure 113 will not be allowed to file to run in 2024.The disqualifications to run for reelection follow the longest walkout in Oregon legislative history, which ended after six weeks on June 15.” Labor looks back on mostly wins in 2023 Oregon legislative session August 4, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Despite a six-week walkout by nine Senate Republicans, Oregon labor organizations tallied a respectable number of wins in the 2023 legislative session. Several labor priority bills passed early in the session, and others passed in a whirlwind final days once Democratic leaders reached a compromise with the absent senators, who had left to deprive the chamber of the quorum needed to pass any bill in order to stop a bill bolstering access to abortion and transgender medicine.” Strikes Writers Guild East Leader Says This 100-Day Strike Is Different: Studios More “Obstinate” Now August 9, 2023 | The Hollywood Reporter “The picket line outside the Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery offices near Union Square was one of the largest seen in New York since the start of the Writers Guild of America strike on May 2. The WGA received more than 700 RSVPs just from its own members, but SAG-AFTRA members were also on the lines as were IATSE members, Local 802 musicians and more. The 100-day milestone is significant not only for the timespan, but because the strike now surpasses the length of the 2007-2008 writers strike, which ended on its 100th day.” Striking hotel workers file complaint over alleged violence on picket line August 9, 2023 | CNN Business “Striking hotel workers in Southern California filed a complaint on Monday with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that the hotels were “committing and/or condoning violence” after a fight on the picket line, their union announced. Video shared by Unite Here 11 – a union representing dishwashers, room attendants, bellhops and others – shows a disturbance on a picket line outside a Santa Monica hotel on Saturday.” Memphis Bakery Workers seek public support for 2-month strike August 7, 2023 | People’s World “Bakery Workers Local 399G members in Memphis, Tenn., forced to strike at the start of June for respect and against their profitable employer’s demand for no overtime pay and health care benefit cuts, are going public with their struggle with the firm, International Flavors and Fragrances. “I’m striking because of unfair negotiations and the right to an honest living for an honest day of work,” lead production operator Cornelius Moore, an 11-year veteran, told BCTGM.” Controversial chef John Tesar ‘removed from hotel’ after altercation with striking workers August 7, 2023 | Independent “Controversial chef John Tesar was reportedly removed from a hotel that houses one of his restaurants after an alleged altercation with striking workers. The Michelin-starred chef, who was championed by the late TV chef and author Anthony Bourdain, has been described as the “most controversial chef in Dallas” due to his notorious outbursts.” As Hollywood strikes continue, unions call out excessive CEO pay: 'We need to look at what they're doing with executive compensation' August 6, 2023 | Morning Star "Performers are being asked to sign away the rights to their own likeness as a condition of employment so that the studios can add to their profits by digitally creating new content without them," said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond at the news conference. "Writers not writing. Actors not acting. And their fight is our fight." Strikes spiked in July, as workers seek higher wages to keep up with inflation August 3, 2023 | The Washington Post “July was one of the busiest months for strikes in three decades, reflecting growing public support for unions and increased worker leverage in an era of low unemployment, as tens of thousands of workers have pushed employers for higher wages to keep up with high inflation. The labor unrest erupting in Hollywood, where 170,000 actors have joined 11,500 screenwriters on picket lines, is far from the only example of workers banding together to demand more from their employers this summer. Baristas, national park bus drivers, hotel housekeepers, lawyers, book sellers, locomotive plant workers, sour cream producers and brewery workers also went on strike in July.” Building & Construction Trades AFL-CIO: Biden Administration’s Wage Boost for Construction Workers Is a Win for Working People August 8, 2023 | AFL-CIO “The Biden–Harris administration once again delivered for working people by ensuring that construction workers on federal and federally assisted projects receive the pay they deserve. Today’s final rule on Davis–Bacon and Related Acts will not only strengthen prevailing wage laws, but it also will improve legal protections from wage theft for more than 1 million workers on federal construction projects. Thanks to the Biden administration’s historic federal investments and commitment to “ensuring the future is Made in America,” massive job growth in construction and manufacturing is already underway.” The Postal Service USPS may stop processing mail in Eugene and Medford August 4, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “The United States Postal Service (USPS) is considering moving mail processing for nearly all of Oregon to its new processing center near the Portland International Airport. The move would change how mail and packages are handled, and some postal union members say it would lead to job losses and slower delivery. Workers in Eugene and Medford would be most affected, they say.” Executive Pay Watch In 2022 CEOs of S&P 500 Companies Made 272 Times What their Average Worker Did August 4, 2023 | KULR8 “Experts say the wage gap between workers and their company’s CEOs is the worst it’s been since the gilded age and apparently it’s not turning around. According to a new report by The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations or the AFL-CIO, in the U.S. CEOs made on average 272 times what their employees did in 2022.” You’d have to work five lifetimes to make what your boss makes in one year, report shows August 3, 2023 | CNN Business “The gulf between a CEO’s paycheck and their typical employee’s has always been vast. But the advent of AI is already threatening to exacerbate that gap, enriching the C-suite at the expense of their employees, according to a new report from the AFL-CIO. “The AI revolution has potential to unleash broad-based prosperity that improves working conditions and lifts us all up,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond. “But if it’s left unchecked, AI can increase economic inequality and undermined job security … It doesn’t have to be this way, and working people are starting to fight back,” he said, noting how AI has become a central sticking point in the Hollywood strike.” CEO compensation hits second highest level – AFL-CIO tracker August 3, 2023 | Pensions & Investments “The labor organization is highlighting the role of artificial intelligence in this year's Executive Paywatch report, said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond during the news briefing. While it presents opportunities and potential productivity gains, "if left unchecked, it could increase economic disparity and job insecurity," Mr. Redmond said” Collective Bargaining VA, AFGE celebrate ‘best union contract’ in federal government August 8, 2023 | Government Executive “The Veterans Affairs Department and the nation’s largest federal employee union on Tuesday sought to turn over a new leaf after years of disputes and litigation, formally signing a new collective bargaining agreement. The agreement, tentatively reached in April, allows VA to implement a plan to streamline hiring of Title 5 employees across the department, but otherwise preserves in full the provisions of their previous contract, reached in 2011.” Guggenheim Museum Staff Ratifies Union Contract August 8, 2023 | The New York Times “The Guggenheim Museum announced Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with its workers’ union after more than two years of bargaining and that nearly 150 curators, conservators and other employees connected with Local 2110 of the United Auto Workers had ratified their first contract.” US healthcare workers focus on pay and understaffing in fight for new contracts August 3, 2023 | The Guardian “Unions representing more than 85,000 healthcare workers have held pickets at 50 facilities across California, Washington, Oregon and Colorado amid new contract negotiations as their current union contracts are set to expire on 30 September.” Organizing Some Philly Dunkin’ workers want to unionize August 4, 2023 The Philadelphia Inquirer “Bakers, drivers, cleaners, and other non-management employees at a Dunkin’ manufacturing facility in Frankford are trying to form a union. The 46 workers filed paperwork with the National Labor Relations Board Wednesday, seeking to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 152.” Reproductive Rights are Workers’ Rights Ohio voters reject higher bar for altering constitution, a win for abortion rights supporters August 8, 2023 | The Washington Post “Ohio voters rejected a measure Tuesday that would have made it more difficult to amend the state constitution ahead of a November vote to ensure access to abortion. For more than a century, Ohioans have been able to amend the state constitution with a simple majority. The failed measure would have changed that threshold to 60 percent. With about 88 percent of votes counted Tuesday night, 56.5 percent voted against the proposal, while 43.5 percent supported it. The Associated Press projected the measure would fail.” Building a Fair & Just Economy To close racial wealth gaps, continue to expand prevailing wage August 3, 2023 | AM NY “As we enter the second half of 2023, there is still much to do in New York State, and the nation, to improve the lives of hard-working people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities. One of these tasks includes taking the appropriate measures to close racial wealth gaps between white workers and Black and Latino workers and improve opportunities for family-sustaining career development and access to the middle class.” 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 🏫 RALLY FOR SAFE SCHOOLS & GOOD CONTRACTS Tuesday, August 8 at 5:15pm at Portland Public Schools, 501 N. Dixon in Portland Show your support for living wages and safe schools for all Portland Public Schools workers! Working conditions are learning conditions! Hosted by SEIU 503, Local 140. All Portland Public Schools workers, union allies, and community members are invited. Food will be provided! Click here to RSVP on Facebook 🎵 AUGUST FAIR TRADE MUSIC MEETING Tuesday, August 29, 7:00 - 8:00pm, Workers Tap (basement) 101 SE 12th Ave in Portland Musicians Union (AFM) Local 99 is building solidarity between freelance musicians, clubs, and concert-goers to raise standards in the sector. Share your experience as a freelance musician at the monthly fair trade music meeting 5:30-7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month. Contact info@fairtrademusicpdx.org to sign up or for more information! 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 ✏️ CENTRAL OREGON LABOR CHAPTER’S SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE Now through August 23, bring donations to Bend Senior High School between 8:00am and 3:00pm Donated items will be distributed to the Family Access Network. Supplies needed are refillable water bottles, college ruled spiral notebooks, mechanical pencils and lead, backpacks of all sizes, pencil sharpeners, colored pencils, highlighters, and 3” binders. ⚕️ BETTER CARE NOW Just about everyone in America has a loved one in a nursing home, knows someone who works in a nursing home, or recognizes that they may need nursing home care in the future. We need your help to make sure we have a strong safe staffing standard. Click here to take action. 🏠 KIDS & COMMUNITIES NEED SOLUTIONS - NOT CUTS Americans are still recovering from the ripple effects of the pandemic, particularly our most vulnerable populations. Students still have a vast array of social, emotional and academic needs as they head back to school, and workers are re-entering a changing workplace. On top of that, the need for accessible healthcare is only growing. Now is not the time for Congress to make massive cuts to the programs we depend on, but that’s exactly what many Republicans are trying to do. It’s up to us to spread the word to make sure our communities know what’s at stake. Click here to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper; you can potentially reach thousands of people with this simple action that takes just minutes of your time. Find a Picket Line Workers from coast to coast are standing together for better wages, working conditions, benefits and more. Visit the national AFL-CIO strike map to find a picket line or donate to support striking workers. Click here to view the map. Strikes Striking writers and studios will meet this week to discuss restarting negotiations August 2, 2023 | The San Diego Union-Tribune “Union leaders told striking Hollywood writers Tuesday night that they plan to meet with representatives for studios to discuss restarting negotiations after the first official communication between the two sides since the strike began three months ago. The Writers Guild of America sent an email to members saying that the head of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents major studios, streaming services and production companies in negotiations, requested a meeting on Friday to discuss the resumption of contract talks.” Thousands of San Jose city workers hold strike vote August 1, 2023 | NBC Bay Area “San Jose city workers on Tuesday were voting on whether or not to go on strike after their contract expired more than a month ago. Unions representing more than 4,500 San Jose city employees began in-person voting at two locations that would authorize a three-day strike if a new deal with better pay is not reached. The city employees include city services from 911 dispatchers in the fire department to supervisors at the San Jose airport.” Starbucks workers join SAG-AFTRA and WGA on picket lines on Friday for 'common fight' July 28, 2023 | ABC 7 “Starbucks workers joined actors and writers on the picket lines on Friday as part of the Starbucks Workers United 13-city "Union is Calling" bus tour. The Starbucks Workers United union has mobilized thousands of Starbucks employees, and the organization says that 440 locations in 46 states have at least filed to unionize.” Southern California Hotel Workers Are on Strike Against Automated Management July 28, 2023 | Jacobin “On top of issues like low pay, workers are up against faceless algorithmic management that can punish them for various offenses — including for refusing to cross picket lines. Workers at a hotel in Southern California are on strike against this practice.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler to Studios: “Come to Your Senses” and “Get Back to the Table” July 27, 2023 | The Hollywood Reporter “Liz Shuler is no stranger to strikes. The president of the AFL-CIO — the U.S.’ largest labor federation, which counts unions from SAG-AFTRA to the United Mine Workers of America to the American Federation of Teachers as members — has seen her fair share, but in at least one respect she believes that the current actors’ and writers’ work stoppages are noteworthy.” ‘It feels like it’s strike summer’: US unions flex muscles across industries July 26, 2023 | The Guardian “It’s been a fast and furious few weeks for labor. First, 3,000 workers went on strike at 150 Starbucks, then 6,000 Los Angeles hotel workers walked out, and now 11,500 Hollywood writers and 160,000 television and movie actors have gone on strike. Not only that, 340,000 UPS workers seemed ready to walk out on 1 August, and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union is threatening to strike one or more Detroit automakers later this summer.” Pacific Northwest Labor Powell's Workers, Fed Up With "Poverty Wages," Move Closer to a Strike August 2, 2023 | Portland Mercury “Powell's City of Books is among Portland's most universally-loved attractions, but the workers who curate Powell's recommendation shelves and assist hordes of bookworms everyday say they're underpaid, making "poverty wages" at what is otherwise a dream job for many book lovers.” Kotek signs historic school investment bill, other education-focused bills at Salem ceremony August 2, 2023 | FOX 12 “Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed a number of bills focused on education and childcare on Thursday, including a historic investment in education.The two-year state school fund (HB 1505) was passed during the last legislative session, allocating $10.2 billion to Oregon’s schools, which is a $700 million increase from the last two-year fund.” WSLC resolutions chart course for Washington’s ‘voice of labor’ August 2, 2023 | The Stand - Washington State Labor Council “The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, the state’s largest union organization, represents the interests of over 600 affiliated unions with more than half a million rank-and-file members. The “voice of labor” in Washington is a democratic organization where any participating union — big or small — can propose what should be the WSLC’s policies and priorities each year. That happened last month at the WSLC’s 2023 Convention, as hundreds of delegates representing affiliated unions from across the state gathered in SeaTac to debate and approve resolutions that will guide the WSLC in the coming year. Resolutions were approved on topics ranging from apprenticeship to train crew sizes.” Negotiations are ongoing between Yakima Valley College and faculty union over expired contract July 30, 2023 | Yakima Herald-Republic “Negotiations continue between Yakima Valley College and its faculty union, the American Federation of Teachers Local 1485, after their collective bargaining agreement expired June 30. Negotiations are expected to continue for months, according to YVC and union sources. Until a new CBA is reached, the terms and conditions of the most recent agreement remain in place, said YVC President Linda Kaminski.” Murder of health aide shows fears were valid July 21, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Oregon AFSCME says the murder of a mental health aide is painful validation of safety concerns union members have been raising in contract bargaining. Cascadia Behavioral Health employee Haley Rogers, a member of AFSCME Local 1790-4, was stabbed to death July 16 by one of her patients.” Politics AFGE Blasts Ron DeSantis' Threat to 'Start Slitting Throats' of Federal Employees August 3, 2023 | Common Dreams “We’ve seen too often in recent years – from the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 to the sacking of the Capitol on January 6, 2021 – that violent anti-government rhetoric from politicians has deadly consequences. Any candidate who positions themselves within that shameful tradition has no place in public office.” Fetterman introduces bill to allow striking workers to collect SNAP benefits July 27, 2023 | Pennsylvania Capital-Star “U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is introducing legislation today that would allow workers on strike to collect SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps. The Food Secure Strikers Act comes amid a summer wave of union organizing activity — from locomotive plant workers in Erie to Hollywood writers and actors. A strike by newsroom workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Fetterman’s hometown newspaper, has been going on for nearly a year.” Labor Law How federal law can protect all workers on sweltering summer days July 31, 2023 | Labor Tribune “The heat index soared to 111 degrees in Houston, Texas, but the real-feel temperature climbed even higher than that inside the heavy personal protective equipment (PPE) that John Hayes and his colleagues at Ecoservices wear on the job. Sweat poured from the workers clad in full-body hazardous materials suits, heavy gloves, splash hoods, and steel-toed boots as they sampled and processed chemicals from huge metal containers under a searing sun.” Feds Reject Labor Foe’s Attempt to Shut Down Manhattan Starbucks Union July 26, 2023 | The City “A National Labor Relations Board official dismissed a petition to oust the union at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Manhattan after the NLRB regional director cited unfair labor practice charges against the company from workers at the cafe.” Organizing TV Commercial Production Workers Group on Track to Form National Union With IATSE July 25, 2023 | The Hollywood Reporter “The grassroots group known as Stand With Production — which includes TV commercial production assistants, assistant production supervisors, production supervisors, line producers and bidding producers — is on track to form a national union with IATSE.” Labor & Climate Washington labor unions launch coalition for climate jobs August 1, 2023 | KGMI “Labor unions from across the state launched a new coalition on Monday, July 31st, to address climate change in the workforce. The coalition, called Climate Jobs Washington, calls for pro-worker climate action to support job growth, especially in communities of color and rural areas.” Labor & Technology As actors and writers push back on automation, Hollywood is in the midst of an AI hiring boom August 2, 2023 | Los Angeles Times “Getting paid $900,000 a year to manage artificial intelligence projects for Netflix would’ve been an eye-popping sum even before two of Hollywood’s major unions went on strike. But now that the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA are both picketing outside Netflix’s headquarters in protest of low streaming pay and ascendant automation, such a job listing seems acutely emblematic of where the entertainment industry currently stands — and where it’s going.” 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 🎥 PORTLAND SAG-AFTRA STRIKE RALLY Saturday, July 22, 1:00 - 2:00pm, Jamison Square, 810 NW 11th Ave in Portland Join the SAG-AFTRA Portland Local alongside union members and supporters from across the Oregon Labor Movement to stand in solidarity with striking SAG-AFTRA members! 📧 APWU LOCAL 342 RALLY IN MEDFORD Saturday, July 22, 2023, 1:00 - 2:00pm, Medford Post Office, 325 S Riverside Ave in Medford Stand together to help APWU members in Medford fight against the consolidation of the Medford Mail Processing Center. The consolidation plan is nothing more than a cost-cutting measure that could jeopardize area service standards. If the mail processing facility is closed, it will lead to further delays in mail delivery for all of Rogue Valley. This move appears to be part of a larger strategy to weaken the image of the Postal Service, paving the way for private interests to take over USPS's market share. 👨‍🚒 IAFF LOCAL 2596 LADDERS & BARRELS FUNDRAISER Saturday, July 22, 2023, 4:00 - 9:00pm, 4414 S. Pacific Hwy in Phoenix Join IAFF Local 2596 for a fundraiser in Phoenix on Saturday! The fundraiser will include the official launch of Redline Whiskey along with a silent auction, food, ax throwing, music, whiskey tasting and kids’ activities. ⚕️SEIU LOCAL 49 INFORMATIONAL PICKETS AT KAISER July 24, 26, 28 at Kaiser Westside, Interstate, and Sunnyside in the Portland area Local 49 members are taking a stand to let Kaiser know they are UNITED to win their priorities! They are not backing down at the bargaining table, and need you to show Kaiser what UNION SOLIDARITY looks like. They’re ending July with THREE days of action at Westside, Interstate, and Sunnyside. Click here to learn more and sign up to picket. ☀️OREGON AFL-CIO & LERC SUMMER SCHOOL August 4-6 at the University of Oregon in Eugene Registration is open for this year’s Summer School, sponsored by the Oregon AFL-CIO and the Labor Education and Research Center, hosted on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene. Whether you are a new member or experienced leader, Summer School has something for you. Join us for a weekend of education, discussion and socializing with 100+ other union members from across the state. Click here to register today 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 ➕ SUPPORT NURSING HOME SAFE STAFFING Right now in the United States, nursing home residents are not getting the quality, dignified care they deserve. Nursing home workers are burning out and leaving the profession, which has created a staffing crisis. President Biden has promised to establish a strong national nursing home staffing standard. Now it’s up to us to ensure that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) follows through. We need your help to make sure our message to HHS is loud and clear.If you are a nursing home worker, have lived in a nursing home, know a loved one who has, or want to improve the state of care in our country, please share your story. Click here to take action. Oregon Labor Oregon AFL-CIO Responds to SAG-AFTRA Strike, Pledges Support for Striking Workers July 20, 2023 | Oregon AFL-CIO “As SAG-AFTRA members join the picket lines, the Oregon AFL-CIO and Oregon’s Labor Movement affirms its unwavering support for SAG-AFTRA’s strike against the companies represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the entity that represents major studios and streamers, including Amazon, Apple, Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, and Warner Bros. Discovery.” Oregon AFSCME Statement on Murder of Cascadia Mental Health Aide July 18, 2023 | Oregon AFSCME “The horrific murder of Cascadia McCarthy Place Mental Health Aide, Haley Rogers has placed a spotlight on the issue of safety at one of Multnomah County’s mental health providers.” Support for Jeanie Diaz’s Family July 17, 2023 | Oregon AFSCME / GoFundMe From Oregon AFSCME: “We are incredibly sad to hear of the passing of one of our members this weekend. Jeanie Diaz was a devoted Youth Librarian in the Multnomah County Library system for over 7 years. She leaves behind a husband and two daughters. We ask our members to consider contributing to this GoFundMe set up for Jeanie's family as they go through this difficult time.” UPS Negotiations UPS Bows To Teamster Pressure, Negotiations To Resume Next Week July 19, 2023 | Teamsters “As thousands of UPS Teamsters practice picket, rally, and mobilize around the country, UPS bowed today to the overwhelming show of Teamster unity and reached out to the union to resume negotiations. The Teamsters National Negotiating Committee and the company will set dates soon to resume negotiations next week.” UPS pilots won’t fly if Teamsters strike July 18, 2023 | Freight Waves “The union representing UPS pilots says they will not cross picket lines if Teamsters drivers and package sorters walk off the job when the current contract expires Aug. 1, resulting in the immediate shutdown of the express logistics company’s global air operations.” WGA & SAG-AFTRA Strikes Netflix’s Ted Sarandos Says Studios Did Not Want Strike: ‘I Was Raised in a Union Household’ July 19, 2023 | Variety “Sarandos reflected the frustration of Hollywood management, who have been pilloried as robber barons on picket lines. In citing his childhood experience with organized labor, Sarandos sought to counter the anger expressed by striking union members that studios and streamers sought the work stoppage as a means of realizing short-term cash savings and hurting the creative community.” L.A. investigating after Universal trims trees near writers’ picket line July 19, 2023 | The Washington Post “Those branches and leaves had cast a welcome shade, shielding them from the summer heat. Now, days after Hollywood actors announced they would join striking writers in a move that has paralyzed the country’s movie and television studios, they were gone.” Actors and writers want fans to help their Hollywood strike. Here’s how. July 18, 2023 | The Washington Post “While actors and writers across the country are striking, audiences are wondering how their entertainment consumption affects the strike. Amid prominent movie debuts, such as the highly anticipated “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” fans are asking on social media whether purchasing tickets to the cinema or streaming new seasons of television shows increases barriers to a new union contract.” Actors, writers on strike say they are united and determined in the face of a long summer standoff July 18, 2023 | ABC 7 “On Monday night, the SAG-AFTRA negotiating team issued a statement outlining the key issues in the dispute and insisting that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers -- which represents the studios -- "wouldn't meaningfully engage on the most critical issues."” Writers Guild, SAG-AFTRA File Labor Grievance Against NBCUniversal July 18, 2023 | The Hollywood Reporter “The two unions claim the studio has infringed on their members’ right to picket as well as their safety by obstructing the public sidewalk in front of their lot. NBCUniversal says it "will cooperate" with any inquiries from the National Labor Relations Board.” We're Fighting for the Survival of Our Profession June 17, 2023 | SAG-AFTRA “Here’s the simple truth: We’re up against a system where those in charge of multibillion-dollar media conglomerates are rewarded for exploiting workers.” On Strike Summer Strikes are on the rise. But are labor unions missing their moment? July 19, 2023 | IA "Technology has changed over time. Whether we talk about automation of auto factories in the 50s and 60s or the rise of the internet. Over and over again-- there's a bargain to be made. There's a negotiation to have. You're going to have increased productivity and what share of that is going to go towards profits and CEO salaries and what share is going to go to the people who do the work," said AFL-CIO Deputy Organizing Director Christian Sweeney.” IATSE Holds Strike Authorization Vote for Theater Workers on the Pink Contract July 19, 2023 | The Hollywood Reporter “IATSE is conducting a strike authorization vote after the theatrical crew union says talks with the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions have stalled.” San José City Workers One Step Closer to Walking Off Job July 18, 2023 | KQED “More than 4,000 San José city workers are one step closer to walking off the job after mediated contract negotiations with the city broke down last week.” Bargaining for the Common Good Teachers are striking for more than just pay raises July 16, 2023 | Vox “Teachers went on strike on May 4, 2023, just three weeks before the last day of the academic calendar. The strike lasted seven school days. In negotiations, teachers not only fought for higher salaries and a better schedule, but for a set of what they called “common good” demands — like ensuring that all unhoused families in the district are expedited for Section 8 housing vouchers and implementing a task force on reparations.” Public Service With COVID-19 Behind Us, Now Is the Moment To Rebuild the Public Service Workforce July 17, 2023 | Newsweek From AFSCME President Lee Saunders: “The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is working to address the staffing crisis head on with a new initiative called Staff the Front Lines, designed to recruit and retain qualified people to public service. And we are launching a nationwide summer bus tour beginning today, visiting approximately 20 cities and state capitals across the country—including Hartford, Conn., a short drive from Marilyn's hospital—to raise awareness about what is both an urgent need and a promising opportunity.” Organizing Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Production Workers Launch Unionization Effort July 19, 2023 | The Hollywood Reporter “Dozens of production workers at Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network have gone public with their attempt to unionize with The Animation Guild.” Dollar General violated worker rights and federal law amid union efforts, labor judge rules July 18, 2023 | The Seattle Times “Dollar General violated federal labor law and “clearly intended to interfere” with worker rights in efforts to quell unionization at a Connecticut store, a National Labor Relations Board judge said Monday. Violations from the Dolgen Corp., which operates Dollar General stores, included wrongfully firing an employee and making an implied threat to close the location in Barkhamsted, the NLRB decision read — adding that the company also sent corporate officials to the store and other locations across Connecticut in response to a 2021 union drive.” Technology Business and Labor Square Off Over AI’s Future in American Workplace July 19, 2023 | The Wall Street Journal “Unions are concerned not only about job losses, but about companies using AI applications to keep tabs on workers outside of their jobs, where an AI-driven system might identify a group of workers carrying their employer-issued smartphones to a union organizing meeting, according to Amanda Ballantyne, director of AFL-CIO’s technology institute. “You hear stories from workers about having their time in the bathroom tracked,” she said.” John Cusack calls AI a 'criminal enterprise,' slams studio greed in support of actors' strike July 14, 2023 | Yahoo Entertainment ““The greed is almost a legendary comic trope," he wrote. "One fun fact - when I was a youngin- I did a film (with a boom box ) and somehow I got points - net not gross. Never expected to see any money - but the film became quite famous - so about 10 years ago - I looked again at the financial statements they were obligated to report - and to my shock - they claimed they had LOST 44 million dollars on the film."” Workplace Safety GOP Assault on Child Labor Laws Under Fresh Scrutiny After 16-Year-Old Dies at Poultry Plant July 19, 2023 | Common Dreams “The recent death of a minor from injuries sustained while working at a poultry plant in Mississippi has elicited fresh outrage about the dangerous implications of the current assault on child labor protections across the United States. "How many more children must die?" AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler asked Wednesday. "Any lawmaker who wants to undermine child labor laws, in 2023, is a disgrace."” Graphics to Share

Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor issued the following statement in support of striking SAG-AFTRA members As SAG-AFTRA members join the picket lines, the Oregon AFL-CIO and Oregon’s Labor Movement affirms its unwavering support for SAG-AFTRA’s strike against the companies represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the entity that represents major studios and streamers, including Amazon, Apple, Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, and Warner Bros. Discovery. When multibillion-dollar corporations reap immense profits but refuse to adequately compensate the labor that brings value to those companies’ bottom lines, it creates an industry built on economic exploitation and contributes to an environment where workers are unable to obtain a sustainable livelihood or provide for their families. SAG-AFTRA’s fight to see their labor valued is reflective of a larger movement taking place in this country. Working people everywhere are finding their wages remaining stagnant while their cost of living soars. Meanwhile, those at the very top of the corporate ladder have seen extraordinary increases in their wealth since 2020. These conditions are unjust and unsustainable and we laud both SAG-AFTRA and the greater labor movement for being an important part of the solution to the current income inequality that’s ravaging the nation. The Oregon AFL-CIO and Oregon’s Labor Movement recognizes that SAG-AFTRA members are an important part of our community, not just for what they bring to our local economy but also for what they contribute to the development of our society’s art and culture. Their fight is our fight and we remain in solidarity with them throughout their efforts to obtain a contract that values their labor.

The Oregon Labor Dispatch is a weekly email and blog series designed to keep Oregon’s workers informed of the latest news about unions, worker power, and much more. Each week, we bring you a curated selection of news stories, graphics, and information about upcoming events and actions. When Oregon’s Labor Movement is connected, updated and informed we are able to be stronger advocates for all working Oregonians. If you have a news story, event or action you’d like to see featured in the Oregon Labor Dispatch please email us at communications@oraflcio.org. Click here to subscribe to the Oregon Labor Dispatch weekly emails. Keep up with the latest from Oregon’s unions: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Upcoming Events 🏫 SUPPORT PSUFA OPEN BARGAINING TOMORROW: July 14: 10:00am - 4:00pm, Karl Miller Center, room 318. 615 SW Harrison St in Portland and on Zoom Bargaining observers play a crucial role in winning a fair contract during negotiations. Your observation shows PSU admin that we have support and attention from our membership, and puts pressure on them. There are two ways to observe bargaining: in person and remotely via Zoom. Let's pack the room, fill the Zoom, and make sure the administration knows we are united and watching! Come for ANY amount of time! Click here to join via Zoom, 🏳️‍🌈 2023 PORTLAND PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL SATURDAY & SUNDAY: July 15 - 16 (parade July 16), downtown Portland Come together with Oregon's Labor Movement at the Portland Pride Parade on Sunday, July 16th. Let us unite in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ siblings, showcasing our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of every Oregon worker. As various legislatures pass discriminatory bills and laws targeting the transgender community and LGBTQ+ individuals, our presence as allies is now more crucial than ever. Join us as we march, standing strong and demonstrating Oregon Labor's unwavering support. Location update: At the parade, we are #87 in the lineup, and will gather on NW Park between Couch and Davis. Marchers should be there by 10:30am on 7/16. Click here to RSVP to march in the 2023 Portland Pride Parade ⚕️SEIU LOCAL 49 INFORMATIONAL PICKETS AT KAISER July 24, 26, 28 at Kaiser Westside, Interstate, and Sunnyside in the Portland area Local 49 members are taking a stand to let Kaiser know they are UNITED to win their priorities! They are not backing down at the bargaining table, and need you to show Kaiser what UNION SOLIDARITY looks like. They’re ending July with THREE days of action at Westside, Interstate, and Sunnyside. Click here to learn more and sign up to picket. ☀️OREGON AFL-CIO & LERC SUMMER SCHOOL August 4-6 at the University of Oregon in Eugene Registration is open for this year’s Summer School, sponsored by the Oregon AFL-CIO and the Labor Education and Research Center, hosted on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene. Whether you are a new member or experienced leader, Summer School has something for you. Join us for a weekend of education, discussion and socializing with 100+ other union members from across the state. Click here to register today 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 ➕ SUPPORT NURSING HOME SAFE STAFFING Right now in the United States, nursing home residents are not getting the quality, dignified care they deserve. Nursing home workers are burning out and leaving the profession, which has created a staffing crisis. President Biden has promised to establish a strong national nursing home staffing standard. Now it’s up to us to ensure that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) follows through. We need your help to make sure our message to HHS is loud and clear. If you are a nursing home worker, have lived in a nursing home, know a loved one who has, or want to improve the state of care in our country, please share your story. Click here to take action. Oregon Labor Union nurse appointed to number two spot in Oregon AFL-CIO July 6, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “Roher, 45, is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest. She has lived in Oregon since 1993 and has worked as a nurse for more than 20 years. In the last six years, she’s risen up in union leadership roles with OFNHP, serving as a steward, a team lead and liaison to management, the chair of the professional bargaining unit for Kaiser, and the chair of the union’s social justice committee, which she founded.” Contract promises historic cost of living raise for Oregon state workers, union says July 11, 2023 | KATU “State workers in Oregon will get a significant cost of living raise in the coming years under a tentative contract agreement reached between their union and the state. Oregon AFSCME, which represents state workers, announced the tentative agreement on Tuesday, calling the contract “historic.”” Union wants musicians to set standards for venues July 6, 2023 | Northwest Labor Press “American Federation of Musicians Local 99 is relaunching Fair Trade Music, a campaign to secure fair pay and minimum working standards for gigging musicians in Portland. The union wants freelance performers to help write a “grassroots social contract” for venues in the city.” Teamsters & UPS Negotiations Teamsters Look for UPS Wins to Carry Over to Amazon, Big Three July 11, 2023 | Bloomberg “Concessions that the International Brotherhood of Teamsters won from United Parcel Service Inc. promise to reshape the trucking business, even with the broader labor situation unsolved, and give organized labor a surer foothold at Amazon.com Inc. and other delivery firms that rely on contractors.” 5 things to know about UPS strike as Teamsters contract talks fail July 10, 2023 | The Hill “Talks between shipping giant United Parcel Service (UPS) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters fell apart last week, upping the possibility that the union could strike in a massive walkout when their current contract expires at the end of this month.” Strikes & Collective Bargaining Hollywood Actors Strike: Shutdown Looms as Actors Say Contract Talks Have Collapsed July 13, 2023 | The New York Times “Hollywood’s first industry wide shutdown in 63 years neared certainty, with the union representing 160,000 television and movie actors poised to call a strike as soon as Thursday and join screenwriters who walked off the job in May.” Summer of Labor Strikes July 12, 2023 | Wall Street Week “Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO President discusses labor negotiations and the impact AI will have on workers. She speaks with David Westin on "Wall Street Week Daily."” Actors are poised to go on strike against studios and streaming services July 12, 2023 | CNN Business “Some very famous faces are once again less than a day away from hitting the picket lines as the union representing about 160,000 actors prepares to possibly go on strike against major studios and streaming services.” Teamsters, IATSE, Writers Guild & DGA Express Solidarity With SAG-AFTRA July 12, 2023 | Deadline “In a joint statement today, unions IATSE, Teamsters, the DGA, and the WGA East and West extended “unwavering support and solidarity” with SAG-AFTRA in the ongoing contract negotiations with producers.” Labor expert warns of potential UAW strike in Big Three negotiations July 11, 2023 | WILX “An industry expert believes a strike could be around the corner for United Auto Workers. Talks of a strike are gaining traction as automotive companies look for a new deal for union workers.” Worker strikes grip Los Angeles as nation faces ‘hot labor summer’ July 10, 2023 | The Washington Post “First it was nurses. Then graduate students. Then elementary school workers. Now it’s hotel employees, and TV and movie writers. Next up could be actors. Workers in Los Angeles are feeling emboldened as they eye post-pandemic corporate profits and sky-high housing costs, and after a cascade of successful walkouts in Southern California and beyond. They are striking for higher pay and better working conditions, even if it means taking a financial risk and hampering life in the nation’s second most populous city.” Organizing Sega of America workers win union vote July 10, 2023 | Polygon “Sega of America workers voted “yes” to officially form a union. The National Labor Relations Board counted the group’s mailed-in votes on Monday, with the Allied Employees Guild Improving Sega, or AEGIS, winning the vote.” Veterans New legislation will scapegoat working veterans for leadership failures, Harming VA care July 11, 2023 | The Hill From AFGE National President Everett Kelley: “As an Army veteran who receives health care from the VA, I’m proud that my union, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), represents over 291,000 workers who have dedicated their lives to caring for their fellow veterans and ensuring America meets its obligations to those who have borne the battle.” Immigration Labor denounces Florida’s new anti-immigrant law for ‘instilling fear and hate’ July 7, 2023 | People’s World “A new and wide-ranging Florida anti-immigrant law, which not only criminalizes migrants but makes those who help them into state-level racketeers, “instills fear and hate,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler says. And workers and their allies will do all they can to oppose it, she adds.” Labor & Technology Civil society, labor and rights groups express concerns about AI at White House meeting July 12, 2023 | Cyberscoop “Vice President Kamala Harris and other Biden administration officials met Wednesday with civil society, rights and labor leaders to discuss a wide range of impacts of artificial intelligence on consumers and the public.” Harris huddles with civil rights leaders on AI July 12, 2023 | The Hill “We have a sense of urgency that we get in front of this issue in terms of understanding the implications so that we can work as a community of folks — private sector, public sector, nonprofits, government — to do what is in the best interest of the health and safety and well-being of the people of our country.” Labor & Economy The Truth About the Los Angeles Hotel Workers’ Strike July 11, 2023 | Capital & Main “The recently announced agreement on a new contract for hotel workers at the downtown Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles was only one deal, but it mattered. It has raised hopes among union members for favorable outcomes with the nearly 60 other area hotels where they work — and where they have authorized summer strikes, including the new wave of walkouts that began in the early hours of July 10.” Amid strong jobs market and record-low unemployment, union membership grows July 7, 2023 | Spectrum News “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of wage and salary workers belonging to unions increased by nearly 2% to 14.3 million. New York and Hawaii had the highest amount of union memberships ar 20% or higher, a number of states, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, South Dakota, Idaho, and Utah had the lowest, 4.9% or less. Despite that growth, the BLS sees 10.1% of wage and salary workers who belong to unions as a record low, since so many jobs were added to the economy in 2022.” The Supreme Court In Its Next Term, the Supreme Court Could Claim More Power for Itself July 11, 2023 | The American Prospect “With the end of the 2022-2023 Supreme Court’s term last month, attention should shift to a case on next term’s docket through which the justices may vastly expand their power while also accelerating the continuing collapse of public confidence in the Court.” Graphics to Share

Over 340,000 UPS workers represented by the Teamsters have authorized a strike at UPS facilities across the country if a fair contract is not reached by July 31. Last week, UPS walked away from the table and as Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said, “UPS had a choice to make, and they have clearly chosen to go down the wrong road.” In communities across the country including here in Oregon, the Teamsters are mobilizing members and supporters to hold practice pickets to show UPS just how much solidarity and support the entire Labor Movement has for UPS workers. This is not a strike: It’s a dress rehearsal for what will happen should UPS fail to come to the table with a fair offer by the end of this month. Here’s when and where you can join in solidarity: TUESDAY, 7/11 7:45am UPS Tualatin: 10800 SW Manhasset DR, Tualatin, OR 97062 TUESDAY, 7/11 8:00am UPS Alderwood: 6617 NE Mt St Helens Ave, Portland, OR 97220 WEDNESDAY, 7/12 7:45am, 9:30am, 4:00pm UPS Swan Island: 6235 N Basin Ave, Portland, OR 97217 THURSDAY, 7/13 7:45am UPS Hillsboro:7230 NE Century Blvd, Hillsboro, OR 97124

The Oregon Labor Dispatch is a weekly email and blog series designed to keep Oregon’s workers informed of the latest news about unions, worker power, and much more. Each week, we bring you a curated selection of news stories, graphics, and information about upcoming events and actions. When Oregon’s Labor Movement is connected, updated and informed we are able to be stronger advocates for all working Oregonians. If you have a news story, event or action you’d like to see featured in the Oregon Labor Dispatch please email us at communications@oraflcio.org. Click here to subscribe to the Oregon Labor Dispatch weekly emails. Keep up with the latest from Oregon’s unions: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Upcoming Events 🏫 SUPPORT PSUFA OPEN BARGAINING July 14: 10:00am - 4:00pm, Karl Miller Center, room 318. 615 SW Harrison St in Portland and on Zoom Bargaining observers play a crucial role in winning a fair contract during negotiations. Your observation shows PSU admin that we have support and attention from our membership, and puts pressure on them. There are two ways to observe bargaining: in person and remotely via Zoom. Let's pack the room, fill the Zoom, and make sure the administration knows we are united and watching! Come for ANY amount of time! Click here to join via Zoom, 🏳️‍🌈 2023 PORTLAND PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL July 15 - 16 (parade July 16), downtown Portland Come together with Oregon's Labor Movement at the Portland Pride Parade on Sunday, July 16th. Let us unite in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ siblings, showcasing our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of every Oregon worker. As various legislatures pass discriminatory bills and laws targeting the transgender community and LGBTQ+ individuals, our presence as allies is now more crucial than ever. Join us as we march, standing strong and demonstrating Oregon Labor's unwavering support. Location update: At the parade, we are #87 in the lineup, and will gather on NW Park between Couch and Davis. Marchers should be there by 10:30am on 7/16. Click here to RSVP to march in the 2023 Portland Pride Parade 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 📺PROTECT KGW & LOCAL JOURNALISM JOBS IATSE Local 600 represents KGW-TV's award-winning photojournalists & editors. They are asking for a fair contract with fair wages. KGW's parent corporation, Tegna, wants to remove protections on maintaining staff positions and won't agree to fair wage increases or adding new protected classes in the contract in the non-discrimination section. Click here to take action. The Supreme Court AFT President on Supreme Court’s Student Loan Decision June 30, 2023 | American Federation of Teachers From American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten: “Today, the court launched a full-frontal attack on young people’s futures. If there was any remaining doubt, the majority has exposed themselves as a group of politicians in robes, determined to put the interests of their wealthy supporters over the lives of working families.” High Court’s right-wing onslaught prompts demands for radical judicial reform July 3, 2023 | People’s World “Three rulings announced in one day last week set off waves of anger and determination to fight against a Court determined to squash existing rights for entire categories of Americans. One ruling tossed out 45 years of precedence for affirmative action in college and university admissions. The ruling will allow colleges and universities and eventually perhaps all kinds of other institutions to discriminate against Black and other minorities. Another ruling allows businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ people by letting them refuse service to Gay, Lesbian trans and other people on so-called religious or other grounds. It is seen by human rights advocates as a possible first step in the Supreme Court eliminating the right to same sex marriage, something right-wing Justice Clarence Thomas has declared must be “revisited.”” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s bold debut and independent streak July 2, 2023 | The Washington Post “Matt Ginsburg, general counsel for the AFL-CIO, said Jackson’s strength is “an ability and willingness to talk about how complex legal decisions affect ordinary people and their lives.” He pointed to her questions in a case involving regulations that affect overtime pay for highly compensated workers who are not on salary.” Supreme Court Rejects Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan June 30, 2023 | The New York Times “The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the Biden administration had overstepped its authority with its plan to wipe out more than $400 billion in student debt, dashing the hopes of tens of millions of borrowers and imposing new restrictions on presidential power. The decision, the last of a tumultuous term, was part of a trio of muscular rulings on Thursday and Friday in which the court divided 6 to 3 along partisan lines. In addition to rejecting the loan forgiveness program, the court’s conservative majority also sharply limited affirmative action in higher education and dealt a blow to gay rights.” The Supreme Court’s ban on affirmative action means colleges will struggle to meet goals of diversity and equal opportunity June 29, 2023 | Economic Policy Institute “After extensive deliberation, the Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling that effectively prohibits the use of race-based affirmative action in college admissions. Race-blind admissions processes will further exacerbate existing inequalities and undermine the recognition of the unique challenges that Black, Hispanic, and Native American students encounter throughout the admissions process. By disregarding the significance of race, these approaches risk creating a wider divide between equal opportunity and communities of color.” Teamsters Negotiations with UPS After Marathon Sessions, UPS Negotiations Collapse July 5, 2023 | International Brotherhood of Teamsters “This multibillion-dollar corporation has plenty to give American workers — they just don’t want to,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “UPS had a choice to make, and they have clearly chosen to go down the wrong road.” UPS moves closer to strike after Teamsters contract talks break down July 5, 2023 | The Washington Post “The Teamsters said strike preparations are moving into “high gear” after contract talks with UPS broke down early Wednesday, deepening a rift that could have far-reaching implications for the economy.” Speaking Out Against Hate & Division AFL-CIO Rejects Politics of Division and Hate July 1, 2023 | AFL-CIO Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on the enactment of Senate Bill 1718 in Florida: “Immigrants and refugees are—and always will be—a source of vitality and strength for our communities and our labor movement. As the anti-worker, anti-immigrant provisions of S.B. 1718 go into effect Saturday, we stand in solidarity with all working families in Florida and beyond whose lives and livelihoods will be threatened by this legislation.” Strikes L.A. hotel workers pause strike, return to jobs, but no agreement reached July 5, 2023 | The Washington Post “Thousands of hotel housekeepers, cooks and receptionists in Los Angeles returned to work Wednesday morning after a three-day strike over pay and benefits, that coincided with a long Fourth of July holiday weekend when thousands of visitors descended on the area for festivities and conventions. The strike is on pause, with workers back on the job, according to Unite Here Local 11, the union representing tens of thousands of hospitality workers in Southern California. However, with no contract deal in place, workers at dozens of major Los Angeles hotels who have already authorized the strikes could walk out again at any moment.” Striking WGA “Stands In Solidarity” With SAG-AFTRA’s Bid For Fair Contract July 5, 2023 | Deadline “The Writers Guild of America said Wednesday that “we stand in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA as they bargain for a contract that truly works for all their members.” It’s the first comment the WGA has made on the SAG-AFTRA talks since the actors’ union last week extended its contract until July 12 to allow negotiations for a new film and TV contract to continue.” Pickets on the Fourth in the City of Angels July 2, 2023 | The American Prospect “Hotel workers and creative workers have vastly different demands, but they’re battling the same unforgiving system, in which they are seen as cogs. Since the pandemic, hotels across America have seen cuts, with workers forced to do more with less help. (The Bonaventure deal included rehiring cleaning staff at pre-pandemic levels.)” Oregon Politics Federal judge tosses Oregon lawsuit over mail voting, tabulation machines July 5, 2023 | Oregon Capital Chronicle “A federal judge has tossed a lawsuit intended to end mail voting and electronic voting tabulation in Oregon, saying “generalized grievances” about the state’s elections aren’t enough to give a group of unsuccessful Republican candidates and other election deniers standing to sue.” State legislatures around US grapple with how to handle nursing shortages June 28, 2023 | Healthcare Drive “In legislatures across the country, advocates for nurse and hospital associations are clashing over proposed nurse staffing bills, many of which require nurse-to-patient ratios.” Infrastructure Investment Biden Administration Investment Tracker June 15, 2023 | Center for American Progress “The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—two of which received broad bipartisan support—unleashed an unprecedented level of public and private sector investments in America. These investments are rebuilding the country’s infrastructure, bolstering American manufacturing, and cementing U.S. leadership in critical new industries such as clean energy, electric vehicles, and much more. In total, these investments hold the promise of creating, supporting and reshoring millions of well-paying jobs.” Organizing Explainer: Why U.S. labor unions are gaining leverage in contract talks with big employers July 5, 2023 | Reuters “U.S. union workers are finding more solid footing during contract negotiations with employers as a tight labor market allows employees to flex more bargaining power. Airline pilots, railroad employees, dockworkers, and others have pushed for higher pay and better benefits, rebuffing offers from companies that in some contracts appeared significant.” St. Louis Public Radio Votes To Unionize. July 5, 2023 | Inside Radio “St. Louis Public Radio, which operates University of Missouri-St. Louis' news/talk KWMU (90.7), has become Missouri's first public media union, as nearly 80% of its guild members voted in favor of unionization. The unit, represented by the Communications Workers of America, includes 37 full- and part-time non-managerial journalists, producers, on-air talent, and marketing professionals.” In Historic First, Workers Unionize at 2 Major Farmers’ Market Nonprofits June 27, 2023 | Truthout “This year, workers from GrowNYC and FRESHFARM, two sustainable food access nonprofits in New York City and the Washington, D.C. metro area respectively, formed unions. Workers who support and organize farmers markets, compost programs, and other initiatives will begin collectively bargaining for higher wages and job security in the coming months for the first time in the history of the industry.” Labor Law Letting 14-year-olds serve alcohol not a big change, legislators say July 5, 2023 | The Cap Times “In a statement, Stephanie Bloomingdale, president of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, objected to the bill, noting “The solution cannot be placed on the backs of our children. This is bad legislation for which there should be no last call.”” Workplace Safety Oregon government workers face violent threats in the field, survey finds July 5, 2023 | OPB “Key people managing Oregon’s natural resources have dealt with death threats, attack dogs and gunfire, according to a recent survey of field staff from nine state agencies.Last year, two Department of State Lands workers tasked with protecting wetlands fled a terrifying site visit on the Oregon Coast. Agency Director Vicki Walker said the employees were initially having a courteous conversation with a Lincoln County property owner, until they informed him he was violating a state environmental law.” Union Busting Walmart Heirs, Freedom Foundation Behind Latest Attack on Arkansas Teachers June 29, 2023 | The Center for Media and Democracy “The Freedom Foundation, an anti-union think tank that lobbied for the bill, claimed it as its “first successful legislation.” The new law would “immediately help teachers keep even more of their hard-earned money by stopping automatic union dues payments out of their paychecks,” the organization said in a press release.” Graphics to Share

On July 1, Oregon’s three minimum wage levels will increase by 70 cents, bringing the hourly minimum wage to $15.45 an hour in the Portland metro area, $14.20 in standard counties, and $13.20 in non-urban counties. This year’s increase marks the first time the minimum wage in any of Oregon’s regions has topped $15 per hour. According to recent data, 1 in 20 Oregon workers earn minimum wage, about 108,000 workers. With over half of the state’s minimum wage earners living in the Portland Metropolitan Area, this increase is a significant milestone for working Oregonians. Starting next year, the increase in the minimum wage will be tied to the consumer price index. Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor issued the following statement in response to the 2023 increase in Oregon’s minimum wage: “In 2016, Oregon’s unions and our allies fought hard to raise the minimum wage and create a pathway to prosperity for working people. For the first time in state history, the wage for over half of Oregon’s minimum wage workers will be over $15 per hour. This raise, which impacts over 100,000 workers across the state in total, is significant progress but we must continue to find ways to better support working people and families. We need to elect leaders who share our goals of building prosperity for working people. We need to pass policies that strengthen our economy through fairness and justice for all. And we must continue to help workers organize unions on every shop floor in Oregon in order to have a strong voice on the job and to fight for dignity, respect and fairness in the workplace. The increased minimum wage is absolutely a step forward, but it’s critical that Oregon continues to make massive strides in the right direction as well.” Workers earning the minimum wage should check their pay stubs following July 1 to ensure their wages are increased. Workers whose wages did not increase as expected should file a wage and hour complaint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries immediately.