NW Labor Press

nwlaborpress.org- NW Labor PressWANTED: Labor Reporter The Northwest Labor Press is looking for a talented and productive journalist to report on the labor movement and issues that matter to working people. THE PUBLICATION We're an...

23 Mar

We're looking to hire a labor reporter! Please help spread the word! nwlaborpress.org/now-hiring

nwlaborpress.orgConversation with Kellie TorresThe candidate for District 3 Portland City Council talked about the City's budget woes and her work developing public private partnerships.

"I understand that it is a city asset... we don’t get to just say no or walk away from it or defer it until it’s crumbling." Why Portland city council candidate Kellie Torres would have voted yes on the Moda term sheet. nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/conv...

nwlaborpress.orgConversation with Angelita MorilloThe incumbent Portland City Council member for District 3 talked about the recent wrenching budget battles and her plans for new revenue.

"We have no idea what construction upgrades or architectural changes the Blazers want to make to the Moda. We haven’t even seen what I would describe as a watercolor sketch of what they want to do." —Angelita Morillo @pnwpolicyangel nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/conv...

nwlaborpress.orgConversation with Tiffany Koyama LaneIf re-elected to Portland City Council, she wants to pass a domestic worker bill of rights and lift standards for app-based drivers.

"I need to see the owners show that they have skin in the game. show that they’re actually serious about keeping the Blazers here, and I need to see them add to the capital stack." Why Tiffany Koyama Lane voted against the Moda Center term sheet @TeacherTiff4PDX nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/conv...

nwlaborpress.orgConversations with Portland City Council candidatesThe Labor Press invited all nine union-endorsed candidates for Portland City Council to talk about their records and their plans. All nine were willing to talk, and we were able to schedule time with…

Seven of the nine union-endorsed candidates for Portland City Council spoke with the Labor Press. Here's what they had to say. nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/conv...

nwlaborpress.orgA union guide to the November 2026 electionUnion members have the power to decide elections … when they vote.

A union guide to the November 2026 election (Oregon/SW Washington) nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/a-un...

nwlaborpress.orgA union guide to the November 2026 electionUnion members have the power to decide elections … when they vote.

An Oregon/Washington union guide to the November 2026 election nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/a-un...

The Labor Press invited all nine union-endorsed candidates for Portland City Council to talk about their records and plans. We were able to get time with seven of them. nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/conv...

youtube.comWhy Food Chains Taste Worse (And Costs More).Why Food Chains Taste Worse (And Costs More)

Why Food Chains Taste Worse (And Cost More). www.youtube.com/watch?v=VINn...

nwlaborpress.orgUnion labor is the key to energy goals – and avoiding blackoutsWithout major new transmission capacity, the Northwest risks grid unreliability, higher electricity costs, and failed clean energy goals.

COMMENT: Without major new transmission capacity, the Northwest risks grid unreliability, higher electricity costs, and failed clean energy goals. nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/unio...

nwlaborpress.orgNewly signed Oregon legislation improves workers compensation benefitsStarting Jan. 1, injured workers will receive increased wage replacement. That will make a real difference for lower-income injured workers.

Newly signed Oregon legislation will improve workers compensation benefits. Starting Jan. 1, injured workers will receive increased wage replacement. That will make a real difference for lower-income injured workers. nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/newl...

nwlaborpress.orgNLRB slaps down KGW-TV anti-union maneuversA set of bad faith anti-union legal filings by KGW-TV against IBEW Local 48 have met their end.

NLRB slaps down a set of bad faith anti-union legal filings by KGW-TV against IBEW Local 48. nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/nlrb...

nwlaborpress.orgNon-union elevator contractor faces federal fraud chargesPortland’s VA Medical Center may award a $12 million elevator modernization contract to a Florida company whose owner is on trial for fraud.

Portland’s VA Medical Center may award a $12 million elevator modernization contract to a Florida company whose owner is on trial for fraud. nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/non-...

nwlaborpress.orgDog days at the union hallMachinists District W24 made space for Guide Dogs of America to hold a pivotal training.

Dog days at the union hall? Machinists District W24 made space for Guide Dogs of America to hold a pivotal training. nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/dog-...

nwlaborpress.orgWill voters send a logger to the statehouse?Longview union leader Terry Carlson is looking to unseat an anti-labor Republican in Washington’s 19th District.

Will voters send a logger to the statehouse? Longview union leader Terry Carlson is looking to unseat an anti-labor Republican in Washington’s 19th District. nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/will...

nwlaborpress.orgUnion approval at highest level in 61 yearsAmericans mostly want more union power, but they don’t think it’s likely.

21 Sept

Union approval is at its highest level in 61 years. The latest Gallup poll also says Americans mostly want more union power, but they don’t think it’s likely. nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/unio...

nwlaborpress.orgPortland will phase out Cesar Chavez BoulevardThe former 39th Avenue will be called Campesinos Boulevard.

Portland will phase out Cesar Chavez Boulevard. The former 39th Avenue will be called Campesinos Boulevard. nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/port...

nwlaborpress.orgOregon State University opposes union of women basketball playersThe public university has hired a top anti-union law firm to stop the players union.

Oregon State University is opposing a union of women basketball players. The public university has hired a top anti-union law firm to stop the players union. nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/oreg...

nwlaborpress.orgEngineers reach new agreement with BoeingA ratification vote will take place Sept. 24 to Oct. 1.

Less than three weeks after authorizing a strike, aviation engineers have reached a new agreement with Boeing. SPEEA's ratification vote will take place Sept. 24 to Oct. 1. nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/engi...

nwlaborpress.orgCEO says JH Kelly doesn’t ‘need or want’ office unionFast-growing all-union construction contractor says ‘no thanks’ to office workers unionizing.

A fast-growing all-union construction contractor says ‘no thanks’ when it comes to office workers unionizing. JH Kelly CEO Mason Evans says the company doesn’t ‘need or want’ that kind of union. nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/ceo-...

nwlaborpress.orgPortland looks at ban on AI-driven grocery pricingAn ordinance sponsored by Portland City Councilor Eric Zimmerman will get its first hearing Sept. 22.

Portland City Council will consider a ban on AI-driven grocery pricing. The ordinance sponsored by City Councilor Eric Zimmerman will get its first hearing Sept. 22https://nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/portland-looks-at-ban-on-ai-driven-grocery-pricing/

nwlaborpress.orgCity of Portland to contract out 350 union jobsAs Metro exits management of the Schnitzer and Keller venues, the “City that Works” doesn’t want the work either.

7 Sept

The City of Portland is planning to contract out 350 union jobs at city-owned performance venues. As Metro exits management of the Schnitzer, Keller and other venues, and the “City that Works” doesn’t want the work either. nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/city...

nwlaborpress.org2026 guide to the local labor movementUnderstanding the labor movement can be daunting. This guide is meant as a grand tour of labor organizations in the readership area we serve.

7 Sept

Happy Labor Day! Understanding the labor movement can be daunting. Here's a grand tour of labor organizations in Oregon and Southwest Washington. nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/2026...

nwlaborpress.orgWorkers unionize at Sliders PDX WilliamsPDX Sliders hired Ogletree Deakins, a management-side labor law firm that specializes in “union avoidance.”

7 Sept

When workers at the North Portland location of PDX Sliders announced a union, the tiny burger chain hired Ogletree Deakins, a management-side labor law firm that specializes in “union avoidance.” They voted to unionize anyway. nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/work...

nwlaborpress.orgEngineers reject contract, authorize strike at BoeingUnion negotiators favored a yes vote, but found that rank-and-file members lack trust in the company.

Boeing engineers have authorized a strike. Union negotiators reached a tentative agreement and recommended a yes vote, but rank-and-file members lack trust in the company. nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/engi...

nwlaborpress.orgLooking back at the late great Labor Day paradeParades were once a big part of what it meant to celebrate Labor Day.

THE LATE GREAT LABOR DAY PARADE Parades were once a big part of union celebrations of Labor Day. Then, 100 years ago, they disappeared. nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/look...

nwlaborpress.org2026 Labor Day picnicsLabor’s holiday is celebrated by union members, families, and allies. Here are this year's Labor Day picnics in Oregon and Washington.

LABOR DAY PICNIC TIME: Labor’s holiday is celebrated by union members, families, and allies. Here are this year's Labor Day picnics in Oregon and Washington. nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/2026...

nwlaborpress.orgAI, meet CBAUnions are grappling with the rapid rollout of AI in the workplace.

AI, MEET CBA: Unions are responding to the threat of AI by pushing for and winning contract language that protects workers’ autonomy and job security. nwlaborpress.org/2026/09/ai-m...

Fire and police unions are backing a Portland measure to hire more police. The ballot initiative to add 400 more police officers needs to raise 40,437 valid signatures by July 6. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/fire...

nwlaborpress.orgHow to stay ahead of the heat: Cool tips for those who work outdoorsIn recent years more than 60 workers a year in Washington and 20 workers a year in Oregon have suffered serious harm from heat.

How to stay ahead of the heat: Cool tips for those who work outdoors nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/how-...

School bus workers in Lake Oswego have unionized. Following a 48-6 vote, 62 employees of Student Transportation of America are joining Teamsters Local 206. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/scho...

nwlaborpress.orgSequoia mental health workers join unionDefying an anti-union campaign, they voted 2-to-1 to join AFSCME Local 1790.

Defying an anti-union campaign, workers at Sequoia Mental Health Services Sequoia voted by a 2-to-1 margin to join AFSCME Local 1790. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/sequ... @oregonafscme.bsky.social

nwlaborpress.orgSocial Security deadline nearsThe trust fund is set to be depleted by late 2032, but don’t let anyone tell you that means Social Security won’t be around when you need it.

The Social Security trust fund is set to be depleted by late 2032, but don’t let anyone tell you that means Social Security won’t be around when you need it. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/soci...

A bill to speed up first union contracts has passed the House. If passed by the Senate and signed by President Trump, it would be the most significant reform to U.S. labor law in generations. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/bill...

An effort by the Portland branch of Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) to unionize the downtown Portland Muji store failed 14-16. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/iww-... @portlandiww.bsky.social

nwlaborpress.orgDark Horse Comics agrees to recognize unionThe announcement came one week after Local 7901 announced that 59 of the company’s 102 workers had signed a union petition.

Dark Horse Comics has agreed to recognize a union. The decision came one week after Local 7901 announced that 59 of the company’s 102 workers had signed a union petition.https://nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/dark-horse-comics-agrees-to-recognize-union/ @darkhorseunion.bsky.social

nwlaborpress.orgIs Major League Baseball heading for a lockout?Players union interim director Bruce Meyer explains the wide MLB-union divide.

Is Major League Baseball heading for a lockout? Players union interim director Bruce Meyer explains the wide MLB-union divide. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/is-m...

nwlaborpress.orgChild care help for apprenticesOregon’s Child Care for Construction program helps apprentices and new journeymen afford childcare while building careers.

Are you a construction union apprentice or a recently graduated journeyman with kids? You could be eligible to get significant from the state of Oregon help paying for childcare. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/chil...

nwlaborpress.orgLabor Department turns back clock to 2019A new overtime exemption rule will result in greater exploitation of low-paid managers and professionals.

The Trump Labor Department is turning back the clock to 2019. Its new overtime exemption rule will result in greater exploitation of low-paid managers and professionals. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/labo...

nwlaborpress.orgPortland may look at capping Uber/Lyft’s grab of driver earningsDriver pay is down even though rider cost is up. It's no mystery as to why.

Portland City Council may soon consider capping Uber/Lyft’s grab of driver earnings. Uber and Lyft driver pay is down — even though rider cost is up. It's no mystery as to why.https://nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/portland-may-look-at-capping-uber-lyfts-grab-of-driver-earnings/

nwlaborpress.orgCongress to vote on major labor law reformA bill to speed up first union contracts is heading to a vote in Congress.

A major labor law reform — a bill to speed up first union contracts — is heading to a vote in Congress.https://nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/congress-to-vote-on-major-labor-law-reform/

nwlaborpress.orgMachinists ratify new four-year contract with WeyerhaeuserThe four-year deal covers 1,160 loggers and mill workers in Oregon and Washington.

Machinists have ratified a new four-year contract with Weyerhaeuser. The four-year deal covers 1,160 loggers and mill workers in Oregon and Washington.https://nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/machinists-ratify-new-four-year-contract-with-weyerhaeuser/

nwlaborpress.orgNO ROAD TO GLORY: Labor leaders rarely get public honorsOnce all the Cesar Chavez street signs come down, few streets will remain that honor the contributions of organized labor.

NO ROAD TO GLORY: Once all the Cesar Chavez street signs come down, few streets will remain that honor the contributions of organized labor. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/no-r...

nwlaborpress.orgStreet named for labor leader Cesar Chavez may come downPortland City Council may once again be about to undo its 2009 change of 39th Avenue to César E Chávez Boulevard.

A Portland street named for labor leader Cesar Chavez could soon come down. Instead of returning the street to 39th Avenue, a City Council proposal would change the name to Campesinos Boulevard — at a cost to the city of about $200,000. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/stre...

nwlaborpress.orgPortland City Council staff unionizeThe vote was 17 to join CWA Local 7901, 12 to join AFSCME Local 189, and 4 to remain non-union.

Portland City Council staff have unionized. The vote was 17 to join CWA Local 7901, 12 to join AFSCME Local 189, and 4 to remain non-union. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/port...

@byconorkelley.bsky.social

Dark Horse Comics is going union. Why? Workers at the popular comics publisher say prestige doesn’t pay. nwlaborpress.org/2026/06/dark...

NW Labor Press reposted

Conor Kelley

14 May

Excited to join Bluesky and share my reporting from @nwlaborpress.org, elevating workers' voices and reporting on the important stories affecting millions of regular folks in the Pacific Northwest

NW Labor Press reposted

Union Jobs

@unionjobs.bsky.social

7 Apr

Northwest Labor Press seeks a Labor Journalist to be based in Portland, OR. Details can be found at: unionjobs.com/listing.php?... #1u #UnionStrong @nwlaborpress.org

26 Feb

Celebrate union talent this Sunday at 5 p.m. PST! SAG-AFTRA's annual Actor Awards will honor the most outstanding movie and TV performances of 2025. Stream it live on Netflix, or join Portland-area SAG-AFTRA members for a watch party at the Judy theater downtown: www.sagaftra.org/actor-awards...

sagaftra.orgsagaftra.org