Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU)

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) represents Black workers in Oregon, and nationally has positioned itself as the voice of Black workers within the trade union movement, challenging organized labor to be more relevant to the needs and aspirations of Black and poor workers. In the African-American community, organized workers earn 40% more than non-union workers.

CBTU's mission is to improve economic development and employment opportunities for black workers; work within the framework of the trade union movement to provide a voice and vehicle for greater black and minority participation; increase union involvement in voter registration, voter education and voter turnout projects; organize unorganized workers; actively support civil rights and civic groups working to improve living and working conditions in the black community; and increase effective political alliances between labor, churches and the general community.