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Past articles, press releases, statements and event information that you've seen on our website is all still here! Scroll down to find it, listed in date order, and if you're having trouble finding information you need just let us know.
Click here to sign a petition to save the Postal Service! Please help spread the word and share this petition on your Facebook and Twitter pages.
Organizing Press Conference
Union members across Oregon are trying something new - and it's working. Oregon has seen union membership increase most of the last five years, even as states across the country see more and more unorganized workers struggling to make ends meet. But union members in Oregon decided they needed to do more to help workers who were interested in forming a union on the job.
SB 833, called the Safe Roads Act, passed the Oregon House with a strong bipartisan majority today and is headed to the Governor's desk. The bill ensures that Oregonian who do not qualify for a traditional driver's license because they don't have proper legal documents, or lost their birth certificate somewhere along the way, can apply for a short-term license that allows them to have insurance and legally drive.
Workers Memorial Day
Please join us next Monday, April 29th, at noon to remember Oregon’s fallen workers. The ceremony will take place at the Fallen Workers Memorial outside the Labor and Industries building on the State Capitol Mall.
Paywatch
Check out the 2013 AFL-CIO Executive Paywatch site, where you can find the most comprehensive data on outrageous CEO pay and compare your own salary to that of the highest paid CEOs. You can also take action to rein in CEO pay, so be sure to help spread the word!
The President is making the wrong choice on budget cuts
Yesterday the AFL-CIO learned President Obama's budget will cut Social Security and Medicare benefits for working families. The so-called "chained" CPI will cut Social Security benefits and middle-income seniors (people who made $47,000 a year and more) will be asked to pay higher Medicare premiums.
Are you a union member considering running for office? Click here for all the information and to apply.
Buying a gift for that special someone in your life? Make sure it’s union made!
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka responds to the Senate blueprint for comprehensive immigration reform
"A bipartisan Senate group beginning the process to address our failed immigration system is an important and long overdue first step toward addressing our country’s broken immigration system. We are especially encouraged to see that at long last there is bipartisan agreement on our top priority, that immigration reform must include a viable path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants who call America home." Click here to read his full statement.
Rally in Portland on February 5th
Workers at the City of Portland are preparing for bargaining. Come show support for these workers at the DCTU Kick Off Rally on February 5th in downtown Portland. Click here to RSVP and get all the details.
Senator Jeff Merkley on Filibuster Reform
Don’t miss our own Senator Jeff Merkley on The Ed Show talking about the need for filibuster reform in the Senate!
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
 AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka responds to the Senate agreement on the "fiscal cliff". Click here to read the full statement.
Failure of ‘Plan B’ and Latest Fiscal Developments
AFL-CIO President Trumka: "Speaker Boehner’s failure last night should be seen as one thing: A reset button to listen to the will of the American people." Click here to read President Trumka's full statement.
 A new index for Social Security called a chained CPI could become part of a ‘fiscal cliff’ deal in Congress. The Oregon AFL-CIO and Senator Jeff Merkley just don’t agree with this approach.
Click here to learn how you can take action.
Support Union Members on Thanksgiving
Stocking up for Turkey Day? Make sure you’re filling your cart with union made products!
Save KPOJ!
Carl Wolfson has had our back – talking about the issues that are important to Oregon’s union movement and regularly inviting union members on to his show. Let’s make sure we have his back while Clear Channel tries to kick KPOJ’s politics off of the air.
Labor 2012 wraps up, and updates about three organizing victories.
WKAM Hero Post
Working America Canvassers – Saving lives while getting out the vote! Click here to see a video of a Working America canvasser coming to the rescue while on the job.
Labor Day Work Webs
We created Work Webs at Labor Day picnics across the state to help people see the many ways that work connects us all.
Union members at the Democratic National Convention are making sure that workers’ issues are front and center.
Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka On the Passing of Jim Judd, Utah AFL-CIO President
We are deeply saddened by the news of Jim's passing. A proud firefighter, Jim was a true champion of working people in Utah and around the country who was never afraid to get his hands dirty. Jim was perhaps best known in Utah for being a consensus builder who always reached across the aisle and worked towards policies to make working people’s lives better. His passion and commitment will live on through his work and the countless people he helped. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this very challenging time.
September 30th, 2012 - 1:00-6:00pm Click here for all the details! Click here to RSVP Click here to spread the word on Facebook
This Labor Day, remind your friends and family of how important work is.
Jamie Partridge, retired Letter Carrier, activist and self described 'Postal Road Warrior' will be hitting the road this month to call attention to proposed cuts and closures to the Postal Service. Click here to read more about this important cause and to see when Jamie will be in your area.
Don’t miss the opportunity to talk jobs, healthcare, the economy and more in a town hall discussion with Senator Jeff Merkley.
Take action & help bring jobs back to Oregon! Update - July 19th: The Act will likely be revived in the Senate & moved on the House floor as well. Click here to email your Congressperson today & ask them to co-sponsor the Bring Jobs Home Act!
Make Your Fourth of July BBQ Union Friendly!
Are you planning a BBQ for the 4th? Make it union friendly!
50,000 manufacturing facilities have closed in the past 10 years, which cost our economy 6 million jobs. Our trade deficit has grown and outsourcing is spreading fast to other sectors of our economy. Senator Merkley has been a strong advocate for Oregon workers and has stood up to bad trade deals in the past. Please RSVP using the link below before July 10th to participate. An email address is required to RSVP. You can also RSVP by calling Jess at (503) 232-1195 ext. 114. Once you RSVP, information will be sent to you about how to call in to the town hall. Click here to RSVP | Click here to download a flier
Op-Ed "Turning Our Backs on Unions"
Click here to read a great op-ed about unions in the NY Times - food for thought about the current state of the union movement.
Mitt Romney - Mr. 1%
Governor Walker attacked middle class workers and union rights, stripping collective bargaining rights from public employees, undermining Wisconsin workers, and taking money from the Koch Brothers to fund his defense. Click here to learn about phone banks happening in Portland to support Wisconsin’s union movement. 
YELL Happy Hour - May 24th in Portland
Join the Young Emerging Labor Leaders and fellow young workers at YELL's happy hour in South East Portland:
Click here to download a flier.
1,800 University of Oregon Workers Win Union Voice
Workers at the University of Oregon have voted to join United Academics, an AFT-Oregon affiliate along with the American Association of University Professors.
Workers Memorial Day
Join the Oregon AFL-CIO, Oregon OSHA and the families of the workers who died on the job in 2011 this Thursday to observe Workers Memorial Day. Thursday, April 26th
For an Oregon where we hold big banks & corporations accountable, Where we invest in our communities & our childrens’ future. And where April 17th is not a holiday for millionaires. Click here to find events in your area. Write to your Senators and let them know why we need a more fair tax structure.
Save America's Postal Service!
Find other rallies in Oregon here.
More Oregon Workers Joining Unions - Membership ranks seventh in U.S.
The recession has led to an increase in union membership proving that Oregon is not a state where we race to the economic bottom. Click here to read the full article.
Wisconsin Update
A federal judge found holes in Wisconsin’s union-busting law. Click here to read the full story.
 Today voters in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) approved – by majorities exceeding 80 percent in each union – merging their unions into one, SAG-AFTRA. Click here to read the full statement from the AFL-CIO.
 AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka breaks down why the proposed Republican budget just doesn’t work for anybody except the already-wealthy few. Click here to read the full statement.
Join YELL & fellow young workers on March 29th at Uptown Billiards in Portland. Click here for all the info & to RSVP.
February 20th: Noon-1:00pm STAND TOGETHER with Oregon’s union movement, our communities and our schools. Lunch provided: You must RSVP by February 15th to receive lunch at the rally. Click here to find directions to the Capitol Click here to download a flier for the rally.
Suzanne Bonamici Wins Special Election!
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped send Suzanne Bonamici to Congress! Read about the union volunteer effort here. Check detailed election results here. See photos from last week's canvass for Suzanne.
 So-called “Right to Work” legislation has been appearing in states across the country, and it falls on all of us to deflect these attacks on workers’ rights. It's time for us to stand up for workers in Indiana and fight back against "Right to Work." Click here to get all the details.
 "Leaders are judged not just by what they say but to whom they listen. President Obama's speech tonight shows that he has listened to the single mom working two jobs to get by, to the out-of-work construction worker, to the retired factory worker, to the student serving coffee to help pay for college." Click here to read the rest of the statement.  We know job creation should be the number one priority for both Congress and the Oregon Legislature. Any decision made on policy or budget needs to be made with good jobs and the economy in mind. Today, President Obama made it a priority as well. Click here to read the statement.
 Last night, Representative Greg Walden was among a group of Congressmen who single-handedly brought 31,900 Oregonians to the brink of losing everything. By voting against renewal of unemployment benefits, Walden has turned his back on his constituents who are struggling to make ends meet. Call Greg Walden now, 800-533-3303, and tell him ending unemployment benefits is not acceptable this holiday season.
 Call your Representative today and tell them we must renew unemployment insurance before Congress comes home for the holidays: 888-245-3381 Click here to read President Trumka's statement about Payroll Tax Legislation and the need to renew UI benefits.
Cool Schools Update
Unions, government & business come together to improve Oregon’s schools.
 Yesterday Republicans on the so-called “Super Committee” proposed lowering tax rates for the richest Americans while cutting hundreds of billions of dollars in Social Security and Medicare benefits that middle class Americans depend on. This is Robin Hood in reverse: class warfare against the American middle class on behalf of the top 1 percent. Click here to read the rest of the statement.
Defend Social Security
Social Security services are once again being threatened by budget cuts. We know cutting vital services like Social Security benefits isn't the answer. Join the American Federation of Government Employees and others as we defend Social Security today: 1538 SW Yamhill, Portland OR 97205
March Together with Occupy Portland
October 26th at 5:00pm Click here to download a flier for this event.
AFL-CIO National Teach-In
Today at 4:00pm: Watch LIVE streaming from the AFL-CIO National Teach-In featuring students, workers and activists calling for goods jobs now! Click here to watch the Teach-In.
Find Union Made Goods Online!
Head to http://www.uniongoods.org to search for union made goods and union services.
Occupy Together
Come together today in downtown Portland as we stand up & advocate for a fair economy that works for everyone. Interested in marching with the AFL-CIO? We’ll be at North Waterfront Park / Ankeny Plaza at noon.
 Today’s release of yet more chilling economic data from the Census Bureau is further evidence that a generation-long experiment with right-wing economic theories has failed America. Click here to read the rest of the statement.
 AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka issued the following statement on President Obama’s jobs and the economy proposal that he presented to a joint session of Congress tonight. Click here to read the full statement.
Save The Post Office.
Crushing workers’ rights and slashing services is NOT the way to solve the budget crisis in the Post Office.
Next Up Young Workers Summit
 Click on the image above to find out more information and register for the Next Up Young Workers Summit.
The AFL-CIO Retirees Newsletter for June & July 2011 is now available! Click here to view the Newsletter (PDF)
President Richard Trumka and UFCW President Joseph Hansen explain how WalMart’s urban expansion plans are dangerous to our communities. "When Walmart opens in a community, it regularly displaces existing jobs with poverty-level jobs. Tens of thousands of Walmart associates qualify for and utilize food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid. In this time of budgetary stress, Walmart's business model is subsidized on the backs of American taxpayers."
 The Young Emerging Labor Leaders' (YELL) Conference will be held on September 25th, 2011 in Eugene Oregon. Click here to register and to get more information.
July 22nd Event Canceled
With no end in sight to the debt ceiling debate, our Congressmen are still working on a compromise. Unfortunately, this means the town hall event on July 22nd that we mentioned in the last Weekly Update is canceled.
"There is no debate that our nation faces not only a serious jobs crisis but also crumbling roads, transit, bridges, and other public transportation infrastructure that threaten our economic future." Click here to read the rest of President Trumka's statement.
Congrats to Oregon's newest union members! Transportation Security Officers at the TSA have voted yes to join AFGE!! Read President Trumka's statement here.
The National Labor Relations Board has taken the first step toward bringing union election rules into the 21st century and addressing a backlog of changes that needed to occur.
Cool Schools Clears the House!
Rep. Jules Bailey called it “too good to pass up” and we couldn’t agree more. Cool Schools has unanimously passed through the House and is headed for the Senate. This bill will create jobs and help our schools save money down the road. Let us know what you think about the bill.
Are you looking for work?
Respect the Union Waterfront!
Join us in downtown Portland on Friday, June 3rd as we rally to support union jobs on the Columbia River! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 The 52nd Oregon AFL-CIO Convention is coming up! Find out everything you need to know here.
A must-see speech by National AFL-CIO Preisdent Richard Trumka.
Oregon's Unemployment Rate Drops to 9.6%
President Chamberlain and Governor Kitzhaber announced today that Oregon’s unemployment rate has finally sunk to a single digit percent. Click here to read more about what this means for our state. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
IKEA’s European employees are unionized and receive fair wage & benefits, so don’t you think their workers here in America deserve the same? Click here to send IKEA's CEO a message and help end their unionbusting and intimidation tactics. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 Happy Birthday, American Federation of Teachers!
Union Town by Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman
Register to Vote!
Tomorrow is the deadline to register to vote in the May election! If you’ve recently moved or aren’t registered, head to www.oregonvotes.org. Your vote is your voice and we all need to speak - local elections are where leaders are developed, and where change starts to be made! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Portland Rising- Rally & March for Jobs and Benefits, not cuts.
Saturday, April 16 · 12:00pm - 3:00pm Learn more and RSVP to this event on Facebook. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Support Union School Bus Drivers!
School bus drivers in the Gresham-Barlow district recently won the right to unionize and are now proud members of OSEA/AFT Local 6732.
Wisconsin: Reverberations on 21st Century Democracy and Unionization in Oregon and Beyond
Using Wisconsin as a case example, this forum will discuss the undermining of unionization and the value of collective bargaining across the country. Time: 4:30-6:30, with socializing to follow Place: Kelly Engineering Center (KEC) 1001, Oregon State University, Corvallis Speakers: Bob Bussel, Joseph Orosco, Michelle Zellers, Heather Conroy, Click here to download a flyer (PDF) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Call Out the Vote!
Oregon is far from Wisconsin but the attacks on working families in the Midwest effect all of us. Help get Scott Walker and his cronies recalled by talking to Wisconsin voters about why he must go. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Right to Work” legislation aimed at kneecapping unions is struck down in Indiana!
"Republicans have agreed to scrap the controversial right-to-work law that led the Democrats to shut things down back on Feb. 22. Republicans have also pledged not to pass a law making the state's existing ban on collective bargaining for state workers, created by Governor Daniels executive order, permanent. "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 100 years ago today, a tragic fire sparked lasting labor reform and much needed protections for workers. This video of Rep. Tobias Read puts the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire into perspective one century later:
Wisconsin Update
A Wisconsin judge stops Governor Scott Walker’s assault on workers’ rights – at least for now.
Solidarity Rally: Tuesday, March 15th
Join us, the Northwest Oregon Labor Council and Portland Jobs with Justice in a worker solidarity rally for on Tuesday, March 15th.
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View the Facebook page for this event.
Unions aren't to blame for deficits
"Whatever fiscal problems Wisconsin is -- or is not -- facing at the moment, they're not caused by labor unions. That's also true for New Jersey, for Ohio and for the other states."
Young Workers Stand With Public Employees
Check out this video explaining why young workers in Maryland are standing in solidarity with the Wisconsin labor movement as collective bargaining comes under legislative attack.
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We're building a coalition - bringing together unemployed Oregonians to share what you've learned, hear from experts, and advocate for the good jobs and the changes we all need.
Transportation Safety Administration’s employees win the right to organize
Since the Agency was created in 2001, The Transportation Safety Administration’s employees have sought to form a union. Last week, after a decade of being held down, TSA officers were granted the right to organize - a big win and the first step toward a better life for Transportation Security Officers.
AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust Invests $22 Million in New Critical Access Hospital in Coquille, Oregon
The project will be union financed and built.
Governor Kitzhaber’s 2011-2013 budget includes job creation priorities that can help bring our state out of the recession. Included in these priorities is the extension and expansion of the Film and Video Tax Credit.
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AFL-CIO, Global Unions Applaud New Egyptian Labor Movement
From the AFL-CIO NOW Blog: Read the full post here.
Labor Secretary Hilda Solis responds to the State of the Union
"Last night, as millions of Americans tuned in and logged on to follow the President’s State of the Union address, I was honored to have a front row seat. Sitting there in the “people’s chamber,” surrounded by current and former colleagues — as well as a few new faces — I listened to the President talk about the new realities and the new opportunities of a truly global economy."
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President Trumka responds to the State of the Union
Trumka: Obama’s focus must be on health of middle vlass, American economy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Oregon AFL-CIO along with the University of Oregon’s Labor Education and Research Center will be holding our 2011 Legislative Conference on February 5th and we’d love to see you there!
Wage Theft.
It’s happening in all sectors of our economy but nobody is talking about it.
"In Oregon, Labor's Next Gen Redefines Union Member"
Oregon's Young Emerging Labor Leaders (YELL) are featured in the AFL-CIO Now Blog. Bob Shiprack is a former electrician, veteran legislator and recent leader of the Oregon State Building Trades Council. His next move is to fill Robert Liberty’s former position as Metro Councilor for District 6. Unemployed workers are changing careers to try and support their families but some are falling financially short by taking lower paying jobs and giving up benefits.
Statement from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
Republicans Have Forsaken Any Claim to "Fiscal Responsibility" The November 10, 2010 guidance issued by the EPA takes important steps toward recognizing the unique attributes of Biomass Energy production and addressing the substantial deficiencies in the EPA’s Tailoring Rule issued in July. A group of policy experts and researchers developed what they think is a blueprint to improve our economy. It includes many of the suggestions we’ve been hearing about, but some new points as well. Organizations invested in turning our economy around have voiced support for the plan, including the AFL-CIO’s President Rich Trumka.
Tell The Oregon Congressional Delegations To Extend Unemployment Benefits NOW!
It can take a year, 18 months, or even longer for many job-seekers to find work.
Working America Canvassers
I Remember.
Help your friends and family remember to vote this weekend.
Since Chris Dudley was caught on camera announcing that he thinks there are “so many negative issues” with Oregon’s minimum wage he’s tried to take back those words. But the record stands that Chris Dudley thinks certain Oregon workers should make less. And we continue to learn more about Chris Dudley that confirms that he doesn’t stand with Oregon workers. "Seeing the two candidates on stage together brought out the real differences between them. John Kitzhaber's commitment to finding new ways to bring good jobs back to Oregon was clear. Chris Dudley continues to look out of touch, and remains short on real ideas. " President Trumka issued a statement regarding the successful passage of HR 2378. The bill allows the U.S. Treasury Department to fight Chinese currency manipulation. Manipulation and undervaluing of currency is one of the major factors that have decreased the global demand for high quality American manufacturing.  Over 200 people rallied across from Portland City Hall on Wednesday, September 29th in support of the workers at the City of Portland. The District Council of Trade Unions’ bargaining team negotiated with the City for nearly 9 hours on September 23rd and was unable to reach a compromise.
Longshoremen in Philadelphia Slighted After Agreeing to $5 Million Concession to Del Monte
Longshoremen in Philadelphia are shocked and appalled by the actions of Del Monte, a produce company, who took the jobs of 200 Longshoremen earning family wages in search of cheap labor. The ILA in Philadelphia had already agreed to $5 million worth of difficult concessions when Del Monte took their business to a non-union terminal. BOLI announced today that the minimum wage in Oregon will go up by 10 cents an hour - that's an extra $108 in the pocket of every full time, minimum wage earner in Oregon in 2011. But Chris Dudley thinks the current minimum wage is already too high. Really?
IAMAW President Buffenbarger along with IUPAT leadership kicked off their unions' election efforts as part of a national bus tour on Wednesday in Portland.
 That's right. Younger workers from across Oregon met in Portland on Saturday to kick off a new movement: one to make sure that 20 years from now we still have a strong labor movement with committed leaders. Amid the action, they elected a representative to the Oregon AFL-CIO General Board who will make sure the group, like other constituency groups, has a voice at board meetings. Meet the new president, and learn more!  AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka spent an action packed 36 hours in Oregon, including a 500+ person town hall, a worksite flier vent wiht over 100 workers in downtown Portland (and these numbers aren't made up!), and a breakfast where labor leaders had the opportunity to find out just what our movement's leader has in mind for the future. Check out the details!
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