Union workers file unfair labor charges against St. Charles Bend
The Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals has filed unfair labor charges against St. Charles Bend, saying union medical technicians deserve the same benefits the health system gave non-union workers. Starting Sunday, most of the hospital staff except the 150 members represented by the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, will receive increases in pay for shift differentials, earned time off and access to a mental health program. The health system said it had met with the labor union last week to talk about adjusting benefits, and denies that the charge has merit. A spokesperson said the health care system will reach out to the National Labor Relations Board to defend itself against the charge. (Suzanne Roig/The Bend Bulletin)
Oregonians get more time to comment on insurance premium hikes
Oregon officials are giving the public more time to comment on proposed increases for individual and small-group health insurance plan premiums for 2024 that reach as high as 12.4%. In particular, the proposed premium increases for small-group plans have sparked concern among some consumer advocates. The virtual public hearings are rescheduled Aug. 4 between 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Comments can be submitted through Aug. 3. (Christian Wihtol/The Lund Report)
Editor’s note: This article has been corrected. The original version misstated the nature of the increased benefits.
Ranchers and wildlife specialists are defending poison traps called M-44s
An M-44 is a baited trap about the size of a marshmallow that ejects cyanide powder into a coyote, fox or other predator’s mouth when they bite or tug at it, killing the animal. A coalition of environmentalists and animal welfare advocates are petitioning the BLM to ban M-44s, but ranchers and others say they’re necessary to prevent livestock depredation. (George Plaven/Capital Press)
Larch Corrections Center employees talk education, work programs during town hall to keep facility open
A standing-room crowd filled the Battle Ground Community Library’s meeting room Thursday night to discuss plans to close the Larch Corrections Center in Clark County. The minimum-security prison near Yacolt has housed about 230 inmates since the beginning of this year, but the Washington Department of Corrections announced on June 26 it plans to “warm close” the facility — meaning it could reopen if needed — because of declining incarceration trends. (Jessica Prokop/The Columbian)
Portland program disposes of old boats for free
A Portland metro area boat take-back program has led to the disposal of 19 derelict vessels so far this year. Another 19 boats are approved for disposal, and 31 more are in the process of being approved. The program is a joint effort by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Metro and the state marine board. Multnomah County Deputy John Plock says the program doesn’t find and remove abandoned vessels. “But it’s designed to hopefully prevent boats from being abandoned, by creating a pathway for the owners to be able to dispose of the boat,” he said. “Before they get to the end of their rope and just leave it on the side of the road or dump it in the river and drive away from it” The Oregon Legislature approved the funding, as part of a bill addressing waste impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will continue until the end of October, or when those funds run out. (OPB Staff)
More on the free boat disposal program.
