Labor
Latest Stories

Union wins made big news this year. Here are 5 reasons why it’s not the full story
Starbucks stores from coast to coast. An electric vehicle battery plant. The first Amazon warehouse in the U.S. All kinds of workplaces unionized in 2022, but winning elections is only the first step.

Pacific University requests hearing to contest potential BOLI fine
Oregon's Bureau of Labor and Industries has told Pacific it plans to levy an $834,000 fine based on complaints from seven former employees. The university wants a hearing to tell its side of the story.

Oregon’s largest labor union doubles down on Democrat Tina Kotek for governor
The Service Employees International Union is kicking in another $1 million for the Democrat, as this year's tight gubernatorial race shatters spending records.

How an attendance policy brought the U.S. to the brink of a nationwide rail strike
Freight rail workers had threatened to strike Friday. The unions were unhappy about a policy that penalizes workers who take unscheduled time off, including for medical needs

Blue Mountain Community College faculty union files labor grievances over layoffs
Both sides are prepared for a prolonged dispute over faculty layoffs at the Eastern Oregon institution.

St. Vincent nurses approve contract, averting strike at one of Oregon’s largest hospitals
The Oregon Nurses Association says the new contract delivers higher wages and a better system to guarantee Providence St. Vincent nurses get to take meal breaks.
How a 1934 waterfront strike was a major turning point for West Coast labor
In 1934, West Coast longshoremen fought, fell and ultimately triumphed together despite the odds. It was called the “The Big Strike.”

Race for Oregon labor commissioner attracts candidates with legal, government experience
Commissioner Val Hoyle's decision to run for Congress left an open seat atop the state's Bureau of Labor and Industries.

Starbucks says employees getting new benefits, but not at stores that are unionizing
On an investor call, Starbucks interim CEO Howard Schultz said the company was investing $1 billion to raise wages, enhance benefits and modernize stores. But unionized stores won't get some of that.

Workers at Gresham cannabis operation walk out, say company blocking unionization efforts
Workers and officials with the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 said the company CBN Holdings has been interfering with organizing efforts involving about 20 employees who work in multiple facets of the operation