News

If You Think You’re Being Assigned Unsafe Work

If You Think You’re Being Assigned Unsafe Work
Advice for members about handling unsafe assignments and possibly refusing work

COVID19 Employer Letters of Agreement

As we sign letters of agreement with additional employers we will update this page.

DOC Article 23 Emergency Declaration

As many may already know, the Governor had declared a state of emergency a while back but this morning I received word that the Oregon Department Of Corrections has decided to officially declare an Article 23 Emergency.

That language has been cut and pasted below for convenience.  Highlighted & bolded are the relevant pieces that describes what specific areas of the contract that can be temporarily deviated from. The rest of the contract still applies.

How Do I Telework?

How do I telework?

  1. Your union has worked out temporary agreements to expand telework with some employers

  2. Other employers have established temporary policies to expand telework.

  3. If you are high risk, you should make sure that information is conveyed as part of your request.

  4. When in doubt, ask your employer to telework, show them how your essential duties can be done remotely. 

Coronavirus & Oregon Workers

Contact the SMART Center with your COVID19 workplace-related concerns

Miss Oregon AFSCME's tele town-hall meetings? Listen to the recordings below. 

Oregon AFSCME Member Appointed To Salem City Council

SALEM, OR - As a newly appointed Salem City Councilor, Vanessa Nordyke takes public service seriously.

While not the only resident vying to serve out Ms. Cook’s term, at the city council’s vote, Nordyke received the most votes and was sworn in as Salem City Councilor, Ward 7.  

OHSU Interns, Residents and Fellows File For Union Representation

Interns, residents, and fellows at OHSU - also known as house officers - submitted union authorization cards on Tuesday, October 15th. A strong majority of the over 800 house officers signed authorization cards signaling their desire to form OHSU-House Officers Union/AFSCME. House officers are a crucial part of clinical operations at OHSU, often the first physician a patient sees in the emergency room, hospital, or clinic.

Graduate Researchers United Rally OHSU Community Against Exploitation

Graduate Researchers United/Oregon AFSCME (GRU), a union of PhD research students at OHSU, rallied over 100 OHSU graduate research students, faculty and community supporters on Wednesday to demand respect after OHSU management tried rescinding previously agreed-upon language.

“GRU members are fed up with OHSU’s disrespectful bargaining tactics” said GRU Chief Negotiator, Sam Papadakis.

Oregon AFL-CIO Passes PERS Accountability Resolution

The 56th Oregon AFL-CIO Convention voted on a resolution that restricts contributions to the lawmakers that turned their backs on public employees. Read their statement:

Oregon AFL-CIO Passes PERS Accountability Resolution

Oregon AFSCME Board: “No interviews, no endorsement, no financial support"

Following passage of the anti-worker SB1049, the board of Oregon AFSCME, representing over 26,000 public sector employees, voted unanimously to disqualify legislators that voted for SB1049 from Oregon AFSCME’s 2020 endorsement process. 

“Legislators that voted for SB1049 devalued the work we do on behalf of the people of Oregon,” said Jeff Klatke, President of Oregon AFSCME.