Salem, OR — For the third consecutive bargaining cycle, Oregon state workers represented by Oregon AFSCME have called on state leadership to honor Indigenous People’s Day with a paid holiday. And for the third time, their request has been denied.
Indigenous People’s Day was officially recognized as a state holiday in Oregon in 2021, but state employees are still required to work on that day. Workers say this refusal undermines the state’s publicly stated commitments to equity, justice, and inclusion.
“For my family members who work for the Indian Health Service as federal employees, Indigenous People’s Day is a time for reflection, education, and celebration—not business as usual. It should be the same for state workers” said Emma Brickell, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and Administrative Assistant with the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
“As a tribal member, it’s incredibly disheartening to see the state fail, again, to take this basic step toward meaningful recognition of Indigenous communities. Words about equity are hollow without action to back them up.” added Brickell
State workers argue that continuing to deny this paid holiday dishonors the painful history and ongoing contributions of Native peoples. It also sends a clear and troubling message: that the state’s commitment to equity ends where it becomes inconvenient or comes with a cost.
AFSCME members across Oregon are now calling on community members and elected officials to join their push for justice. In a coordinated letter campaign, workers are demanding that the Governor and state agencies match their values with action by formally recognizing Indigenous People’s Day with a paid holiday.
“We are not backing down,” continued Brickell. “Recognizing Indigenous People’s Day is a simple, powerful act that shows respect for our past and commitment to a better future for our community. If our leaders believe in justice, they must prove it with policy.”
Oregon AFSCME invites allies, lawmakers, and the public to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities and frontline workers by urging the state to take this long-overdue step.
