News

OHSU Biomedical Researchers Urge Legislature To Demand Congress Fund Life-Saving Research

SALEM, OR - Biomedical researchers from OHSU testified in front of the House Committee on Rules on April 9th, advocating for

New Avenues For Youth Workers Settle First Contract

PORTLAND, OR - After over 16 months bargaining their first contract, New Avenues for Youth (NAFY) workers have reached a tentative agreement with management on a three year contract, averting a one

“The fear is constant and overwhelming.” Workplace risk is high and safety is low according to a new report

SALEM, OR – Understaffing, extreme overtime and lack of safety protocols are creating untenable situations in the workplace, based on member survey results released today by Oregon AFSCME in their

Oregon’s Labor Movement Issues Statement on Recent CDC Guidance Changes

Last week’s decision, followed by this week’s lackluster update by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to change guidance, and Federal OSHA’s decision to abandon protections for healthcare workers in the midst of the most transmissible surge of the pandemic is abhorrent, shortsighted, and irresponsible and makes workers in every sector of our economy less safe. To choose economic “needs”  over the health, safety, and lives of frontline workers, the very people who have kept our economy and communities running to date is dangerous and unnecessary.

Family child care providers announce new state contract

Today Oregon Child Care Providers Together, Local 132 of Oregon AFSCME, announced a new contract with the state of Oregon that went into effect January 1, 2022. Under the contract, more than 2,100 family child care providers will receive new access to health services, free continuing education and trainings, and increased payments to care for children of low-income parents. The contract also calls for the state to establish a path to provide health care coverage and retirement benefits for family child care providers.

Lines For Life Workers File for Union Representation

PORTLAND, OR - A strong majority of the over 160 eligible staff at Lines for Life, a 24-hour crisis line non-profit based in Portland, submitted union authorization cards with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in late December, culminating in a union vote set for February.

Oregon AFSCME Endorses Lamar Wise In SD15

Oregon AFSCME’s member-led Board is proud to endorse Lamar Wise to succeed Senator Chuck Riley.

“Lamar has a proven commitment to the labor movement and has spent his career fighting for and alongside communities of color, young people and working people to increase access to healthcare, education and affordable housing. His experience and knowledge is exactly what Oregon needs to get back on track” said Oregon AFSCME President Elizabeth Goetzinger.

In remembrance of a beloved member, Damon Millican

We are saddened to report  that on November 13th, our Oregon AFSCME family lost Damon Millican.  


Oregon Child Care Providers Need Investment Now

Stacy Chamberlain Testimony - Committee on Early Childhood

Today, Oregon AFSCME Executive Director Stacy Chamberlain testified on behalf of Oregon’s 2,104 family- and home-based child care providers, and Oregon AFSCME 33,000 represented Oregon workers in the House Interim Committee on Early Childhood. 

“I’m here to speak on behalf of the child care providers we’ve lost through the unprecedented toll of the pandemic and the thousands who struggle to remain open. 

KEZI 9: Eugene Workers Union Hosts 'Bargaining Solidarity Rally'

Reprinted from Kezi 9 News

https://www.kezi.com/content/news/Eugene-workers-union-hosts-Bargaining-...

The contract bargaining began in March and stalled in September. The process will now go to a third-party mediator to facilitate the discussions.

NEWS: Multnomah County Commission Passes Behavioral Health Labor Harmony Policy

October 25, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Kreisman, [email protected]

Multnomah County Commission Passes Behavioral Health Labor Harmony Policy
Behavioral Health Professionals To Gain Concrete Protections

In 2017, Oregon AFSCME Council 75 released the United We Heal report, highlighting specific issues facing the behavioral health workforce and the clients they serve every day.