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

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Ergonomics for Telework

Ergonomics for Telework

Most of us do not have complete home offices like we do at work, so telework can be a challenge. AFSCME wants to make sure you know the basics about how to keep yourself healthy while teleworking.

One of the best ergonomics guides for teleworking we have found is from Stanford University's Department of Environmental Health & Safety. This guide and short webinar was created to assist Stanford faculty and staff who are currently teleworking.

AFSCME Members Win Class Action Seniority Arbitration

City of Salem workers received a significant arbitration decision today that holds their employer responsible for violating their seniority in 2018 and 19.

How To Vote If You've Been Displaced By Wildfires

Displaced by wildfires?

Here's what you need to know about voting.

  • Displaced people have until October 13th to decide where they want their ballot sent.

Supreme Court Rules Against Workers

On Thursday, August 6th, the Oregon Supreme Court released their ruling on the lawsuit challenging SB 1049, the legislation passed that diverts a percentage of money that goes into members’ IAP accounts.

This unanimous decision, while disappointing, is narrow in scope, and affirms the previous ruling that the legislature cannot make changes to benefits you have already earned. It also clarifies that the legislature can make changes to benefits not yet earned.

Student Loan Forgiveness Success Story

AFSCME has many public-sector and non-profit members working to complete this complex program. Leigh McIlvaine, an Oregon AFSCME member working for the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development worked for a non-profit for over ten years, and recently transitioned to public employment, both of which qualify for student loan forgiveness.

For those interested in the process Leigh gives her insight and experience in the below interview: 

The State's Budget Projections

As you may have noticed, the Governor sent an email on May 12th about the upcoming state budget, where she asked all General Fund agencies to submit plans to reach an 8.5% budget cut for the current 2019-21 biennium. Because the cuts are targeted for the second half of the biennium, this 8.5% over the total biennium reduction is more like a 17% reduction.

These proposed cuts are an exercise and by no means anything close to final. The legislature will have a special session in June to debate these budget cuts before any cuts occur.

COVID19 Employer Letters of Agreement

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