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

Union Childcare Providers Need Our Help

We need five minutes from you to support our union childcare providers
Our childcare providers are unable to plan for their futures

Currently, there is no clear path forward after April 28th. The lack of communication from the Governor on critical issues is putting providers, their families and the families they serve at risk. We have asked, but not received, a response from the Governor’s office and we need your help to prevent the collapse of Family Child Care programs around the state. 

Yamhill Valley News Register - Employees Say County Not Taking Pandemic Seriously

Employees say county not taking pandemic seriously
By Nicole Montesano, Yamhill News-Register, April 6, 2020

Yamhill County officials are not taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously and are making work-from-home requirements difficult and punitive, unlike neighboring Oregon counties facing the same challenges, several employees told the News-Register. 

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. 

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

Talk to Your Steward

Call the AFSCME SMART Center

Consider OSHA instruction about refusing unsafe work

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.