News

Coming Soon To A Hospital Near You, Enhanced Healthcare Language Access for Oregonians!

In a significant step towards ensuring equitable healthcare access for all Oregonians, Governor Kotek has signed SB 1578 into law.

Oregon Legislature Passes Historic Investment in Public Safety Workforce

Salem, Oregon - Oregon's 82nd Legislative Assembly passed HB 4045, the Public Safety Workforce Stabilization Act, an historic investment in Oregon's public safety workers..

Important News About Federal Student Loan Payments

Good news for federal student loan borrowers: This month, the Biden administration again extended the pause on student debt repayment — this time through Aug. 31. That means, instead of federal student loan payments resuming after May 1, borrowers have four more months of reprieve with payments set to start Sept. 1. And the new extension includes a “fresh start” program, which erases the default and delinquency status on late payments for millions of borrowers. 

In remembrance of a beloved union leader, Giles Gibson

We are saddened to report the passing of Giles Gibson, a beloved member of the  Oregon AFSCME family and retired former staff attorney. Giles had been battling leukemia, before passing peacefully at home, surrounded by family. 

AFSCME STRONG across the state!

It is Oregon AFSCME’s mission to empower and unite workers to create change in their workplaces and communities and that starts with building a strong community within our union. 

In February, members statewide came together with their locals to connect, engage, introduce their families and for some, meet in person for the first time.

Here are some highlights from the 2022 Oregon AFSCME Strong events:

Coronavirus & Oregon Workers

Contact the SMART Center with your COVID19 workplace-related concerns

Working Safely

How do I telework?

Caregiver Appreciation Month: Niki Cooper, Local 1246

“There’s a lot of misconceptions about caregivers. We’re not babysitters. We are professionals who work really hard for our residents.”

Niki Cooper is a caregiver and Oregon AFSCME Local 1246 member, and during March’s caregiver Appreciation Month, we are honored to showcase her story.

Mid-Columbia Center For Living Workers Ratify Strong Contract


THE DALLES, OR - After 16 months negotiating, members of the Mid-Columbia Center for Living (MCCFL) bargaining committee announced a tentative agreement, providing workers the benefits and protections they deserve.

Highlights of the agreement include:

Standing with the people of Ukraine

AFSCME Family: 

We have all watched with shock and outrage the latest developments in Ukraine. This sovereign democracy is under military attack by Vladimir Putin’s Russia, with entire cities leveled and civilian populations targeted.

Bargaining During COVID - How Benton County Local 2046 Found Success

Prior to 2021, the members of Oregon AFSCME Local 2046’s bargaining committee had never held a rally, ran a contract campaign - or any campaign. And they also never had a win as big as the one they got this year in their new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

“The employees of Benton County were tired of having poor contracts, were tired of not being paid a market wage, and realized if we wanted a win, we had to be in it together,” said Dawn Dale, Local 2064 President.

In building their contract campaign, Local 2064 started out with six simple goals: