Oregon Teamsters Unite with Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO in Historic Affiliation

In a show of strength and solidarity during Labor Day week, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 162, the largest Teamsters local in Oregon, and the statewide Teamsters Joint Council 37 have affiliated with the Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. The unification of the Teamsters and the Oregon state chapter of the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor, Congress of Industrial Organizations) is a step forward for a stronger future for the Oregon labor movement. Local 162 and Joint Council 37 represent thousands of workers in the state, including workers at UPS, along with delivery, trucking, grocery, and warehouse workers throughout the state. 

Leadership from both organizations have issued statements regarding this historic affiliation in Oregon: 

Statement from Mark Davison, Western Region Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 162:

“Standing together with other Oregon unions through the AFL-CIO is how we build a stronger, more unified labor movement. It’s also how we leverage our power to win for our members and all working Oregonians in an ever-changing and precarious economy. Local 162 was founded in1903 because horse-drawn wagon operators demanded dignity and respect on the job. The technology and the economy have changed, but our work to build power has never wavered. That’s why we’re joining the Oregon Labor Federation, to continue a 123 year long tradition of solidarity, worker empowerment, and demanding dignity and respect for working people.” 

Statement from Graham Trainor, President, Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

“On behalf of the officers, board members, and the over 300,000 working people we represent, I’m very proud to welcome Local 162 and the Teamsters Joint Council 37 to the Oregon Labor Federation. Uniting the Oregon labor movement is critical in our quest to build an economy that works for ALL workers and not just the wealthy few. The billionaires and corporate CEO’s will always have a lot of organized money, but they will never match the people power of a united, organized labor movement. This historic affiliation unites our movement at such a pivotal time and we’re excited to get to work together on a shared agenda to build working class power in this state.”