The Oregon Labor Dispatch: Sept. 3, 2026
Support Workers
The AFT, in consultation with our partners in the Twin Cities, passed a resolution demanding the Minneapolis-based business speak up against the atrocities being committed by ICE. After Target refused to heed the demands of Twin Cities organizers and stand up to ICE, the AFT passed another resolution urging members to shop locally instead of at Target. Find alternative stores here.
Starbucks Workers United baristas have inspired people all over the world in their fight for a better future at one of the biggest global brands. Five years and 700 union wins later, Starbucks is still refusing to finalize a fair, first union contract with reasonable pay, hours, staffing, and protections. That’s why now, working people and their allies across the nation are stepping up to back baristas.
Upcoming Events
Oregon Labor United Community Building & Training Events
Sept. 16, 18, & 29
The first step to defending our democracy is building a healthy, trusted community. Join us for three events in September --- Organizers Monthly Movie Night; Durable Solidarity, Working Together Under Pressure Training; and De-Escalation & Street Safety Training.
Three Roads: Concert and Book Signing
Oct. 3, 2026, at AFM 99, Local 325 from 4-6pm
Labor Network for Sustainability is thrilled to announce Three Roads: Concert and Book Signing. Join us for an evening of music and stories by Joe Uehlein from a lifetime spent fighting for workers, the environment, and a better world, followed by a book signing and meet & greet. The event is co-sponsored by Portland Jobs with Justice and Climate Jobs PDX.
Must Read
Electrical Workers in Eastern Oregon Ratify Contract with OTEC, End Strike
Sept. 2, 2026 | Oregon Labor Federation
On Wednesday, Sept. 2, IBEW Local 125 members at Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC), the member-owned electrical utility serving nearly 60,000 residents in Baker, Grant, Harney, and Union counties, announced the ratification of a new contract, ending a week long strike over federal labor law violations and contract negotiations.
2026 State of the Unions
Sept. 1, 2026 | AFL-CIO
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler delivered her annual State of the Unions address, highlighting that despite the attacks over the last two years, unions continue to be on the rise, offering hope to millions of Americans. And the polling proves it.
Trust in America's unions is rising again at a time when working people are sour on just about everything else. Gallup's annual survey on union approval showed 71% of Americans approve of unions, which ties a record high set in 2022.
Oregon Labor News
City of Portland to contract out 350 union jobs
Sept. 2, 2026 | NW Labor Press
Following the recommendation of a joint work group, the Metro regional government is preparing to hand management of Portland’5 Centers for the Arts back to the City of Portland, which owns them. In August, unions representing Portland’5 employees learned the City is looking to contract out nearly 450 union jobs.
Strike alert service solicits for ‘up to 650’ travel nurses for Southern Oregon
Aug. 31, 2026 | Your Oregon News
A recently posted alert seeking “up to 650” strike nurses for an unnamed hospital in Southern Oregon is raising concerns among Oregon Nurses Association representatives, who say they have been bargaining in good faith and are nowhere near discussion of a strike.
COCC faculty union declares impasse in labor dispute
Aug. 31, 2026 | The Bulletin
The Central Oregon Community College Faculty Forum has declared an impasse against the college after nine months of bargaining for a contract.
Federal NEWS
APWU Statement on Developments in Vote-by-Mail Executive Order
Aug. 31, 2026 | APWU
This Executive Order is wrong and unconstitutional, and so is the Postal Service’s rule. They are based on a problem that is not real. Across decades, thanks to the hard work of countless postal workers, hundreds of millions of Americans have safely and securely exercised their right to vote through the mail. Read more here.
Still One-Sided: Employer Non-Compliance with Transparency Laws Hits a Record High
Sept. 1, 2026 | LaborLab
A new report from LaborLab reveals that the compliance gap between unions and the employers and consultants hired to bust union drives is not just persisting, it is widening.