The Oregon Labor Dispatch: Sept. 10, 2026
HISTORIC NEW AFFILIATION
Oregon Teamsters Unite with Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO in Historic Affiliation
Sept. 10
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. Read the full statement here.
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
Canvass for Lamar Wise & Working Class Candidates!
Sept. 12
Join Union members from the Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, for our Labor 2026 Canvass Kickoff! After a welcome and training, we will go canvass for Representative Lamar Wise for House District 48 (SE Multnomah County/Northern Clackamas County). RSVP for other upcoming canvasses here!
Sept. 14
On Monday, September 14, workers at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Randall Children’s Hospital, Unity, and Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center will take to the streets at both hospitals for a fair contract.
Sept. 16
After record turnout to GTFF's Open Bargaining Sessions, UO called for Mediation, moving future bargaining sessions behind closed doors. Be in front of Johnson Hall at 9:00am on Sept. 16 for a rally to show our bargaining team support!
Fundraiser: Federal Workers' Fight Against Privatization and Union Busting
Sept. 17 from 6:30-8:30pm at Tabor Space
Join the Federalists Union Network for a fundraiser to support federal workers in their fight!
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
It's Better in a Union: Labor Day 2026
Sept. 8, 2026 | AFL-CIO
Labor Day is a celebration of the power our labor movement has when we come together. And this year, we’re using that power and solidarity to take back our country for working people. Here are photos from Labor Day celebrations around the country.
Oregon Labor News
Eugene-Springfield area unions come together to celebrate Labor Day
Sept. 7, 2026 | KEZI
For the past forty years laborers in the Eugene-Springfield area have come together for a Labor Day picnic celebrating their accomplishments while coming together in camaraderie. And at this year’s picnic labor leaders talked about the current state of labor.
Local labor unions celebrate Labor Day accomplishments at Alpenglow park
Sept. 7, 2026 | Central Oregon Daily
“Labor Day is all about remembering the struggles that everyone had building better workplaces, safer workplaces,” Brenda Johnson, chair of the Central Oregon Labor Chapter of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations said.
Oregon Democrats court union support at Labor Day picnic ahead of November election
Sept. 7, 2026 | OPB
This year, Labor Day coincided with a fierce gubernatorial election season in Oregon as incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, looks to fend off her challenger, Republican Christine Drazan. Kotek spent part of Monday campaigning at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, where some of the state’s most powerful unions hosted their annual Labor Day picnic.
Federal NEWS
Election Officials Grapple With Uncertainty as Supreme Court Considers Mail Ballot Plan
Sept. 9, 2026 | The New York Times
Across the country, election officials are grappling with the confusing implications of the Trump administration’s proposed mail ballot screening plan, which would allow the Postal Service to determine which ballots can be delivered to voters.
Temporary protections for about 200,000 Salvadoran immigrants are in limbo as deadline nears
Sept. 9, 2026 | AP
Temporary legal protections for about 200,000 immigrants from El Salvador was in limbo Wednesday as a deadline neared for the Trump administration to decide if they should end, as it has done for hundreds of thousands from Venezuela, Haiti and other countries.
Electronic shelf labels likely to cost jobs and drive up grocery prices, US report warns
Sept. 9, 2026 | The Guardian
The universal adoption of electronic shelf labels in grocery stores across the US could cost tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in lost wages while further driving up grocery costs, according to a report released on Tuesday.