The Oregon Labor Dispatch: Sept. 17, 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
Canvass for Working Class Candidates!
September - October
Join Union members from the Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, for our Labor 2026 Canvass Season! On Sunday, Sept. 18, we will be canvassing in Salem for Virginia Stapleton and Rep. Lesly Muñoz. RSVP for other upcoming canvasses here!
FRIDAY: Oregon Labor United Community Building & Training Events
Sept. 18, & 29
The first step to defending our democracy is building a healthy, trusted community. Join us for these events in September --- Working Together Under Pressure Training and De-Escalation & Street Safety Training.
Laborers Local 483, Portland Professional Workers, and PROTEC 17 "Just Practicing" Rally
Sept. 23 at 5:30pm outside Portland City Hall
The rally is an escalation of the 3 unions ongoing negotiations struggle with the City of Portland.
Benefit Concert for Immigrant Worker Justice
Sept. 28 at 7:30pm at The Hawthorne Theater
NWJP is thrilled to announce that we are hosting a benefit concert with Y La Bamba! Y La Bamba is an eclectic indie folk pop band from Portland, OR lead by Luz Elena Mendoza. Buy tickets here.
Must Read
College Athletes Voice Opposition to Protect College Sports Bill
Sept. 15, 2026 | AFL-CIO
As OSU basketball players are fighting this very barrier to unionizing, the Protect College Sports Act that would deny college athletes the rights and protections they are owed as workers is making its way through the U.S. Senate.
Oregon Labor News
SEIU 49, Oregon AFSCME, & ONA rally
Multiple unions came together in solidarity at Legacy Emanuel & Good Sam this week to rally for a fair contract!
Marion County Workers Authorize Strike as Contract Fight Escalates
Sept. 14, 2026 | Salem Business Journal
Marion County employees represented by SEIU 503 have authorized a strike after contract negotiations ended without a new agreement, escalating a labor dispute that could eventually affect county services if workers walk off the job.
Oregon university workers vote to strike
Sept. 17, 2026 | The Register Guard
All seven of Oregon's public universities might see work halt for 4,600 classified employees after members of Service Employees International Union 503 voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, union officials announced Sept. 17.
Oregon Democratic Party kicks off statewide tour to tie GOP nominee Drazan to Trump
Sept. 14, 2026 | Oregon Capital Chronicle
Democrats and their supporters say they see in Gov. Tina Kotek’s Republican opponent a politician who will rubber stamp the federal administration’s agenda through executive orders and funding cuts.
Merkley joins others pushing to end penal labor nationwide
Sept. 15, 2026 | KDRV
An Oregonian is among a group of United States lawmakers working to end a Constitutional provision allowing human slavery as a punishment for crime.
Federal NEWS
Report Details How Trump Mass Deportation Agenda Is Fueling US Affordability Crisis
Sept. 16, 2026 | Common Dreams
On Wednesday, the ACLU and AFL-CIO published an analysis examining how the administration’s unprecedented deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to communities around the country has not only created a climate of fear, but also caused labor shortages, reduced economic activity, and given employers new tools to suppress employees’ wages.
As AI reshapes the workplace, labor and Church leaders demand a worker voice
Sept. 16, 2026 | EWTN News
As artificial intelligence reshapes workplaces and corporate decision-making, labor leaders and Catholic bishops are calling for workers to have a direct voice in how the technology is introduced and used.