The Oregon Labor Dispatch: Oct. 1, 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
TONIGHT: ONA - Labor Leads S. OR Healthcare Town Hall
October 1 at 6:30pm at OEA Building in Medfor
Join local union nurses and healthcare workers, NICU doctors and community leaders for a public town hall to discuss what’s happening inside Rogue Regional hospital, how it affects your families’ healthcare and how we can stand together to hold Asante accountable and ensure everyone in the Rogue Valley has access to safe, high-quality healthcare.
All community members are welcome! Light refreshments provided. RSVPs are required.
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!
Must Read
Oregon’s public universities, classified workers narrowly avoid strike
Sept. 28, 2026 | OPB
Classified workers at Oregon’s seven public universities have reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract with the state’s higher education institutions.
Oregon Labor News
First Starbucks in Oregon to unionize is being shuttered
Sept. 24, 2026 | KLCC
More than four years since it became the very first Starbucks in Oregon to join a union, Eugene’s store at 2830 Willamette St. is among several hundred shutting down this week.
Corvallis city workers union declares intent to strike
September 30, 2026 | KLCC
The city workers union [Oregon AFSCME Local 2975] in Corvallis has declared its intent to go on strike next month if it can’t reach a deal on a new contract. The announcement came Wednesday, weeks after the union held a successful strike authorization vote and declared an impasse in negotiations with the city.
Federal NEWS
Senate confirms Keith Sonderling, a business ally, as labor secretary
Sept. 30, 2026 | The Washington Post
The Senate voted to confirm Keith Sonderling as labor secretary Wednesday night, elevating President Donald Trump’s latest replacement in his Cabinet after several high-profile firings and resignations this year.
EPA union sues Trump administration to restore collective bargaining contract
Sept. 29, 2026 | The Guardian
The union representing more than 8,000 workers at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed a lawsuit against the agency and administrator Lee Zeldin on Tuesday alleging the agency illegally terminated the union’s collective bargaining agreement.
Supreme Court lets quick deportations to third countries resume for now while it weighs Trump policy
Sept. 29, 2026 | AP
The Supreme Court on Tuesday let President Donald Trump’s administration continue swiftly deporting people to countries other than their own for now, while the justices consider whether the policy is legal.