The Oregon Labor Dispatch: january 22, 2026
SUPPORT WORKERS
These 135 vital healthcare workers are fighting for a contract that prioritizes the wellbeing of providers and patients. Support Here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Save the dates: CBTU Black History Month
February
Together we are building towards a more just and equitable future, where Black lives are truly valued and respected. Join Brown Hope and the Oregon Coalition of Black Trade Unionists in kicking off Black History Month with a special panel on February 5th called "A New Generation of Black Voices."
Tell Oregon Legislators: Don’t Cut Critical Services to Pay for Tax Breaks for the Ultra-Wealthy
Show up to an upcoming Oregon legislator Town Hall near you to urge lawmakers to prioritize protecting everyday Oregonians and the services we rely on, not padding the profits of the rich.
Fight for Our Future Rally
February 5
Join us on Thursday, Feb 5th, from Noon to 2 pm at Oregon State Capitol State Park to urge lawmakers to prioritize protecting everyday Oregonians and the services we rely on, not padding the profits of the rich.
MUST READ
New labor coalition hopes to spur job growth to meet Oregon’s clean energy targets
Jan. 21, 2026 | Capital Chronicle
Ten construction industry unions, federations formed Climate Jobs Oregon to spur investment, training needed to get zero emission electricity by 2040
OREGON LABOR NEWS
OHSU Union Overwhelmingly Approves Labor Deal, Setting Stage for Minimum Wage Hike
Jan. 19, 2026 | Willamette Week
A major union at Oregon Health & Science University has voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new labor contract, averting a major strike at Portland’s largest employer and putting it on track to set a $25 minimum wage for union members by 2028.
Mass abductions in Woodburn shift focus for farmworkers’ union’s approach to legislative session
Jan. 21, 2026 | Street Roots
The union had plans for addressing farmworkers wages and collective bargaining rights, now they are solely focused on immigrant justice and safety
FEDERAL ATTACKS
Immigration officers assert sweeping power to enter homes without a judge’s warrant, memo says
Jan. 21, 2026 | AP
Federal immigration officers are asserting sweeping power to forcibly enter people’s homes without a judge’s warrant, according to an internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo obtained by The Associated Press, marking a sharp reversal of longstanding guidance meant to respect constitutional limits on government searches.
Shutdown odds plummet after House and Senate strike bipartisan deal on remaining funding bills
Jan. 20, 2026 | Government Executive
Negotiators in both chambers of Congress have reached an agreement to fund every federal agency in fiscal 2026, with appropriators announcing a final deal on Tuesday, giving lawmakers 10 days to get the remaining bills to President Trump’s desk before a shutdown would occur.
ATTACKS ON IMMIGRANTS
Economic blackout day planned in Minnesota to protest ICE surge
Jan. 20, 2026 | The Guardian
Labor unions, community leaders and faith groups are calling for an economic blackout in Minnesota on Friday in protest against the surge of federal immigration agents in the state and to mourn Renee Good.
THE LABOR MOVEMENT
Read This If You're New and Trying to Find Your Way
Jan. 22, 2026 | In These Times
Abolitionist organizer and author Mariame Kaba offers youth living through the current crises a renewed perspective on how to move forward.