The Oregon Labor Dispatch: JULY 16, 2026
Support Workers
Support Beverly's Fight Against Colon Cancer
Please consider donating to support Cement Mason 555 member Beverly Dollof's fight against colon cancer. Beverly is a proud union member and teaches incarcerated adults how to do concrete work to better their opportunities.
Please consider donating to support Beverly
OWLL + LiUNA Women@Work Hygiene Drive
Oregon Women Labor Leaders, in partnership with LiUNA 737's Women@Work, is holding a feminine hygiene product drive to benefit Good Circumstance, a new organization whose mission is to provide a safe community space for marginalized women. Please drop off new, unopened boxes of feminine hygiene supplies by July 31st to the Oregon Labor Center, 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Portland.
Learn more about Good Circumstance at www.goodcircumstance.org.
Petition for a Fair Contract for Disability Rights Oregon Staff
The workers union of Disability Rights Oregon (WUDRO NOLSW, UAW Local 2320) is calling on community and union members to support their fight for a fair contract, including livable wages, worker protections, and greater involvement in decision-making. Show solidarity by signing their support petition.
Upcoming Events
July 18 & 19 at the Portland Waterfront
Join Oregon's Labor Movement for the Portland Pride Festival on Saturday, July 18, and at the Parade on Sunday, July 19, as we march in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ siblings and demonstrate our commitment to defending the rights of all Oregon workers. It's more important than ever that Oregon Labor shows our unwavering support as allies.
Please RSVP here to march in the parade.
Bread and Roses: Verses for the 99%
July 24 from 6-9pm at Musicians Union Local 99
Bread and Roses: Verses for the 99% is an ongoing arts performance showcase for union members and all those struggling against forces of oppression. If you have an original labor song, a set of poems meant for the world to hear, a passage from a book you must share, or some other artistic talent to showcase, we would love to see it. Show up, sign up, and speak your truth.
July 25, 2026, 1:00pm, Oregon Education Association in Portland
Join us on July 25th for the OLCS Summer BBQ! There will be lawn games, BBQ brisket, cold drinks, and some summer solidarity!
Must Read
Business Interests Risk Reversing Legislature’s Work to Restore Workplace
and Civil Rights Enforcement, and Puts Worker Protections at Risk
July 16, 2026 | Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
The Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO issued the following press release in response to Oregon Business & Industry, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and the Portland Metro Chamber filed a lawsuit in Oregon Tax Court challenging the constitutionality of HB 4027 (2025).
Oregon Labor News
Classified employees extend contract
July 13, 2026 | Daily Barometer
On the last day of their contract’s coverage, classified employees at Oregon State and other public universities agreed to extend the union’s contract through Aug. 31.
Union member: Labor talks with Oregon Trail Electric set for early August
July 10, 2026 | Blue Mountain Eagle
A representative of the union that represents about 40 employees from Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative, including journeyman linemen, said negotiations are scheduled for Aug. 4-6 in the union’s dispute with the cooperative based in Baker City.
Federal NEWS
AFL-CIO Demands Accountability After ICE Killings of Workers in Texas, Maine
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler issued the following statement in response to the fatal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shootings in Houston and Biddeford, Maine.
New research shows unionized construction crews are more cost-efficient, on-time
July 13, 2026 | The Sacramento Bee
In a recent study, researchers Larissa Petrucci and Matthew Hinkel found that Sacramento County public works projects led by unionized contractors were less expensive and more on-time than those led by non-union contractors.
The case for tripling union membership
Imagine union membership tripling in the United States. It may sound radical—if you’ve forgotten history. In fact, more than 1 in 3 private-sector workers belonged to a union in the 1950s. The results? Wages grew in tandem with the economy.