News

OHSU Researchers Saved My Life

As some of you know, last year I was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma. I was very scared and was not sure what would happen.

How we are fighting for better pay, better wages, better workplaces.

Oregon AFSCME members aren’t afraid to make their voices heard. Last month, AFSCME members like you from across the state, stood up and spoke out for themselves and each other. 

OHSU Postdoctoral Researchers Announce Impasse After Bargaining Stalls

PORTLAND, OR - Postdoctoral researchers represented by Oregon AFSCME at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have announced an impasse following OHSU’s failure to produc

The Michael Arken Scholarship

The Michael Arken Scholarship

     In 2018 the chapter established the Michael Arken scholarship to honor the chapter’s founding President and long-time leader.

         Every year a $1,000.00 award is made to a student who is a relative of an AFSCME member.

         The winner is selected by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission for the Oregon Student Access Completion on behalf of the chapter. 

         To date scholarships have been awarded to:

2018 – 2019    Opal Richenberg

2019 – 2020    Kiera Dwyer

Scholarship application process

Shane Kreger thanks AFSCME Retirees for Scholarship

Dear Michael Arken and Oregon AFSCME Council,

Thank you so much for your continued support. I can tell by how much you have invested in my education that you believe in my ability to become someone great using my education.

Without this scholarship, it would be hard to find transportation to and from work and school. Time can be constrained by money, so you are helping me reach my goal of using my time to research environmental issues, explore my hobbies, and participate in on campus organizations and clubs.

Federal funding to help vulnerable Americans in danger of getting cut

Federal money for programs and services that help millions of vulnerable Americans and employ many AFSCME members could be in jeopardy next year.

AFSCME is teaming up with allies to fight drastic cuts proposed by right-wing lawmakers. More draconian proposals are likely if Donald Trump is elected president in November and his allies seize control of Congress.

New legislation would be transformational for public service workers nationwide

As labor unions gain in popularity, workers’ rights remain under threat. But while private sector workers have the right to form unions under federal law, public service workers lack that same guarantee.

Over 2,000 OHSU Research Workers File for Union Representation With Oregon AFSCME

PORTLAND, Ore. – Citing job security and OHSU’s long term plans for supporting research, a strong majority of the over 2,000 eligible biomedical research workers at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU submitted union authorization cards with the Oregon Employment Relations Board (ERB) on Friday, April 26th.

Coming Soon To A Hospital Near You, Enhanced Healthcare Language Access for Oregonians!

In a significant step towards ensuring equitable healthcare access for all Oregonians, Governor Kotek has signed SB 1578 into law. This legislation will establish a statewide portal that enables individuals on state-funded healthcare plans to seamlessly access certified health care interpreters.

AFSCME members support President Biden’s new student debt relief plans

AFSCME members support President Biden’s new student debt relief plans

Photo credit: The White House