News

Oregon State Workers Demand Recognition of Indigenous People’s Day as a Paid Holiday

Salem, OR — For the third consecutive bargaining cycle, Oregon state workers represented by Oregon AFSCME have called on state leadership to honor Indigenous People’s Day with a paid holiday.

Alyssa’s Grievance Victory Started with Notes | Oregon AFSCME Member Story

When Alyssa Ledesma first joined Oregon AFSCME Local 328, she did it on the advice of a colleague, without knowing how helpful having a union can be.

Member Action Saves DEQ Program

In Oregon, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the state agency responsible for restoring and maintaining the quality of our air, land, and water.

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 produce a mutually acceptable agreement since the start of bargaining in September 2023. This decision comes after months of negotiations aimed at improving working conditions and securing fair compensation for the dedicated researchers.

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

Security when it matters: Pay raises for unionized workers reached multi-decade high in 2023

The last few years have seen a rise in worker momentum, with unionized workers raising their voices to demand higher pay, safer working conditions and more.

Biden forgives student loans for an additional 78,000 public service workers

AFSCME President Lee Saunders praised the White House’s announcement Thursday that the Biden administration will forgive student loans for an additional 78,000 borrowers — including many AFSCME members — under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.