Take Action

It’s Oregon’s turn to get involved.  Union members will Occupy Portland, Eugene, Bend, Ashland and Salem this week.

 Find out all the details at: http://www.occupytogether.org/actions/

Occupy Together: We are the 99%

Occupy Wall Street, and now Occupy Together, are fighting back against the corporate agenda that drove our country to recession set up its own recovery and, frankly, left everyone else by the wayside - students, minorities, the poor, union members, and the remnants of the middle class.  
 
We're glad to see so many people ready to take back our economy.  
 
Today, the movement comes to Portland and it’ll spread to cities across Oregon in the coming week (see the “Take Action” event).   After these marches we hope the pressure in Oregon will continue – because it’s time to get to work and rebuild our economy.  
 
Union members are the 99%.  And while these events were spurred by students and young people who are ready to raise their voices and stand up for economic fairness in our country, state and communities, we are committed to being by their side.  If you’re in Portland you’ll find us in North Waterfront Park and Ankeny Plaza at noon.  Find more events around Oregon here.

In Other News...

52nd Oregon AFL-CIO Convention Brings Contentious Votes, United Outcomes, to Labor Movement

Last week, delegates from Oregon’s union movement gathered in Eugene to vote on resolutions, elect leadership, take workshops, and hear from political and labor leadership about where our movement and our state are headed.  
 
Delegates put democracy to work and voted for policies that will build our power as the 2012 election approaches.  Delegates authorized a financing plan which will stabilize funds to fight anti-worker legislation and keep politicians who advocate for labor in office. A resolution calling for marriage equality was passed with overwhelming support, allowing the Oregon AFL-CIO to strongly advocate for equal treatment for all union members, including members of the LGBT community, on the job and through federal financial policies.  Delegates voted to stand up against non-union printing within our federation, to keep prison-made bread out of our schools, and to protect our postal service. Read more about resolutions and the floor debates here.
 
While no endorsement was made in the CD 1 race, one of the most exciting events at the Convention was a debate between three pro-labor candidates, State Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian, State Senator Suzanne Bonamici and State Representative Brad Witt.  You can watch the debate here to help you decide who to vote for.
 
President Tom Chamberlain and Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Byrd were both unanimously reelected and unions were awarded for organizing wins, consistent support at events, and more. Delegates were inspired to stand up and speak out through speeches by National AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt-Baker along with Senator Jeff Merkley, Oregon AFL-CIO Legislator of the Year Representative Val Hoyle, Governor John Kitzhaber and many more.  Keep an eye on our website in the coming weeks to see videos of all the speeches, and check out the first round of pictures here.

Oregon’s Young Emerging Labor Leaders Participate in NextUp Summit

A delegation of Oregon’s Young Emerging Labor Leaders, featuring members from USW, AFGE, IATSE, IBEW, and Working America joined nearly 800 young trade unionists in Minneapolis last week to gain new skills, build power and network with their peers.  
 
Workshops focusing on state battles, organizing, communication and worker empowerment were offered and each day participants had the opportunity to take action and stand up for jobs and workers’ rights.
 
Check out photos and videos from the Summit here.

Keep Trade Fair!

Thank you to everyone who called their Congressmen yesterday to fight for fair trade.  Keep up the pressure!  Click here to find out more.