News

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.

Victory for SACU: Workers Fight Back Massive Cuts

In a major win for workers at the Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU), represented by Oregon AFSCME Local 1246, workers successfully pushed back against devastating cuts proposed in the Gove

AFSCME Local 88 To Multnomah County Commissioners: Stop the layoffs!

Portland, OR – Speaking in front of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, Oregon AFSCME Local 88 Vice President Hilary Zust spoke out against pro

Oregon AFSCME Local 3295 never quits!

Oregon State Hospital members spent time with representative Charlie Conrad to speak about what it means to be an employee at OSH, from the unique challeges to the way employees prove to be heros everyday. Deputy District Attorney of Lane County, Christopher Parosa, was also in attendance to hear these stories. 

Interested in getting more involved? Reach out to your coucil rep or local president!

2023 Legislative Session

Legislative Session 2023

OHSU Biomedical Researchers Urge Legislature To Demand Congress Fund Life-Saving Research

SALEM, OR - Biomedical researchers from OHSU testified in front of the House Committee on Rules on April 9th, advocating for House Joint Memorial 6 (HJM 6), which urges Congress to prioritize strong annual federal funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). HJM 6 further urges Congress to increase investments in cutting-edge medical research through grants from the NIH to research institutions.

New Avenues For Youth Workers Settle First Contract

PORTLAND, OR - After over 16 months bargaining their first contract, New Avenues for Youth (NAFY) workers have reached a tentative agreement with management on a three year contract, averting a one day unfair labor practice strike scheduled for April 1st.

NAFY workers serve some of the Portland area’s most vulnerable youth, assisting them in finding housing, education and job training.

Local Table Bargaining Update #1 2025-2027

Hi there! 

We met with management in late February and again in mid March. We've presented several proposals reflective of your priorities around training, safety, employee opportunities and more. As we wait for management to counter on these proposals, and prepare our final proposals to be presented at the beginning of April, don't forget to wear green and your AFSCME merch on Tuesdays to support your bargaining team. 

We'll keep you updated on our progress as we move along and get responses.

In solidarity, 

“The fear is constant and overwhelming.” Workplace risk is high and safety is low according to a new report

SALEM, OR – Understaffing, extreme overtime and lack of safety protocols are creating untenable situations in the workplace, based on member survey results released today by Oregon AFSCME in their report, Unsafe on the Job. The report was released as more than 100 members came to the capitol to share their stories and call for action.
The survey findings of more than 520 AFSCME members showed:

Public Defenders Respond to DA Vasquez’s Harmful Remarks on Public Defense Crisis

PORTLAND, OR – Newly sworn-in Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez recently referred to Oregon’s public defense crisis as a “work stoppage” in an OPB interview. AFSCME Locals 2805 and 3668, representing staff attorneys, investigators, case managers, legal assistants, and office staff of Multnomah Defenders, Inc and Metropolitan Public Defenders, refute this characterization as harmful and blatantly false.

University of Pennsylvania libraries staff win union election, extending wave of unionization

Philadelphia – Penn Libraries staff, unionizing as AFSCME DC 47 Local 590 Penn Libraries United, announced this fall the results of their August election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board.