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.

“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.

Local Bargaining 2025 Kickoff

Local bargaining for the 2025-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement will begin in late February, kicking off with our first negotiation session with mangement. We appreaciate all of the feedback we've recieved in surveys and conversations and are developing proposals that match the needs and priorities of the membership. 

If you have not joined as a full member, it is not too late! Our strength at the bargaining table is directly impacted by our membership. We have strength in numbers! Don't forget to add your personal email to recieve impartant updates.

SACU Workers Launch Vote of No Confidence Against ODHS Director

Workers from the Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU), represented by Oregon AFSCME Local 1264, have announced a vote of no confidence against Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Director Fariborz Pakseresht. 

Benton County Workers Strike To Continue For Third Day

Benton County workers represented by AFSCME Local 2064, will continue their strike today, Friday, November 15th, for the third day. Workers will congregate outside the Benton County Courthouse at 8am and march to Madison Avenue Building where union and county bargaining representatives will meet for their final day of mediation. Mediation is being held off County property so no one has to cross a picket line. At the same time, the Benton County Commission will meet following their canceled meeting Thursday.

Benton County Commission Cancels Special Labor Negotiations Meeting At Last Minute

In the middle of the Benton County workers’ strike, the Benton County Board of Commissioners canceled a special meeting focused on discussing the ongoing contract negotiations with AFSCME Local 2064.

Between canceling the meeting and the slew of unfair labor practices the union has filed, the County is employing a law firm seemingly intent on elongating the strike.

Benton County Workers Strike Over Unfair Wages

Benton County workers represented by AFSCME Local 2064, will go on strike today, Wednesday, November 13th at 6:30am. After months of bargaining for a fair contract, county workers are going on strike for wage increases and safety protections.