AFT Oregon

Oregon Virtual Academy Teachers Seek Union Recognition

NORTH BEND, OR — Teachers at the Oregon Virtual Academy (ORVA) in North Bend today presented a petition to the Board asking for recognition of their newly formed union, ORVA Educators United (OEU). The petition, signed by nearly 80% of ORVA’s teachers, asks the Board to voluntarily recognize the new union at its next meeting on Tuesday, June 8.

OEU, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, formed because teachers seek a real voice in decisions to improve student success and to be able to collectively bargain over issues like equity, transparency, competitive compensation packages, and increased workloads. These conditions have resulted in instructor turnover rates above 20% annually.

AFT-Oregon is relieved that the policeman who murdered George Floyd is being held accountable, and hopeful that this verdict will be a sea change moment in the struggle for equal justice for all people. We also recognize that this verdict is not justice.

The AFT-Oregon Member Organizer Institute is seeking member organizers—AFT members who want to develop their organizing skills to build their union through outreach to other employees about their issues, rights in the workplace and how we can improve our lives and communities together as union members.