News

Understanding the Strategic Plan

In order for an organization to succeed, regardless of its mission, that organization must have in place a plan for its future. AFT-Oregon is no different. We are in the midst of developing our strategic plan which will carry our organization into the future.

It’s been nothing but victories for the AFT-Oregon workers at Southwestern Oregon Community College.

After Southwestern Oregon Community College Classified Federation (SWOCCCF) local 3972’s back pay victory the members of Southwestern Oregon Community College Federation of Teachers (SWOCCFT) local 3190 won a former professor’s job back.

“We spent a lot of time trying to figure out what was going on and the college made getting accurate information a hassle,” President of SWOCCFT, local 3190, Bernadette Kapocias said.

As all education and health professionals know, people never really stops learning once they finish their education. There are always new studies and new techniques to brush up on.

The same goes for union work, which is why AFT prides itself on our constantly updated and relevant trainings.

“Unions stand up for workers even if they’re not in the bargaining unit … technically.”

This was the mindset of Southwestern Oregon Community College Classified Federation (SWOCCCF), local 3972, President Vickie Brumit, and the rest of the local’s classified employees when they challenged the classification of five test proctors at their college.

For years, the college hid the proctors from the unit claiming they were not classified employees and not subject to the union contract.

The union workers of Western Oregon University from both Western Oregon University Federation of Teachers local 2278 and SEIU local 503 gathered together to host a unity event as they continue their contract negotiations with the university June 9.

Approximately 60 union workers and their supporters gathered to have lunch, and to challenge the university to provide both groups a fair contract that demonstrates their value to their workplace.

At the rally leaders from both the unions spoke to the AFT-Oregon blue and the SEIU purple shirt wearing attendees encouraging them to continue the fight

^{AFT-Oregon and OSEA retiree member Everice Moro testifies against the PERS cuts in 2013. Photo by Micheal Platt/OSEA}

“I’m just one little old lady who said ‘hey, this isn’t right.’”

With that mindset, that’s how AFT-Oregon and OSEA retiree member Everice Moro’s name ended up on one of Oregon’s most controversial lawsuits, a lawsuit that went all the way to the Oregon Supreme Court and was decided April 30. The Oregon Supreme Court ruled that the state must pay all of the pensions promised through the Public Employees Retirement System, or PERS.

The decision deems SB 822 and SB 861 the two bills

Local 111 organizes more than 111!

Portland Federation of School Professionals', local 111, organizing campaign reached an all-time high last week when their new member numbers hit one hundred and eleven - or 111! The same as their Local's number!

They quickly passed that goal, and are now at 118!

They have never had so many new members. All of this has been accomplished in just six months. Their hard work is certainly paying off.

Congratulations, Portland Federation of School Professionals!

^{Member count updated!}

Today the Oregon Supreme Court reaffirmed that the state must fulfill its contractual pension promises made to front-line workers and retirees.

In Moro vs the State of Oregon, the Court put to rest the notion that the state may back out of its contracts. Firefighters, teachers, nurses, public safety officers and thousands of other front-line public workers in Oregon can rest easier now, knowing the majority of their retirement is secure.

“We’re talking about the people who educate our children, care for the elderly and keep us safe—they didn’t deserve to have the rug pulled out from under

AFT-Oregon is happy to announce Julia Trist has been hired as our new Organizer.

Through her work as the SAPO she has time and time again shown her skills as an organizer.

AFT-Oregon is excited to continue to see her positive contributions and advocacy for education and workers.

GTFF member, Dana Rognlie, elected as co-chair of AFT's AGEL

GTFF, local 3544, member and AFT-Oregon Vice President Dana Rognlie was elected co-chair of AFT’s Alliance of Graduate Employee Locals (AGEL) at the AFT/NEA Joint Higher Education Conference Saturday Mar. 14.

AGEL is a subcommittee within AFT’s network of higher education locals comprised of only graduate employees locals. AGEL's mission is to advocate and address issues that specifically affect graduate employees and education.

Rognlie is passionate about addressing issues related to sexual violence and education debt.

“I am humbled and very excited to have this opportunity to continue the

Understanding the Strategic Plan

SWOCCFT, local 3190, wins back worker's job

2015 AFT Northwest Leadership Forum: Recap

SWOCCCF, local 3972, wins back pay

WOUFT local 2278 and SEIU 503 Unite to Fight

“I’m just one little old lady who said ‘hey, this isn’t right.’”

Local 111 organizes more than 111!

Oregon Supreme Court Delivers Final Word on Oregon PERS: A Victory For Working Families

AFT-Oregon welcomes new Organizer Julia Trist

GTFF member, Dana Rognlie, elected as co-chair of AFT's AGEL