Members bring “First Books” to area children
Members in The Dalles and Scappoose are helping to brighten the future of kids in their hometowns by giving them free books to take home through AFT's partnership with the "First Book" organization.
News
Dittrich honored at Hall of Fame for "breakaway rim"
Toby Dittrich, Local 2277 (PCCFFAP) member and physics instructor at Portland Community College was honored this week by the Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, Massachusetts, for co-invention of the “breakaway rim.” This invention revolutionized professional basketball, and made careers of many players by allowing them to show off their fancy moves, including “slam dunking” the ball, without shattering the backboard. It has also provided safety for millions who play the game for recreation.
"Safe Roads Act" and immigration reform among resolutions approved by delegates
Delegates to Convention breezed through proposed constitution and bylaws amendments and resolutions in the Saturday general session. The following are a list of action approved in Saturday’s general session.
President Rives: “We Must Continue to Build a Movement for Real Change”
“This last year has been a wake-up call for many in Oregon’s labor movement,” said David Rives, AFT-Oregon President in his State of the Union address to convention delegates. Rives was referring to AFT-Oregon members’ response to a recent threat of an anti-worker ballot initiative which was ultimately withdrawn.
Rodriguez and Lowndes appointed to Executive Council
Jaime Rodriguez, longtime activist and member of Local 2277 (PCCFFAP) was appointed to fill the AFT-Oregon Vice-President for Political Action seat. Sarah Grider, Local 3922 (PCCFCE) stepped down last month from the position after resigning from her position at PCC to finish a bachelors degree through Marylhurst University in Lake Oswego. Rodriguez was the 2013 recipient of the AFT-Oregon John Connor Award for his tireless work on numerous election campaigns.
Ramirez brings message of solidarity to convention delegates
Ramon Ramirez, President of the Northwest Treeplanters and Farmworkers United (PCUN) and CAUSA brought a message of the importance of community engagement and solidarity among unions.
Mayo-Kelley brings her experience and enthusiasm to AFT-Oregon
AFT-Oregon welcomed Debra Mayo-Kelley as the new field representative in February. Mayo-Kelley brings a wealth of experience from her previous union leadership role and staff positions as field representative and organizing director.
President Rives on Withdrawal of Anti-worker Initiatives in Oregon
Chief petitioners for Initiative Petitions 1 and 9—the anti-worker initiatives—as well as the chief petitioners for several revenue-raising initiatives, have withdrawn their proposed initiatives for the 2014 ballot.
Members bring joy to children through Presents from Partners event
Members from Local 111 (PFSP), AFT-Oregon Retirees and AFT Local 5017 (OFNHP) helped to make Presents from Partners’ Holiday Toy Drive a smashing success. Over 240 kids participated this year. Many are homeless, or their families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, with little opportunities.
CGE fundraiser sets new record to assist needy families
Local 6069 (CGE), with help from Local 3544 (GTFF) members raised a record $5555.55 for the Linn-Benton food share this fall at the annual Civil War Brew-Off. CGE organizes and hosts the annual event as a fun way to network with other graduate employees and show-off their beer brewing talents, while benefiting needy families in the area.