News

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.

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.

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1 and 9—the anti-worker initiatives—as well as the chief petitioners for several revenue-raising initiatives, have withdrawn their proposed initiatives for the 2014 ballot.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.

OCCC classified staff win first contract

Local 6020 (AFTOCUE): Classified employees at Oregon Coast Community College won their first contract since joining Local 6020 (AFTOCUE) last summer. The new two-year agreement includes two additional salary steps and cost-of-living increases for both years.

Why I joined the union: Tim Burgard, Local 4912 (LCCSSA)

“Joining the union was the only solution,” said Tim Burgard, one of the newest members to the Local 4912 (LCCSSA) bargaining unit of his reason for pursuing union representation for nine the LCC Campus Safety officers, and four dispatchers who work in his department. Despite his longtime union membership in previous careers, this is the first time he has been an active member. After seeing the need to be included in the union, he jumped in with both feet, leading the effort to join Local 4912.

PSU make significant gains in new contract

Local 3571 (PSUFA): After months of difficult negotiations, PSU Adjunct Faculty ratified a new contract with significant increases in benefits.

“Despite claims from management that budget cuts are imminent, we secured a significant raise, as well as increases to our professional development fund, and some important protections for Adjuncts,” said Kelly Cowan, Local 3571 (PSUFA) President.

AFT-Oregon member and Representative Michael Dembrow Sworn in as State Senator

AFT-Oregon member Michael Dembrow was sworn in as state senator by Governor John Kitzhaber on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. Dembrow was appointed Monday by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners to fill the vacant seat in Senate District 23, representing portions of NE and SE Portland.

“We are excited to welcome Michael Dembrow to the Senate,” said Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem/Gervais/Woodburn). “He’s an accomplished legislator with a wide range of legislative experience. Expectations are going to be high. I am confident he will be an outstanding Senator.”

You are here