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1 and 9—the anti-worker initiatives—as well as the chief petitioners for several revenue-raising initiatives, have withdrawn their proposed initiatives for the 2014 ballot.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 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.
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.
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.
“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.
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 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.”
AFT-Oregon gathered faculty, students, staff, union and community advocates to brainstorm on ways to help solve the dire problem of rising student debt, as the state continues the trend of disinvestment in Oregon’s public higher education institutions. The session was part of AFT-Oregon’s effort to engage the public and elected leaders in finding a solution to this issue which affects our workplaces, communities and economy.
Dear Members,
After slashing PERS benefits by $800-million last spring, Oregon’s legislature has added insult to injury this week by making additional cuts to cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments for PERS retirees in a special session called by Governor Kitzhaber. Overtime, these laws will raid PERS pensions of $4.6 billion in benefits and create a future of uncertainty for seniors who held up their end of the bargain by working hard to provide quality education and other vital public services for our communities.
Sitton Elementary School in North Portland is one of 21 schools nationwide to receive a $5,000 AFL-CIO Adopt-A-School grant.