News

On February 13, 2023, the referendum ballots were counted in the presence of four observers, and the referendum has passed by a vote of 578 to 61. This means that all future AFT-Oregon conventions will be hybrid events, so that local delegates and alternates can attend either in-person or remotely. Interested members will be able to watch the convention online.  MORE

Shaun Cain, a professor at Eastern Oregon University, tells how he saved over $21,000 by applying for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. He also offers tips on how you can succeed in getting your loans forgiven if you qualify. The deadline to apply is Oct. 31, 2022. MORE

The Oregon Coast United Employees (OCUE 6020) approved a contract with Oregon Coast Community College this week. After months of bargaining ended in an impasse, negotiations went into mediation. During the third mediation session, a tentative agreement was finally reached. Nearly two-thirds of the union members then approved the contract, which ratified the collective bargaining agreement with the college. MORE

The Associated Academic Professionals (AAP 6200) approved a contract with Eastern Oregon University this week. After months of tough negotiations, AAP members received both pay and step increases. They also preserved an important protection for tenured faculty members. MORE

At our recent Spring Training event, President Jaime Rodriguez announced the recipients of the AFT-Oregon 2022 Scholarships and Local Awards. Congratulations to the winners! MORE

See what AFT-Oregon locals have been up to in this video compliation from the last 10 years. MORE

Each year, AFT-Oregon offers union training to its local members at “Winter School.” Due to the pandemic, we have moved this year’s training to April 30 at the Salem Convention Center, and we’re calling it “Spring Training.” MORE

April 4, 2022 was a national day of action on Canceling Student Debt. Here are highlights of the rally at Portland State University. MORE

Recently, there have been significant changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) at both the federal level and state level, which significantly increase the number of folks who are now eligible. AFT and AFT-Oregon are once again offering the helpful and popular Student Debt Clinics in April. MORE

The Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation, AFT Local 3544, has filed an Unfair Labor Practice claim against the University of Oregon for unilaterally imposing new COVID-19-related workplace policies without negotiation. The UO announced through email a new recording requirement for graduate employees (GEs) who teach in-person classes, directly affecting 950 GEs who have teaching appointments. A new policy that requires employees to be recorded while working is a clear change in working conditions, and changes to working conditions are a mandatory topic of bargaining, meaning the employer cannot unilaterally institute such a policy. MORE