News

Oregon State Workers Demand Recognition of Indigenous People’s Day as a Paid Holiday

Salem, OR — For the third consecutive bargaining cycle, Oregon state workers represented by Oregon AFSCME have called on state leadership to honor Indigenous People’s Day with a paid holiday.

Alyssa’s Grievance Victory Started with Notes | Oregon AFSCME Member Story

When Alyssa Ledesma first joined Oregon AFSCME Local 328, she did it on the advice of a colleague, without knowing how helpful having a union can be.

Member Action Saves DEQ Program

In Oregon, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the state agency responsible for restoring and maintaining the quality of our air, land, and water.

Oregon AFSCME Local 3295 never quits!

Oregon State Hospital members spent time with representative Charlie Conrad to speak about what it means to be an employee at OSH, from the unique challeges to the way employees prove to be heros everyday. Deputy District Attorney of Lane County, Christopher Parosa, was also in attendance to hear these stories. 

Interested in getting more involved? Reach out to your coucil rep or local president!

2023 Legislative Session

Legislative Session 2023

Victory for SACU: Workers Fight Back Massive Cuts

In a major win for workers at the Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU), represented by Oregon AFSCME Local 1246, workers successfully pushed back against devastating cuts proposed in the Governor’s Recommended Budget for 2025–27. 

The Governor’s recommended budget slashed SACU’s funding in half, which would shutter half the residential homes and eliminate 372 jobs. Even more alarming, ODHS proposed a drastic shift in the mission of SACU without input from the people who matter most: the residents, their families, or the staff who care for them every day.

AFSCME Local 88 To Multnomah County Commissioners: Stop the layoffs!

Portland, OR – Speaking in front of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, Oregon AFSCME Local 88 Vice President Hilary Zust spoke out against proposed layoffs, highlighting the county’s stronger than expected financials.

“Laying off staff right now is unnecessary and harmful, especially when County financial results consistently turn out better than what’s forecast” said Zust, a Human Service Investigator in DCHS Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Legacy Emanuel, Mount Hood and Randall Workers Vote Overwhelmingly to Unionize

Portland, OR – Professional workers at Legacy Emanuel, Mount Hood, and Randall Children’s Hospital have voted to form unions with Oregon AFSCME. The elections resulted in overwhelming victories: Emanuel workers voted 93 to 14 in favor, Randall workers voted 57 to 2 and Mt. Hood workers voted 52 to 1. 

These wins mark a major step forward for frontline healthcare professionals fighting for a stronger voice in the workplace, improved staffing, and better working conditions across the Legacy Health system.

OHSU Biomedical Researchers Urge Legislature To Demand Congress Fund Life-Saving Research

SALEM, OR - Biomedical researchers from OHSU testified in front of the House Committee on Rules on April 9th, advocating for House Joint Memorial 6 (HJM 6), which urges Congress to prioritize strong annual federal funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). HJM 6 further urges Congress to increase investments in cutting-edge medical research through grants from the NIH to research institutions.

New Avenues For Youth Workers Settle First Contract

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PORTLAND, OR - After over 16 months bargaining their first contract, New Avenues for Youth (NAFY) workers have reached a tentative agreement with management on a three year contract, averting a one day unfair labor practice strike scheduled for April 1st.

NAFY workers serve some of the Portland area’s most vulnerable youth, assisting them in finding housing, education and job training.

Local Table Bargaining Update #1 2025-2027

Hi there! 

We met with management in late February and again in mid March. We've presented several proposals reflective of your priorities around training, safety, employee opportunities and more. As we wait for management to counter on these proposals, and prepare our final proposals to be presented at the beginning of April, don't forget to wear green and your AFSCME merch on Tuesdays to support your bargaining team. 

We'll keep you updated on our progress as we move along and get responses.

In solidarity,