Oregon AFSCME

More than 200 members met with elected officials, over 280 packed budget hearings, and 83 submitted public comments to make sure decision-makers heard directly from the workers who keep our communities running.

As Local 88 member Adolfo Jimenez reflected, the campaign showed the power of members organizing across locals: “Each individual has power...and how we show up. Every little thing that we do impacts our community.”

Save Our Services: Celebrating Public Service Workers After months of organizing, speaking out, and standing together, Oregon AFSCME members gathered this past weekend to celebrate a major victory: protecting hundreds of public service jobs from proposed budget cuts.

Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Katrina Hurlbut, member of Oregon AFSCME Local 2619, during this unimaginable loss.

Her son Matthew, a wildland firefighter, tragically lost his life in a motorcycle crash on August 1st. His family is now facing the emotional and financial burden of funeral expenses.

If you're able, please consider donating or sharing their GoFundMe.

Donate to Honoring Matthew Hurlbut, Fallen Firefighter, organized by Katrina Hurlbut My name is Katrina Hurlbut and I am at a loss that I wish upon no one … Katrina Hurlbut needs your support for Honoring Matthew Hurlbut, Fallen Firefighter

"We're losing talented, dedicated workers because they simply can't afford to stay here. Those of us who remain pick up the extra work, carry heavier workloads, and continue serving our community with pride. Yet we're expected to settle for wages that continue to fall behind."✊

oregonafscme.org

Theresa Alexander, a member of Local 1995 at MESD, and their spouse recently lost nearly everything in a devastating house fire. Thankfully, they made it out safely, but they're now facing the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.

If you're able, please consider donating to or sharing their GoFundMe. Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a meaningful difference. 💚

Donate to Help a Beloved Couple After House Fire, organized by Nate Alexander Help Rebuild the Lives of a Beloved Couple After a Devastating House Fire Eve… Nate Alexander needs your support for Help a Beloved Couple After House Fire

It appears OHSU would rather pay over $1.5 million in staffing violation fines than hire the necessary people to adhere to staffing plans.

OHSU Fined Over $1.5 Million for Oregon Staffing Law Violations, More Than Any Other Hospital Many more enforcement notices were pending. A spokesperson notes the complexity of the staffing requirements, and says the institution is working “in earnest” to get staffing plans approved.

In addition to the destruction the wildfires scorching our state have on the immediate area where they burn, they impact millions of people hundreds of miles from the actual flames in the form of smoke. Thanks to the work of everyone at the Department of Environmental Quality (AFSCME Local 3336), air quality monitors and alerts help protect all of us from the dangers floating through the air across the region. But work of DEQ doesn't stop when the flames are extinguished, DEQ also works to ensure our land and water quality during the cleaning up and rebuilding that follow a wildfire. Please join us in thanking our siblings at Local 3336 and everyone involved in saving lives, protecting infrastructure, fighting the flames and keeping our air, water and land clean.

When 300 AFSCME members from AFSCME Local 88, 189, 1790, and 3769 stood together against budget cuts, our voices were impossible to ignore. Together, we helped save nearly 250 public service jobs and showed what union solidarity can accomplish.

Over the weekend, we took a moment to celebrate our members, our victories, and the power we build through collective action.

Here's to good food, great company, and continuing the fight for the public services our communities depend on. 💚

Yamhill County workers are facing another tough bargaining cycle -- management has offered low wage increases and they want workers to pay more for healthcare premiums. Local 1422 is no stranger to a hard contract fight, and yesterday's bargaining rally is just the beginning!

Oregon AFSCME is incredibly grateful for everyone who is fighting the the wildfires and their effects across our state. From workers at the Oregon State Fire Marshall, Office of Emergency, Oregon Military Department and DEQ to city and county workers and healthcare providers, keeping people safe is a massive undertaking that requires an all hands approach. As we have done in past years, we will be launching a wildfire hardship fund for members with information coming soon. If you need immediate assistance please contact the Oregon AFSCME Member Services Center.

Today marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and expands equal access and opportunity.

Oregon AFSCME members like Alex Pierro help make that promise a reality. Alex is an AFSCME Local 189 member and City of Portland Public Works Construction Inspector whose work helps ensure sidewalks, curb ramps, and crosswalks are accessible for everyone. Read how his work is creating safer, more inclusive communities for all.

https://oregonafscme.org/news/celebrating-ada-ensuring-accessibility-through-public-service