Among Oregon’s seven higher education institutions, only one holds court in the state’s largest city: the financially troubled Portland State University. PSU’s mission differs from those of its six peers, and so does its student body. Nearly half of PSU students transfer from community colleges. Fully 40 percent are the first in their families to attend college. Many are working adults or caregivers juggling jobs and classes. The university educates the people who power Oregon’s workforce:...

By Don McIntosh, Editor, NW Labor Press If you step aside from the recent drama, and adjust your focus away from the off-and-on quarreling, that fact is that the first year of Portland’s new city council was a breakthrough for organized labor. From day one a strong majority of Portland City Council — arguably even all 12 members — showed pro-union convictions in large and small ways. They passed ordinances aimed at defending working people. And they regularly took and acted on feedback from...

After months of negotiations with Kaiser, management is still unwilling to agree to common sense proposals that would preserve the future of patient care. With Kaiser having made more than $12.9 billion net revenue last year and CEO Greg Adams making more than $12 million a year in salary, Kaiser can afford to invest in patients and health care workers. What are we asking for? Safe staffing Patient access and adequate appointment lengths A voice in our workplace Wages that attract and retain...