Weekly Update: Congratulations! What's Next?

Take Action

We're one election down, two to go, in Oregon this year. Now is the time to start planning for the primary. We don't want you to come to an event, or even read up on candidates - yet. But we do think now is the time to figure out how you find out about election events in your union. Talk to your union rep, your steward, or your political coordinator. Make sure your local union has a political contact and find out the best way to get information from them. That way, come the primary election, you'll be all set to get involved. Plus, read about why it's so crucial to get involved in the labor political program.

Election Night a Victory for Middle Class Families

After many long hours and miles of canvassing to get the word out about Measures 66 and 67, union members were able to celebrate last night as Measures 66 and 67 both passed by wide margins. It was a victory for middle class Oregonians - for teachers, for parents, for those of us whose parents rely on services, and those of us who provide those services. And we did it because all of you came together and fought hard for Oregon's future.

The win was so big because the largest coalition in Oregon history - over 250 unions, small businesses, community groups and organizations - fought hard for tax fairness, for our schools, for vital services, and for the Oregonians who work hard every day to teach our students and provide those services. You all stepped up to help reach out to your fellow union members and because of your help all Oregonians won.

Thank you, and congratulations!

In Other News...

What We Can Learn from Massachusetts

Last week, Republican Scott Brown defeated Democrat Martha Coakley to fill the unexpired term of US Senator Ted Kennedy. He even won the union vote by 3%. This stunning upset has given talk show hosts fodder for hours of speculation. But a poll conducted by Hart Research Associates on election night tells us the real story, and holds lessons for Oregon.

The vote was a workers' revolt, and their issue was jobs. Voters believed that the government bailout has mostly helped Wall Street, and they wanted a candidate they thought could "strengthen the economy and create more good jobs." They were not voting against Obama's health care agenda. In fact, those who knew Brown's position on health care reform were as likely to say it made them less supportive of him as more supportive! But they were concerned about a possible tax on their employer health benefits - the so-called "Cadillac tax" that Obama announced he favored during the last week of the campaign.

The lesson? Workers want a more aggressive jobs agenda, and they will vote their anger if they don't get it. The Jobs for Main Street Act (see below), with its investments in job creation and its use of leftover TARP money to help the unemployed, is a step in the right direction.

Jobs and the Economy in Oregon

During the past month, the Oregon AFL-CIO has conducted a series of worker roundtables, featuring unemployed workers telling their stories of job loss and the resulting personal and family hardships. "I lost my home," confessed a Portland construction trades worker, a single parent of two, "and my credit is ruined." "Losing my income was hard - losing work I did for 16 years and was very proud of was even harder," said a former IP worker in Albany. We heard many similar stories, full of the pain that workers feel when they can no longer support themselves or their families.

Representatives from Senator Jeff Merkeley's and Congressman Peter DeFazio's offices listened to the worker stories, asked questions and promised to support job legislation in DC. Other officials, like Rep. Tina Kotek, put forward ideas for state action - including a bill that Rep. Kotek is sponsoring to prohibit potential employers from using a credit scores to screen prospective hires.

The human face of unemployment is one that elected officials need to keep in their hearts and minds as they vote on legislation in Salem and Washington, DC. The Jobs for Main Street bill that's passed the House and will be voted on soon in the Senate could help these workers: It would extend unemployment insurance and COBRA subsidies, help stabilize public employment and create jobs in the private sector through investments in transportation and clean energy.

Oregon needs the help. At 11%, Oregon's unemployment rate is one of the highest in the country. And as Monday's Oregonian reported, the middle class is disappearing from our state as workers lose good-paying jobs to un- and under-employment. We need policies that will create jobs in the short run, and in the longer run that will reinvigorate manufacturing, protect workers' right to organize, and assure that new jobs are good jobs.

Soccer Deal a Good One for Portland Workers

Speaking of good jobs, a deal has finally been reached between the City of Portland and Merrit Paulson to turn PGE park into a major league soccer stadium. Included in the deal is a Project Labor Agreement, guaranteeing that the stadium will be built by workers who earn a family wage and get health and retirement benefits, and an agreement by the stadium operator to stay neutral during any union organizing campaign. The City Council will vote on the deal at its meeting next week.