Oregon's Union Movement

OREGON’S UNION MOVEMENT: WORKING TOGETHER FOR OREGON’S WORKING FAMILIES

The Oregon AFL-CIO leads a statewide, grassroots movement that reflects the needs and aspirations of all of Oregon’s working families. Together, we fight for:

  • Living Wages
  • Affordable, Accessible Health Care
  • Secure Retirements
  • Fair Trade
  • Safe Workplaces
  • Strong Schools and Job Training
  • Good Jobs
  • The Freedom to Form Unions and Collectively Bargain for a Better Life

The Oregon AFL-CIO works at every level to allow more Oregonians to live the American Dream—from the worksite to the ballot box, from the Legislature and local governments to Congress, in coalitions and through collective bargaining. As a non-partisan organization, we elect candidates of all political stripes to local, legislative, statewide and national office who will stand on the side of working men and women.

LEGISLATIVE & POLICY PRIORITIES

The AFL-CIO educates union members about issues that affect the daily lives of working families, and encourages them to make their voice heard for a government that works for working families. We make sure members have the latest union facts and news on workers' rights.

Our priorities include creating family-supporting jobs by investing tax dollars in schools, roads, bridges and airports; improving the lives of workers through education, job training and raising the minimum wage; keeping good jobs at home by reforming trade rules, reindustrializing the U.S. economy and redoubling efforts at worker protections in the global economy; strengthening Social Security and private pensions; making high-quality, affordable health care available to everyone; and holding corporations more accountable for their actions.

THE AFL-CIO POLITICAL EDUCATION & MOBILIZATION PROGRAM

The AFL-CIO and affiliate unions mobilize union members at the grassroots level. We encourage union members to register to vote. We also research working families' concerns about current issues, and put together information showing where candidates for all levels of elected office stand on those issues. Through networks of volunteers and activists, we get the word out to union members in every part of the country about the political and union facts they need to make informed decisions in the voting booth. The AFL-CIO also offers training for union members who want to become more involved in political life by running for office themselves.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is union political action paid for?

Partisan political activities are paid for by voluntary donations from union members.

Do unions tell their members how to vote?

No. Many national unions, central labor councils and state federations—as well as the AFL-CIO—endorse candidates for office and let their members know why they believe the endorsed candidates would do the best job for working families. But no one can tell union members how to vote—that's up to each individual.