On January 27, 2024 nearly 100 union members, leaders, and staff gathered at the Oregon Labor Center for a day-long training designed to increase the effectiveness of Oregon Labor’s ability to plan, organize, and execute strikes and credible strike threats in order to secure collective bargaining wins. With workers in attendance representing every sector of our state’s diverse workforce and economy, this event is sure to have an impact on contract negotiations to benefit thousands of Oregonians.
Strike School began with inspiring and informative remarks from Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor and Secretary-Treasurer Sarina Roher, RN highlighting the vast potential of Strike School as well as encapsulating the many victories the Labor Movement won in 2023 through strikes and strike threats.
“Strike School was a first for Oregon Labor and it certainly won’t be last,” said Graham Trainor, Oregon AFL-CIO President. “When unions from across the state spanning industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, retail, and the building and construction trades come together we always see incredible advancements in our fight to build a fair and just economy for all working people.”
Participants learned about building contract action teams, using contract campaigns effectively, ramping up pressure through leverage strategies, communicating with the public, preparing to strike, and ratifying contracts. After a day of training, networking, sharing best practices, and enjoying the spirit of solidarity, participants left feeling ready to fight for their members and to continue to build greater power for Oregon’s working class.