The Oregon AFL-CIO is a federation of labor unions in the state of Oregon representing over 300,000 workers. Oregon AFL-CIO members include everyone from steelworkers and building trades’ workers, to nurses and corrections officers. The main areas of focus of the Oregon AFL-CIO are political engagement; legislative advocacy; building community alliances; and helping workers organize unions in their workplaces. Working people in Oregon are still feeling the impacts of the Great Recession. Rather than high wage and middle class job growth, today’s economic recovery in Oregon is relying on low-wage, no-benefit industry growth largely in the service and retail sectors. At the same time more and more working people are having a hard time just getting by and providing for their families.
The Oregon AFL-CIO is a strong voice for all of Oregon’s workers, and the missions of the Oregon AFL-CIO and of Fair Shot for All are closely intertwined. By passing 21st century policies that create an economy that truly works for all, Oregon will be a stronger state. Every worker deserves to be able to stay home if they’re sick without losing pay; plan for a secure retirement; have a fair chance at finding employment; and be able to drive to work without fear of being profiled.
That’s why the Oregon AFL-CIO focused on Fair Shot priority policies during the 2015 Oregon Legislature, including mobilizing union members to speak up in Salem and educating both union members and working people on the solutions to the problems facing our state. These efforts were expanded through the Oregon AFL-CIO’s Oregon Strong Voice program which facilitates alliances between community and labor groups. Oregon Strong Voice chapters held town hall events and actions to educate and mobilize communities across the state on how to build a stronger Oregon through policies that give everyone a fair shot.
Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain speaking at the launch of the Fair Shot For All Coalition along with former Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Urban League of Portland, Midge Purcell.