The Voice of Oregon's Workers

Two champions for working people – State Rep. Rob Nosse who represents parts of South and North East Portland and State Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon who represents Woodburn join us to talk about their experience running for office and serving in the legislature as union members and advocates for working people. Click here to learn more about State Rep. Nosse’s campaign Click here to learn about the Oregon Labor Candidate School Guests State Representative Teresa Alonso Leon, House District 22 State Representative Rob Nosse, House District 42 Credits Introduction from Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain Hosted by Oregon AFL-CIO Chief of Staff Graham Trainor Produced by Oregon AFL-CIO Communications Director Russell Sanders

In this episode we discuss how Oregon unions and worker advocates are approaching social and racial justice and the intersection of the fight for civil and economic rights. Get the inside scoop on how Oregon AFSCME is training members to be advocates for social and racial justice, and learn more about the Oregon AFL-CIO’s vision for a truly antiracist and equitable labor movement.  To learn more about Oregon AFSCME, please visit www.oregonafscme.org To learn more about the Oregon AFL-CIO & find racial justice resources for your union, please visit www.oraflcio.org/racialjustice GuestsCeleste Jones, Strategic Alignment Director, Oregon AFSCME Graham Trainor, President, Oregon AFL-CIO CreditsHosted & Produced by Russell Sanders, Communications Director, Oregon AFL-CIO Introduction by Graham Trainor, President, Oregon AFL-CIO PAID FOR & AUTHORIZED BY THE OREGON AFL-CIO .  

We’re kicking off 2021 with an inside look at how Oregon unions plan to make progress for workers in our state legislature!  Oregon AFL-CIO Political Director Jess Giannettino Villatoro and Lead Political & Policy Strategist Catie Theisen share their depth of advocacy experience and what they expect to see happen in Salem - even if it’s all on Zoom - this year. We discuss priority bills, the threat of violent extremism at the capital, and how union members can make a huge difference in passing critical policies by speaking out.  Discussed in this episode:2021 Oregon Labor Lobby Day Rep. Dacia Grayber shows how to get engaged in the legislative process on her twitter page Northwest Accountability ProjectRep. Mike Nearman makes national headlines for letting rioters into the Oregon Capitol CREDITS GuestsJess Giannettino Villatoro, Oregon AFL-CIO Political DirectorCatie Theisen,  Oregon AFL-CIO Lead Political & Policy SpecialistHosted & Produced by Russell Sanders, Oregon AFL-CIO Communications DirectorIntroduction by Graham Trainor, Oregon AFL-CIO PresidentPAID FOR & AUTHORIZED BY THE OREGON AFL-CIO 

On our last episode of the year, we talk with Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor to look at how Oregon’s unions stepped up in 2020.  From winning for workers at the ballot box to advocating for workplace safety measures against COVID-19, it has been a year of standing together - united against the challenges of 2020.  We also discuss how the lessons learned in 2020 will help push the Oregon Labor Movement to new heights in 2021 and beyond. Discussed in this episode:Phone Bank for Georgia Senate Races: https://bit.ly/oregon2georgiaLearn about Oregon OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19, report workplace violations, and more: http://www.oraflcio.org/osha CREDITSHosted & Produced by Russell Sanders, Oregon AFL-CIO Communications DirectorIntroduction by Graham Trainor, Oregon AFL-CIO President 

America faces a crisis on three critical fronts: a public health pandemic, an economic free fall and long-standing structural racism. Working people need safe jobs, economic security and freedom from systemic racism. Delivering on economic essentials included in the HEROES Act is an absolute minimum requirement for stopping the free fall into even deeper and deadly racial inequality.On this episode of The Voice of Oregon's Workers we bring you to a virtual town hall held on July 24 with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor, and a panel of frontline workers to discuss why the HEROES Act can't wait any longer. Learn more & take action: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/heroesact?source=oraflcio

On this month's episode, we interview State Senator and candidate for Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan!  A proven progressive champion with a long history of fighting for working people, Senator Fagan puts advocating for workers first and has earned the Oregon AFL-CIO's endorsement for Secretary of State.Her work as a public servant includes raising the minimum wage, expanding paid sick leave, creating a paid family medical leave program, and passing a historic law protecting workers from sexual harassment and discrimination at work. Learn more at Shemiafororegon.com.The Oregon 2020 Primary Election is one week away!  Ballots are due by 8pm on Tuesday, November 19.  Click here to learn more. Guests:State Senator Shemia Fagan, Candidate for Oregon Secretary of State Jess Giannettino Villatoro, Political & Legislative Director, Oregon AFL-CIO Credits:Hosted & Produced by Russell Sanders, Communications Director, Oregon AFL-CIO Introduction by Graham Trainor, President, Oregon AFL-CIO

On April 28th, we remember and mourn the Oregonians who died on the job as a result of workplace injuries and illness in 2019, and we recommit ourselves to protecting working people from injury and disease on the job.  This issue has never been more relevant than it is right now amidst a global pandemic, and Oregon’s unions will never stop advocating for the safest workplaces possible.If you’re on Facebook please join us at noon for the ceremony by clicking here.If you’re not on Facebook, you can watch the video on YouTube by clicking here.   

Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor and Oregon AFL-CIO Political Director Jess Giannettino Villatoro talk about Coronavirus COVID-19, how the spread of it is impacting working people, and what you can do, right now, to help frontline workers.For resources, ways to take action, and more please visit www.oraflcio.org. Credits:Hosted & Produced by Russell Sanders, Communications Director, Oregon AFL-CIO Introduction by Graham Trainor, President, Oregon AFL-CIO

On this episode of The Voice of Oregon’s Workers we talk with David Norton, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 82 and Suzanne Miller, Shop Steward and editor of Branch 82’s newsletter.  We discuss the importance of defending the rights and dignity of Letter Carriers, the latest threats in Congress, and how NALC members go above and beyond to serve their communities. Links Discussed in this Episode:Take Action to Protect U.S. Postal Service Employees: https://oraflcio.org/actions/2019/12/18/protect-our-postal-serviceLearn More About NALC Priority Congressional Bills and Resolutions: https://www.nalc.org/government-affairs/nalc-priority-congressional-bills-and-resolutionsLeave Positive Feedback About Your Letter Carrier: Go to www.usps.com, scroll down to the bottom, under ‘Helpful Links’ click on ‘Feedback’ and follow the prompts. Credits:Guests: David Norton, President, NALC Branch 82 and Suzanne Miller, Shop Steward and Newsletter Editor, NALC Branch 82Hosted & Produced by Russell Sanders, Communications Director, Oregon AFL-CIO Introduction by Graham Trainor, President, Oregon AFL-CIO

On this month’s episode we catch up with A.J. Mendoza, the President of Communications Workers of America Local 7901 to talk about creating inclusivity in the labor movement, organizing workers at non-profits, why video game workers are fighting for a union, and much more!Links to campaigns and organizations mentioned in this episode: Learn more about CODE CWAWatch the Q Center workers announce their union CWA Local 7901 website, FacebookPortland Jobs with Justice website, Facebook Credits:Guest: A.J. Mendoza, President, CWA Local 7901 and Communications Specialist, Portland Jobs with JusticeHosted & Produced by Russell Sanders, Communications Director, Oregon AFL-CIO Introduction by Graham Trainor, President, Oregon AFL-CIO 

On the final 2019 episode of The Voice of Oregon’s Workers we talk with Robert Camarillo, Executive Secretary for the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council and Noah Jones, Apprenticeship Instructor for the Cement Masons Local 555 about registered apprenticeship programs through Building Trades unions.  Often called ‘the original four-year degree’ or ‘the other four-year degree,’ a union apprenticeship is a time-honored way to learn a trade while earning a living.  It’s a debt-free way of starting a career that is also critically important to our national, state and local economies. Click here to learn more about becoming an apprentice in Oregon on Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council’s website. Click here to learn more about why apprenticeships are important on North America’s Building Trades Unions’ website. Guests Robert Camarillo, Executive Secretary, Oregon State Building and Construction Trades CouncilNoah Jones, Apprenticeship Instructor, Cement Masons Local 555 Episode CreditsIntroduction by Graham Trainor, President, Oregon AFL-CIOHosted & produced by Russell Sanders, Communications Director, Oregon AFL-CIO

On this month’s episode of The Voice of Oregon’s Workers we talk with Denise Piza from Causa Oregon and Oregon Ready, and Alma Raya Santana from the Oregon AFL-CIO to discuss the work happening in Oregon to defend the rights of immigrants.  We discuss the potential changes to Public Charge, the future of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program and how unions, supporters and advocates can help with this important issue.Learn more about immigration resources:https://oregonimmigrationresource.org/https://causaoregon.org/GuestsDenise Piza, Oregon Ready Coalition Manager, Causa Oregon  Alma Raya Santana, Lead Organizer & Legislative Specialist, Oregon AFL-CIOCreditsIntroduction by Graham Trainor, President, Oregon AFL-CIO Hosted & Produced by Russell Sanders, Communications Director Oregon AFL-CIO  

On this episode of The Voice of Oregon's Workers we talk with three incredible Graduate Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University about their fight for a fair contract and what it means to stand together for dignity and respect as Graduate Researchers United.   How to Support Graduate Researchers UnitedAttend a picket in Portland at the SW Waterfront by the Portland Aerial Tram on Tuesday, November 19th from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.Share this podcast on social media using the hashtag #Blue4GRULearn more about GRU by clicking here. GuestsDanielle MatheisonSam PapadakisAlina KrollenbrockCredits Introduction by Graham Trainor, Oregon AFL-CIO President Hosted & Produced by Russell Sanders, Oregon AFL-CIO Communications Director 

On this month’s episode we’re bringing you a panel discussion from the Oregon AFL-CIO Convention which adjourned on Sunday, September 22.  The panel includes a video which can be viewed here. The panel covers the importance of using a workers’ preferred pronouns and how unions can embrace this step toward greater inclusivity.  Panelists: Zackariah Sloane, AFSCME 3580 (they/them/theirs) Sam Hughes, UFCW 555 (they/them/theirs) A.J. Mendoza, CWA 7901(he/him/his) Moderated by Dominic Lopez, Basic Rights Oregon (he/him/his)Credits:Produced and recorded by Russell Sanders, Oregon AFL-CIO Communications Director (he/him/his)

On this episode of The Voice of Oregon's Workers we catch up with Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain who, in a few short weeks, will be retiring.  Tom talks about his path to becoming President, how the Oregon union movement has changed under his leadership, and how today's workers can stand together to build tomorrow's power. Credits Guest: Tom Chamberlain, President, Oregon AFL-CIOHosted & Produced by Russell Sanders, Communications Director, Oregon AFL-CIO 

On this month’s episode we talk to the leaders of AFSCME Local 328.  Local 328’s nearly 7,000 members make the Oregon Health and Sciences University run and they have just declared impasse in bargaining for the first time in over 20 years. Learn about how Local 328 is organizing and fighting for a fair contract, and how their struggle is part of a wave of activism and collective action that is sweeping Oregon and the country. GuestsMatt Hilton, President, AFSCME Local 328 Michael Stewart, Vice President, AFSCME Local 328Credits Introduction by Tom Chamberlain, President, Oregon AFL-CIO Hosted by Graham Trainor, Chief of Staff, Oregon AFL-CIOProduced by Russell Sanders, Communications Director, Oregon AFL-CIO 

On this month's episode we sit down with UFCW Local 555 to talk about their fight for a fair contract and pay equity for thousands of grocery workers in Oregon and Southwest Washington.  Take Action & Learn More To learn more about The Women of 555, please click visit https://www.ufcw555.org/the-women-of-555/ To sign a petition supporting UFCW's campaign, please visit https://ufcw555.salsalabs.org/standwiththeworkersoflocal555/index.htmlCredits Guests: Dan Clay, President, UFCW Local 555Kelley McAllister, Communications Director, UFCW Local 555Melody Gramley and Ann Poff, UFCW Local 555 members Introduction by Tom Chamberlain, President, Oregon AFL-CIOHosted by Graham Trainor, Chief of Staff, Oregon AFL-CIO Produced by Russell Sanders, Communications Director, Oregon AFL-CIO 

On this month's episode of The Voice of Oregon's Workers, we discuss the recent fight over the city of Portland's budget cuts to the Parks and Recreation Bureau.We sit down with an organizer and member leaders from Laborers' Local 483 who detail the recent campaign to defend key services that Portlanders depend on, and the important jobs that make the city work. Although these budget cuts were passed, this fight for fairness and key public services continues.

On this episode of The Voice of Oregon's Workers, we sit down with the Oregon AFL-CIO legislative team to discuss how Oregon's unions are leading the fight for working people in Oregon's Capitol Building. From fighting for the rights of all workers to strengthening unions, our efforts in Salem stand as an example of why the Oregon AFL-CIO is a strong voice for Oregon's workers. Learn more about our work in Salem:https://oraflcio.org/salemLearn more about our 2019 Labor Lobby Day on March 19:https://oraflcio.org/lobbydayJoin our Legislative Action Team: https://oraflcio.org/actionteamGuests Jess Giannettino Villatoro, Oregon AFL-CIO Political Director Alma Raya Santana, Oregon AFL-CIO Lead Organizer & Legislative Specialist CreditsIntroduction by Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain Hosted by Oregon AFL-CIO Chief of Staff Graham Trainor Produced by Oregon AFL-CIO Communications Director Russell Sanders

On this month’s episode of the Voice of Oregon’s Workers, we sit down with Jeff Anderson, the Secretary-Treasurer of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 to discuss the historic wins they have made for workers’ rights and what the future holds for their diverse membership of 25,000 working people.  Click here to learn more about UFCW Local 555.GuestJeff Anderson, Secretary-Treasurer, UFCW Local 555 CreditsIntroduction from Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain Hosted by Oregon AFL-CIO Chief of Staff Graham Trainor Produced by Oregon AFL-CIO Communications Director Russell Sanders