Three day Strike at McKenzie Willamette Hospital
McKenzie-Willamette caregivers announced plans last Friday to go on strike September 10-12. A majority of its 400 workers, represented by SEIU 49, voted to authorize a strike back in mid-August. Workers will be picketing 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM on September 10, 11, and 12 at the McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center in Springfield. Allies are welcome to show up in support.
Residents, allies show up to keep Patrician housing
Last night the Springfield City Council had its first quasi-judicial hearing on the proposal by Patrician Mobile Home Park property owner to rezone it to mixed use from residential. This would allow it to host businesses on the property in addition to potentially kicking out some if not all current residents. Multiple residents along with housing advocates, former and current politicians representing the area urged the city to deny the proposed rezoning and protect the residents. The park houses 130 residents, mostly seniors, a population that nationally takes up the biggest share of the unhoused.
Springfield City Council voted to keep public comment open. They will hold the next hearing on September 16 at 7 PM in Springfield City Hall
Recommended reads
Labor disputes across Oregon heat up on Labor Day On the union activity around the state, the summer after Janus v. AFSCME.
The Lost Clause—Why is the University of Oregon paying a million bucks to a school that discriminates against gay students? Two Utah State students, along with a Professor at the university question why the University of Oregon doesn’t apply it’s non-discrimination standards to its contract with BYU, a school that bans same-sex partnerships between its students.
A Striking Difference—Union organization benefits workers around Oregon Stefan Ostrach of the Oregon Working Families Party and the looming and possible strikes around the county and the worker power they wield.
UFCW 555 reports that workers are being intimidated after they cancelled the Fred Meyer central checkout contract last week.
The week ahead
Friday, 5:30 PM: UO Outlaws and NLG Mixer at Spectrum
Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM: McKenzie-Willamette caregivers picket
Wednesday, 11 AM – 10 PM: Fundraiser for CLDC at Oakshire Brewing Public House