AFL-CIO Convention: Gourley Wins Historic Election, PERS Accountability Resolution Passes
The Oregon AFL-CIO held its convention Sept. 19-22 in Seaside, Ore. The Oregon AFL-CIO is a federation of labor unions, including OSEA. It exists to further the Oregon labor movement, improve the lives of union members through collective bargaining and advance the interests of working people.
The OSEA Board of Directors, as well as some members and staff, attended the convention alongside delegates representing more than 100,000 union members across Oregon.
Lisa Gourley is Elected At-Large Vice President to Oregon AFL-CIO Executive Committee, a First for OSEA
OSEA President Lisa Gourley won an historic election at the Oregon AFL-CIO Convention last week, to become the first OSEA member ever to serve as at-large vice president on the executive committee. Gourley holds the AFT affiliate seat.
“I am honored to serve on the AFL-CIO executive committee,” Gourley said. “I look forward to using my experience as an OSEA member for 24 years to support the labor movement in Oregon.”
Delegates Pass PERS Accountability Resolution at Oregon AFL-CIO Convention
Delegates took action to address what many union members saw as a betrayal by lawmakers who supported attacks on the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) in 2019, after running on pro-worker campaigns. The AFL-CIO convention saw delegates vote overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution titled “Democratic Accountability Post 2019 Legislative Session.” The resolution reads, in part,
“No legislator that voted to support SB 2049 or against HB 2408 will receive support or resources from the Oregon AFL-CIO during the 2020 Primary Election… The Oregon AFL-CIO will revise its endorsement procedure for the 2020 General Election to include a more stringent process for those legislators who did not stand with workers during the 2019 Legislative Session.”
In addition, delegates voted to officially oppose ‘PERS solutions’ ballot measures which would make additional cuts to public workers’ retirement benefits.
OSEA Board of Directors Participates in “Rosie the Riveter” Flash Mob to Support Wage Equity for Fred Meyer Employees
UFCW Local 555, which represents grocery store workers in Oregon, has called attention to the fact that Fred Meyer is habitually paying women who work in their stores less than men. While attending the Oregon AFL-CIO convention, OSEA Board members showed worker solidarity by dressing as Rosie the Riveter and holding signs outside of the Seaside Fred Meyer.
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