Stoelb elected to 3rd AFT VP term

OSEA President Tim Stoelb was reelected to a third two-year term as an AFT vice president at AFT’s National Convention last week in Minneapolis. As our OSEA Board of Directors conducts the business of the association between conferences, the AFT Executive Council, chaired by AFT President Randi Weingarten, likewise conducts the business of the AFT between conventions. The council... Read More

Study: Corporate taxes don’t raise prices

  A comprehensive study shows no correlation between taxes paid by large corporations and prices paid by consumers in that same state. The new study from the Oregon Consumer League and Our Oregon studied consumer prices across state lines to find out if and how corporate taxes affected those prices. “A nationwide scan of the prices consumers pay at major retailers showed... Read More

Become an activist; apply for MOSI today

It’s time to register for OSEA’s 12th annual Member Organizing Summer Institute (MOSI), a three-day training held Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28, at the OSEA State Office in Salem. Applicants must submit a completed application form — signed by their chapter president — along with a statement of intent to the OSEA State Office by 5 p.m. on Aug. 1. Members who... Read More

Ever considered running for office?

The health of our democracy hinges on our participation. Have you ever looked at an elected official and thought: I could do better? The Oregon Labor Candidate School is seeking eager folks like you to learn the skills to seek and win political office, from your local school board to the state Legislature (and beyond!). Training offered by OLCS prepares those interested in seeking... Read More

Conference 2016 closes with honors

OSEA’s annual Conference banquet included kudos for longtime activists, swearing in elected union officials and heartfelt tributes to 2016 Employee of the Year Cheryl Radinovich. Radinovich, an office manager at Burns High School and a member of Harney County Chapter 75, was described as the “go-to person if anyone has a need, questions or just wants advice”... Read More

Delegates lower dues; election results

Delegates at Conference 2016 voted to lower dues for the second year in a row. Member dues were reduced from 1.875 percent to 1.8 percent as a result. In addition, President Tim Stoelb was reelected to the top post for a third term, as was Vice President Ma’Lena Wirth. Secretary Mary Hofer was elected to a full term. Delegates also voted on representatives to the American... Read More

2016 State of Our Union

Alluding to this year’s Conference theme (‘Carrying the Torch’), OSEA President Tim Stoelb said our union’s flame is still burning bright after 78 years and gave an upbeat assessment of the state of our union Friday. “As in the past, a message is being delivered (with this year’s theme),” Stoelb said. “The message, however, is not ‘the thrill of victory and agony... Read More

Kicking off Conference 2016

Conference 2016 opening ceremonies were a smash on Thursday evening, with keynote speaker Brad Avakian underlining labor’s key role in the fight for a more just society. Avakian, the state’s labor commissioner and the Democratic nominee for secretary of state, said he appreciated OSEA’s longstanding support, adding he has always had the backs of OSEA members and... Read More

Retiree finds 2nd calling as special-needs driver

Don Dolan had been comfortably retired for almost three years after a long storied career as a railroad worker and union member when he had exhausted his “honey-do list.” “I just wanted to be productive,” he said. Sherwood Chapter 103 member Don Dolan helps operate a model train set at this year’s train-themed carnival for special-needs kids. Upon the... Read More

Comforting families in devastating times

Most days you’ll find Luigi Quintos behind the wheel of a Willamette Education Service District (WESD) box truck, delivering supplies throughout the Mid-Valley as a courier and member of WESD Employees Association (WESDEA) Chapter 95. He greets everyone he meets with a smile and a kind word. But it’s what he does after hours that has gained international attention, including... Read More