Major Win for Local 328 Employees of Color!

Last month, OHSU settled a class action lawsuit filed in 2021 by two AFSCME Local 328 members who stood up to OHSU’s practice of disproportionately disciplining employees of color compared to their white colleagues — a practice that created what the lawsuit described as “a culture of hostility and discrimination toward racial minorities.”

Our siblings succeeded because they came together, organized, and refused to accept unfair treatment in silence.

Former Local 328 staff member Vee Arnold-Afriyie worked alongside our siblings of color who were being targeted. She helped them connect, document their experiences, and build the collective strength and courage necessary to take action. Together, they turned individual experiences of discrimination into a united demand for accountability, leading to a class action lawsuit… and now victory!

The settlement impacts 143 employees of color, who will receive compensation for the discriminatory treatment they endured. More importantly, this win sends a clear message: when we organize and act collectively, we can challenge systemic injustice and force change in our workplace.

Our union exists to build worker power. We are not alone when we fight together. When members speak up, connect with each other, and use the tools of our contract and our union, we can confront inequity head-on.

This settlement is a step toward holding OHSU accountable and creating a safer, more just work environment for everyone — especially those who have carried the burden of historic, and ongoing, racial bias. It is also proof that collective action works, and our members are powerful!

When we fight together, we win!