Representing ONPRC’s Workforce via Legislative Roundtables and Endorsement Interviews

On April 8th, members of AFSCME Local 328 and Research Workers United had a roundtable discussion with Representative Maxine Dexter. Members of both locals impressed the need to support scientific and academic freedom, as well as ensure that congress continues to fund science, specifically at NIH and CDC.

We’d like to thank our member leaders who took part in the discussion:

AFSCME Local 328: Becca Walcher, Liz Lundblade, Nathaniel Guard, Aeriel Jensen, and Local 328 President Jennie Olson

Research Workers United: Henry Harrison, Molly Shallman, and Katelyn Johnston

 

On April 22nd, members of AFSCME Local 328 sat down with four Oregon State Representatives who had previously voiced support in closing the Oregon National Primate Research Center: Farrah Chaichi, Jules Walters, Mark Gamba, and Zach Hudson.

This meeting was made possible through AFSCME Council 75's endorsement process, which ensures that lawmakers seeking endorsement are held accountable to our members who have not had their full support in the past. This process gives locals a true voice and makes the endorsement process truly meaningful.

Each of our members spoke from their heart. They shared their career trajectories that brought them to ONPRC, their dedication to science, and their deep care and love for our non-human primate colleagues. By the end of the meeting, Representatives Walters, Gamba, and Hudson voiced support for our workforce and committed to scheduling tours of the ONPRC campus to learn more firsthand. We see this as a meaningful and encouraging shift and proof that our advocacy works.

A heartfelt thank you to the member leaders who showed up and spoke up for our members:

AFSCME Local 328: Mariposa Gollery, Aeriel Jensen, Nathaniel Guard, Jacqueline Domire, and President Jennie Olson

Research Workers United: Molly Shallman and Henry Harrison

 

Advocating for our Membership on the Future of ONPRC Committee

Local 328 is also proud to have a strong presence on the Future of ONPRC Committee, where our member leaders ensure that the voices of our workforce are heard and considered at every step of this process. Our member leaders serving on the committee are:

Nathaniel Guard who has devoted nearly two decades to the care of our non-human primate colleagues, bringing an unmatched understanding of the quality of care that is necessary no matter what direction OHSU takes.

Jason Jaworski, co-chair of the workforce committee, has administered ONPRC's P51 grant for over a decade which enables him to be an invaluable resource of the research infrastructure of the center.

Local 328 President Jennie Olson who advocates on behalf of all 328 members and brings her own history at ONPRC, having previously worked in the Division of Neuroscience.

Our team meets multiple times a month with our respective workgroups (including members of RWU, Post-Docs United, and Graduate Research United) to make sure the full scope of our members' responsibilities to our workforce and to animal care is thoroughly understood. We actively identify and flag the potential impacts that a closure or transition to sanctuary could have on our members and the animals we serve. This work is being directly utilized by OHSU's steering and negotiation committee.

 

YOU can help advocate for ONPRC by doing any of the following:

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