Back in July, we posted an article about how difficult it is to work through the conditions that 2020 has thrown at us. As this year begins to wind down, there’s still no end in sight. Our mission now is perseverance. We’re all tired. We’re all facing burnout and fatigue. Vacations now are hardly the escapes we need to reset, and COVID-19 is hardly the only stressor that’s pressing our psyches like a vise. We can and will get through this together, but only if we plan ahead and rely on each other.
Read MoreJoin us at the Defend Democracy Coalition march and rally on Wednesday, November 4 . The event will start at 3:00 p.m. at Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St., Portland. The march will begin at 4:00 p.m, with a planned rally on the Waterfront at 5:00 p.m. This event is part of a national movement of non-violent mass-mobilization events to ensure that every vote is counted in the 2020 election.
Read MoreAnyone who has used #resistance on social media in the last four years can give you a list of things that Trump has done to trample on the rights of workers and the vulnerable. But what about the ways that he and his allies are breaking conservative norms? Just as we stand together when we demand fair wages and benefits, we need to stand together in this election. We may not agree on everything, but decency, integrity and honesty are values we can all rise up to defend.
Read MoreAs a member-driven organization, it is our union’s responsibility to do a better job listening to the voices of our Black coworkers. To that end, we will hold an online listening session for black employees on Thursday, November 12, at 5:00 p.m. The Local 328 executive committee and Oregon AFSCME staff will be available during this session to listen and work to better understand the issues faced by Black employees at OHSU.
Read MoreWe need new federal leadership that will acknowledge that COVID-19 is still an immediate threat — that adherence to mask-wearing and social-distancing is the only way to get through this pandemic without extensive loss of life. Ignoring the virus and allowing for herd immunity will lead to hundreds of thousands more deaths. We can focus on vaccine and therapeutics development and production without losing focus on containment efforts. We need leadership that will help us restore our place in the world and unify Americans toward common causes.
Read More