Chair Taylor, Vice-Chair Bonham, and Members of the Committee, My name is Kathy Lara, Policy Analyst for the Oregon Center
Worker Power
The power of organized labor has brought us weekends, sick leave, and the minimum wage. However, worker power has decreased during decades of attacks by corporate interests and neglect by the federal government. Increasing the strength of workers is vital to making the economy work for everyone.
Worker Power
The power of organized labor has brought us weekends, sick leave, and the minimum wage. However, worker power has decreased during decades of attacks by corporate interests and neglect by the federal government. Increasing the strength of workers is vital to making the economy work for everyone.
Latest Articles
There is growing interest in the power of Workforce Standards Boards to improve pay and working conditions in industries with
Many older workers run up against age discrimination in the workplace. The Oregon legislature needs to remedy the problem, says
Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson explains the surge in claims and staffing shortage confronting the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries.
Get the basics on workforce standards boards, an effective strategy for states to improve wages and working conditions.
Workforce standards boards are a proven strategy that state lawmakers should employ to improve the economic security of Oregonians.
Making Oregonians more economically secure requires a minimum wage that isn’t stuck in place, but rather makes forward progress, lifting
In the spirit of May Day, we discuss the contribution of immigrants to Oregon's economy, as well as what the
While Oregon is witnessing a resurgence of labor activity and a growing demand for union representation, worker organizing still faces
Latest Podcasts

Already alarming, hunger in Oregon is set to worsen due to Trump administration actions
In this episode of Policy for the People, we examine the dire state of hunger in Oregon. Our guest is
May 8, 2025

May Day special: the state of the labor movement
In celebration of May Day, International Workers Day, we are issuing this special episode of Policy for the People examining
May 1, 2025

Senator Wyden on the Trump tax plan: “It’s going to cause a lot of hardship”
The Trump tax plan would cut Medicaid and nutrition assistance to pay for big tax cuts for the rich.
April 10, 2025
The 2025 Oregon legislature can advance economic security by passing these bills