Co-Chairs Woods and Gomberg, 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
Despite the prevalence of wage theft, the state agency tasked with protecting workers has fewer resources to combat the problem
Chair Grayber, Vice-Chairs Elmer and Muñoz, and Members of the Committee, My name is Daniel Hauser, Deputy Director for the
Chair Taylor, Vice-Chair Bonham, and Members of the Committee, My name is Kathy Lara, Policy Analyst for the Oregon Center
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.
Latest Podcasts

Workers Across Oregon Are Demanding Unions
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers across the country began organizing at levels not seen in years. From
May 14, 2026

The Myth of Oregon’s “Bad Business Climate”
By a number of indicators, Oregon’s economy outperforms that of most other states.
April 23, 2026

Tobias Read on How Oregon Is Resisting Trump’s Voting Crackdown
In this episode, Alejandro Queral speaks with Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, the state’s chief elections officer, on efforts
April 9, 2026

The 2025 Oregon legislature can advance economic security by passing these bills