Oregon can improve the economic well-being of its people by ensuring that all workers enjoy the right to form a
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
Care workers play a vital role in our communities. They feed, bathe, and otherwise care for those who cannot take
Chair Taylor, Vice-Chair Bonham, and Members of the Committee: My name is Janet Bauer, Director of Policy Research at the
Chair Gelser Blouin, Vice-Chair Robinson, and Members of the Committee: My name is Daniel Hauser, Deputy Director for the Oregon
By establishing wage boards, Oregon can improve wages and working conditions that foster a stable workforce, thriving communities, and a
Chair Holvey, Vice-Chair Elmer, Vice-Chair Sosa, and Members of the Committee, My name is Janet Bauer, Director of Policy Research
Not long after Morrisha Jones joined her co-workers in petitioning to form a union at one Burgerville location, the fast-food
In some ways, there has been great progress in breaking down gender barriers. Take, for instance, the fact that all
In an earlier era, a vibrant labor movement nurtured a broad middle. But half-a-century ago, under severe attack from corporations,
Latest Podcasts

Underpaid, Overworked, and Essential: Oregon’s Long-Term Care Crisis
In this episode, we examine the crisis in Oregon’s system of long-term care. Demand for long-term care is rising as
January 8, 2026

Income Inequality in Oregon: What Does the Latest Data Show?
Income inequality in Oregon remains vast, but history shows this is not inevitable.
December 11, 2025

How Trump Is Hiding Hunger and Why Poverty Persists
This episode examines what the end of the federal food security report means for Oregon, as well as why poverty is a policy failure, not an individual failure.
November 13, 2025

It’s time to bring back wage boards