The long-term decline in union representation in Oregon has contributed to the rise in income inequality, which now stands near
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
Oregon continues to enjoy one of the nation’s strongest economies. Whether measured by economic growth or the growth of worker
Oregon devotes far fewer resources protecting workers cheated out of their wages by employers than it did a generation ago,
Unions are one of the keys to reversing the rise of income inequality, rightly described as the “defining challenge of
Combating theft — especially stealing from some of the most vulnerable Oregonians — ought not be controversial. It should be
[This commentary first appeared in the Statesman-Journal. The original can be found here] Oregon’s economy outshines that of most states
Even in cases where state regulators have concluded that employers failed to pay workers their wages, employers end up paying
A View of the State of Working Oregon Oregon continues to enjoy one of the nation’s top-performing economies. Among all
A View of the State of Working Oregon If economic growth alone determined the well-being of a state’s inhabitants, all
Over a recent one-year period, food service and construction workers filed more wage theft claims with the Oregon Bureau of
Latest Podcasts

Oregon Child Care Crisis: How ERDC Running Out of Funds Could Hurt 12,000 Families
Listen to prior episodes of the show Follow Policy for the People on your favorite podcast app Transcript
February 12, 2026

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
