I have immense pride in supporting Organized Labor and the people’s movement.
Unionizing is a powerful tool that uplifts and centers our working community, democratizing our businesses and enterprises for the benefit of all. It’s a colonial mindset that so easily builds structures that take from the people—and our communities—who dedicate their talents and skills, labor, and duty to their family and community.
Today especially, Organized Labor is essential to protecting our economy, workers, and businesses. The immediate impacts of COVID-19 have grossly impacted our most vulnerable communities and will continue to wreak havoc on our working neighbors unless we center the workers in our policies for workplace health and safety, compensation, and shared governance in our companies. Then and only then, will our economy start to recover from the gross negligence and abuse that workers have faced during this Pandemic. There is no choice between a worker’s life and family, and their ability to provide subsistence. And there is no economy where workers are not at the center of our companies' future.
I am 100% in favor of Prevailing Wage laws as a tool to justly compensate workers for their talent and skills, labor, and duty to their community and family. These important safeguards protect skilled laborers and their investment in our communities to ensure an equitable and fair marketplace for all. Furthermore, Oregonians overwhelmingly support them as well.
As a supporter of a livable wage—and then some—I would like to see Prevailing Wage laws expanded to cover more sectors and funding streams, to protect more of our working communities. I’d like to see Prevailing Wage laws extend into a worker’s total compensation package, ensuring and protecting our working communities with healthcare and other vital benefits. I would like to see a greater importance on apprenticeships and other forms of career learning.
PLAs provide shelter for even non-union employees the protections that Organized Labor have fought for, truly showing the importance of a unified front to protect our greatest asset—our working communities. The best CWA/PLAs set strong and specific benchmarks for accountability to ensure an equitable and diverse, local field. Yes, I support Project Labor Agreements.
My priority is to meet and collaborate with Public Works Directors, City Leaders, and Infrastructure-focused Organizations within my region to get a strong sense of their goals and desires. Bringing everyone together to get a focused understanding of where the need is. As a City Councilor for Gladstone, one of our largest issues is our infrastructure and the lack of investments that have been made. I want to be sure I am advocating for our cities' needs and including them in the conversation. In addition to this, I am committed to getting a better understanding of structural updates that are needed, as well as new capital projects so that they not only benefit workers but also our community.
Endorsing Organizations
