Building Power for the Future In Washington County

At the start of September, Oregon AFSCME members hit the ground running to build power the old-fashioned way—talking directly with coworkers about the union difference. Over the course of the week, members like Juan Chavez, a Biomedical Equipment Technician II at OHSU and a proud Local 328 member, connected with hundreds of workers across Washington County, as well as at OHSU and Multnomah County.

Juan wasn’t alone. Union siblings from Local 88 (Multnomah County), Local 328 (OHSU), and Local 189 (City of Portland), among others, knocked on doors and visited worksites to have real conversations about what it means to be union. 

Juan summed it up best: “Talking with workers while visiting their worksites reminded me why we’re fighting so hard to bargain our next contract with OHSU. Everyone deserves a living wage and respect on the job—and when we organize together like this, we have the power to win it.”

This membership drive was about more than signing cards. It was about building connections, identifying new activists, and laying the foundation for the fights ahead. As we prepare for 2026 and beyond, our goals are simple: connect with more workers, grow our power to affect change, and make sure every new member is informed, engaged, and ready to step up to win better wages, working conditions and benefits.

Want to connect with future members, grow your organizing skills and help build union power? Get involved! Sign up here to learn about future opportunities: https://forms.gle/iu1G44C9WLyMTD9X9