OHSU House Officers Build Power In Lead Up To Bargaining

PORTLAND, OR - As they prepare to bargain their third contract, the House Officers at OHSU (Local 4820) started off the Spring building power.

The members of Local 4820, OHSU Residents, Interns and Fellows, spent a few days in late March talking to their colleagues who hadn’t joined the union about the issues they care about most in the lead up to bargaining.

Dr. Chris Laube, MD, a third year Resident in Anesthesiology, participated in the blitz for one main reason, to build power with his colleagues.

“Nothing gives us more leverage at the bargaining table than a strong and unified membership” said Dr. Laube. “Having an active membership is the most powerful and most impactful thing we can do as union members, and this was something I could actively contribute to” continued Dr. Laube.

Local 4820 members used every tool at their disposal to connect with non-members in the House Officer program, reaching out via text, phone, canvassing over the weekend and worksite tabling.

“I went door to door and brought all three of my kids during the weekend canvass. We had some great conversations about the areas we’d all like to see improved in this next contract, and how we’re working together to make progress. Overall people were very receptive and interested in getting involved” said Dr. Laube.

Local 4820’s membership drive perfectly illustrates why it's crucial to work to build power well in advance of contract negotiations so that when we sit at the table, we have the power of a strong membership behind us.