Northwest Labor Press: A Century of Labor Journalism
For over a century, the Northwest Labor Press has served as a vital record and voice for the American labor movement in the Pacific Northwest. Based in Portland, Oregon, this biweekly newspaper provides dedicated coverage of the struggles and triumphs of workers across Oregon and southwest Washington.
A Legacy of Labor Reporting
Founded in 1900, the Northwest Labor Press stands as one of the oldest trade union publications in the United States. Over its 126-year history, the publication has evolved its identity to reflect its expanding reach. It began as the Portland Labor Press (1900–1915), later becoming the Oregon Labor Press until 1986. A brief period as the Oregon/Washington Labor Press occurred in 1987 before it adopted its current name.
![Editorial cartoon published in the Labor Press in 1916.[4]](/images/7a/51/7a517a839d551f60e84fe870c85a13a298bc349879d997d3b60e8a94beefd58c.jpg)
Coverage and Mission
The publication focuses on the critical issues facing the modern workforce. Its reporting primarily centers on union organizing campaigns—the process of workers forming a union to bargain collectively—as well as contract negotiations and strikes. By documenting these events, the newspaper provides essential news for its primary audience of workers, union members, and labor leaders.
Due to its specialized focus, the reporting from the Northwest Labor Press is frequently cited or picked up by other news publications, extending the reach of labor-centric news beyond its immediate readership.
Ownership and Governance
The newspaper is published by the Oregon Labor Press Publishing Company, a non-profit organization. This structure ensures that the publication remains rooted in the community it serves. The company is co-owned by the Oregon AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) and 20 local labor unions.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1900 in Portland, Oregon.
- Frequency: Published biweekly.
- Ownership: Non-profit Oregon Labor Press Publishing Company, co-owned by 20 local unions and the Oregon AFL-CIO.
- Geographic Focus: Oregon and southwest Washington.
- Core Topics: Strikes, contract negotiations, and union organizing.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Name | Northwest Labor Press |
| Language | English |
| Website | nwlaborpress.org |
| Target Audience | Workers, union members, and leaders |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has the Northwest Labor Press been in operation?
The publication was founded in 1900, making it 126 years old and one of the oldest trade union publications in the U.S.
What regions does the newspaper cover?
The newspaper covers labor news specifically within Oregon and southwest Washington.
Who owns the Northwest Labor Press?
It is owned by the Oregon Labor Press Publishing Company, a non-profit co-owned by the Oregon AFL-CIO and 20 local labor unions.
What specific labor topics does the publication report on?
The publication focuses on union organizing campaigns, strikes, and contract negotiations.
Has the newspaper always had the same name?
No. It was previously known as the Portland Labor Press, the Oregon Labor Press, and the Oregon/Washington Labor Press before adopting its current name.