Feedback Needed to Help OSHA Improve Working Conditions

AFSCME is partnering with Climate Jobs PDX/Portland Jobs with Justice to advocate for better working conditions at upcoming OSHA hearings. Their representative, Leslie Kochan, contacted us recently. Her words are sure to resonate with many of our members:

"[Workers] have all suffered greatly from wildfire smoke in outdoor and indoor settings. Some workers have suffered from excessive heat. Workers report not being supported by their employers. N95 masks were not given out as a rule, work schedules were not changed, pace of work was not changed -- all while workers had trouble breathing comfortably. Union members’ stories on heat and wildfire smoke are compelling and heart-rending, and many workers are upset at the lack of employer protections.

We want to encourage you to take more steps to make sure that working people get strong OR OSHA rules on heat and wildfire smoke."

The OSHA meetings are scheduled for the last week of May, and we need your help ASAP to prepare! Please complete this short survey about working conditions during the wildfires and in extreme heat.