13 Posts by

Author: Theo Burke

A step backward for TriMet

  • Postedby Theo Burke
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New fare inspection policies reflect poorly on metro transit service

You’ve gathered your books, pens, cute highlighters and notebooks and made arrangements for tuition. You’re registered for classes and enjoying the “welcome” from the university and friends. Now try to make sure the fall term does not include being welcomed in with TriMet’s new $175 fine for not paying the fare to ride the MAX. If a fare inspector or transit officer is having a bad day, it could also include a 30-day exclusion from riding.

Unions, strikes and rallies

  • Postedby Theo Burke
  • 1 Comment
Narrowly avoided strike illustrates the importance of unions

This past month, while many students were (hopefully) still bronzing in Cancun, exploring Europe or trout fishing in the Gorge, the unionized PSU staff came within four days of going on strike, making final negotiations and avoiding the picket line just in time for the student’s scheduled return.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and PSU workers staged large rallies on Aug. 8 and Aug. 17 in the Park Blocks. The
Aug. 8 rally had over 250 SEIU workers, faculty and supporters. Tiffany Dollar of ASPSU led labor chants near the end of the rally, and the workers marched to University Place Hotel where the administration was meeting to send their delegation inside.

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