Oregon: United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 wants Rep. Paul Holvey (D) & House speaker pro tempore removed over killing of cannabis workers rights bill

Marijuana Moment reports

The union announced its recall effort against Holvey on Monday, citing that bill, the failed pandemic benefits and Holvey’s vote for a 2019 bill cutting pension benefits for public employees.

“Oregon workers are calling for the removal of Representative Holvey after his repeated attacks on their livelihoods,” union President Dan Clay said in a statement. “He has shown that his allegiance lies with large corporations, not with Oregonians. Voters in Holvey’s district deserve a representative who will prioritize their well-being, and they will have an opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with Holvey’s representation.”

UFCW Local 555 has previously split with other unions, including by backing New York Times columnist Nick Kristof for governor while every other union in the state endorsed now-Gov. Tina Kotek. The union also declined to endorse Holvey and House Speaker Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, in 2022, though they received its endorsement in past elections.

Holvey, who previously worked as a carpenter and a union representative, was presiding over the state House as acting speaker Monday morning and was not immediately available for comment. He sent an emailed response Tuesday, saying he was surprised by the recall effort.

“It’s quite surprising that UFCW Local 555 would take such retaliatory action over a bill that failed, especially a bill that most people with knowledge of labor law would agree is preempted by the National Labor Relations Act and federal law,” Holvey said. “It would be a disservice to the people of Oregon or union members to advance such a questionable proposal and likely put the state in costly litigation.”

Read full report at

Union Wants Top Oregon Lawmaker Ousted For Killing Marijuana Industry Organizing Bill

Primary Sponsor

 


Karma Koala Podcast

Top Marijuana Blog