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Sunday, July 21, 2024

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VP Kamala Harris says she plans to 'earn and win' Democratic nomination after Joe Biden drops out and endorses her; New Alabama bill threatens voter rights, legal challenge ensues; Fact-checking GOP claims on immigrants; Water contamination a concern in Midwest flood aftermath.

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President Joe Biden drops his 2024 re-election bid. He's endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his spot on the ticket, and election experts say they see benefits to this decision.

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It's grass-cutting season and with it, rural lawn mower races, Montana's drive-thru blood project is easing shortages, rural Americans spend more on food when transportation costs are tallied, and a lack of good childcare is thwarting rural business owners.

Oregon TSA officers improve working conditions with new contract

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Monday, April 1, 2024   

Airport security officers in Oregon are celebrating what they say will be better working conditions, after ratifying a new collective bargaining contract.

The American Federation of Government Employees Council 100, representing transportation security officers, has secured a new contract - that includes what it describes as improved language on progressive discipline, new uniform rights, and better leave conditions.

Samantha Dollens is the regional AFGE vice president for Oregon, representing TSA officers at six airports.

"A lot of the wins make the officers more comfortable," said Dollens, "put more money into their pockets so they're a little less stressed out, and that will reflect when they're working with the traveling public. More comfortable, less stressed out will equal out to better interactions with passengers."

Dollens represents workers at airports across Oregon - including in Eugene, Medford and Portland. The new contract comes ahead of the busy summer travel season.

Dollens said the seven year contract also helps in TSA officers' fight for Title Five rights like other government employees.

"It's getting us closer to a mirror of that," said Dollens, "and getting our status equalized among all the other agencies."

Title Five classification is the most common among government employees. It provides protections for collective bargaining, whistleblowing and guaranteed pay increases.


Disclosure: American Federation of Government Employees contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Livable Wages/Working Families, Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at a political event in Grand Rapids, Mich., in early 2024. (The White House/Wikimedia Commons)

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