Bend used to be a union town supported by timber millworkers who held up the local economy. But once the timber industry faded, those strong unions did, too. That is, until recently.

At the annual Labor Day picnic in Alpenglow Park on Monday, strong unions and dedicated labor organization were alive and well.

“The challenges we face may evolve, but the spirit of solidarity and determination that propels us remains steadfast,” said Brenda Johnson, chair of the Central Oregon Central Labor Chapter of the state branch of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

The accomplishments of the past year, especially the passage of local fire levies and contract agreements between the nurses and St. Charles Health System, have only propelled Central Oregon workers forward, Johnson said.

“It just goes to show what unions can do and how it can strengthen the entire community,” she said.

Young workers have been pivotal in boosting union strength in Central Oregon, according to Mary Hofer, the board secretary of the Oregon School Employee Association and the secretary treasurer of the local labor chapter.

She said many young people in the local workforce have a sense of empowerment that hasn’t been seen in awhile, especially in the Bend Education Association, which will soon be bargaining for contracts on behalf of teachers, school psychologists, librarians and nurses.

“It’s been a slow-going process,” said Maddi Webb, a third grade teacher at Juniper Elementary, and a member of the teachers union.

The union is asking for a cost of living adjustment, a higher tuition reimbursement rate and more prep time, Webb said.

Labor support across the country has boomed in recent years. According to Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor, unions are at the height of public popularity not seen since the 1960s, and workers won more than three-fourths of elections to form new unions in 2022.

Several local politicians spoke of the strength and impact of unions and labor movements at the picnic Monday, including Bend City Councilor Anthony Broadman who announced his candidacy for Senate District 27.

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler, who was once president of the Yamhill County Deputy District Attorneys Union, has noticed more visibility among unions in recent years. They’ve always been there, she said, but now they’re earning more recognition.

“I think we’re seeing a pivotal moment in labor organization, not just in Central Oregon, but across the country,” Kebler said.

The progressive candidates who make up Bend’s elected officials, including Kebler, Broadman and Democratic state Reps. Emerson Levy and Jason Kropf, who were also at the picnic, have received substantial support from labor unions. In turn, they offered their commitment to them Monday.