Catherwood LibraryILR School

Workers at Pine State Biscuits, in Portland, Oregon have sought the help of city commissioners in order to resolve a labor disagreement with their employer. Pine state employees claim that their boss promised higher wages and increased health care benefits in 2013 when he testified in favor of earned sick leave and a living wage. Now, workers would like a guaranteed $15 per hour wage, and complete health insurance. Employees claim that their current wages are insufficient and that they avoid seeking medical care due to the costs associated with it. Pine State responded, stating that their intention has always been to provide a living wage, and that they currently provide two different health care plans and subsidize half of the premiums of both of these plans.