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Immigration reform rally tomorrow

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There will be a major rally in favor of immigration reform starting at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, May 1) on the Oregon State Capitol steps in Salem. There will be several speakers, including Jeff Stone, government relations director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, representing the nursery industry. Details are in this short article in […]

Illegal worker law struck down

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UPDATE 2009.04.14 10 a.m.: Here’s coverage in two local newspapers: The Oregonian (Portland, Ore.) South County Spotlight (Scappoose, Ore.) Columbia County’s illegal worker law – approved by the voters last fall as Initiative 5-190 and then implemented by the county Board of Comissioners as Ordinance 2008-6 – was struck down this morning by Columbia County […]

Comprehensive immigration reform this year?

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News outlets have been burning up this week with talk of whether President Barack Obama is going to push for comprehensive immigration reform this year. It all started on Wednesday with an article in The New York Times which suggested that the answer is yes. Then White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said on Thursday […]

Enforcement to focus on employers

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The Los Angeles Times, citing administration officials who for the most part spoke on condition of anonymity, reported last week that the Obama administration – and Director of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano – will focus its immigration enforcement efforts on arresting and prosecuting employers rather than employees: The shift in emphasis will be outlined in revamped field […]

The pros and cons of furloughs

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Sad though it may be, many employers resorting to layoffs and terminations as a means to reducing costs. After all, labor is the largest expense for many employers. During the current recession, a different option has become increasingly popular. Furloughs are mandatory, unpaid time off for a larger group of employees. Unlike layoffs, furloughs keep […]

Nurseries: the next generation

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Do you know a young person who might be willing to consider a career in nurseries, or just agriculture in general? www.thelandlovers.org is a nifty new site that provides information about the different careers that are available. A tip of the hat to Chris Guntermann for letting us know about this well-made and informative site.

Obama speaks out on immigration

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During his visit to Southern California yesterday, President Barack Obama indicated he still supports comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to citizenship for those presently in the country. They would have to pay a significant fine, learn English (if they don’t already know it) and go to the back of the line. The position is […]

Supporting immigration reform

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The Oregonian published an editorial Saturday praising efforts among Oregon groups (including the nursery industry) to push for comprehensive immigration reform.

Armageddon down to business

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Armageddon, noun. 1 a: the site or time of a final and conclusive battle between the forces of good and evil b: the battle taking place at Armageddon 2: a usually vast decisive conflict or confrontation “This will be Armageddon,” Randel Johnson, vice president for labor policy at the United States Chamber of Commerce, told […]