2025 Oregon Legislative Session
Oregon AFSCME Worker Safety Report 2025
Oregon AFSCME members have increasingly sounded the alarm about escalating workplace dangers. Over 500 workers shared experiences of physical violence, threats, and life-threatening conditions. They exposed chronic understaffing, alarming gaps in safety protocols, inadequate training, and insufficient support after incidents—and they demanded change.
The survey - and the report we created to share publicly - is a wake-up call and a rallying cry, urging state leadership and managers to prioritize worker safety and take immediate action to protect those on the frontlines.
It’s not too late to share your story! If you have felt unsafe on the job due to short staffing or unsafe practices, click here to fill out our worker safety story form.
Oregon AFSCME Legislative Values
Across the state, AFSCME members face high-risk situations every day while providing 24/7 care and supervision in intense environments like the Oregon State Hospital, the Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU), and the Department of Corrections. Others work in remote locations or in roles where they must handle dangerous situations alone, without immediate backup. No worker should have to risk their life to do their job. Oregon AFSCME is fighting for stronger protections, better staffing, and real accountability to ensure that every member can go home safe at the end of the day.
Lobby Days
Join us for sector-specific Lobby Days throughout session to have small group conversations with lawmakers about the issues we’re facing in the workplace:
2025 Legislative Session Priority Bills
Nearly half—49%—of Oregon AFSCME members report feeling unsafe at work every day. Another 45% say there simply aren’t enough staff to get the job done. Workers across the state face physical harm, threats, verbal abuse, and lasting trauma, all while being pushed to the brink by extreme overtime, chronic understaffing, and inadequate safety protocols. These conditions aren’t just unfair—they’re dangerous.
Oregon AFSCME is fighting for real solutions. The bills in this legislative slate address critical issues like workplace safety, staffing shortages, and protections against violence on the job. It’s time for lawmakers to take action and ensure that public service workers have the safe, supportive workplaces they deserve.