Index. This oral history interview with Jamie G. Partridge was conducted in thirty sessions by Stephanie Vallance from February 7, 2020, to April 23, 2021. TThe interview was conducted as part of the Oregon Labor Oral History Program, which collects oral histories of individuals who have advocated for working people of Oregon, including public figures, union members, and workers. Sessions one through four were conducted at Partridge’s home in Portland, Oregon. The remaining sessions were conducted using Zoom video conferencing software due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the first interview session, conducted on February 7, 2020, Partridge discusses his family background and early life in California, Washington state, and in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He discusses the evolution of his political beliefs, particularly regarding racial justice and labor unions, and talks about some of the people who influenced him. He describes hitchhiking to San Francisco, California, during the 1967 “Summer of Love.”

In the second interview session, conducted on February 21, 2020, Partridge continues to discuss his early life, including his education and jobs he worked. He speaks about his experiences in San Francisco during the 1967 “Summer of Love.” He describes his involvement in political, labor, and civil rights movements in the late 1960s while a student at Dartmouth College, including his experiences as a protestor at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. He also talks about becoming aware of class struggles and of his white privilege.

In the third interview session, conducted on February 28, 2020, Partridge shares his reason for dropping out of college in 1968, then talks about his work with the Brooklyn Action Center. He also describes his relationship with Tom Potter. He speaks about living in various collectives and communes during the 1970s, about seeking conscientious objector status during the Vietnam War, and about his involvement with the Black Panthers and the Community Control of Police initiative.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on March 6, 2020, Partridge discusses his relationship with the Portland Police Bureau, including his friendships with individual officers, witnessing police interactions with Black people, and his involvement with protests against police brutality. He shares his experiences as a victim of sexual assault, and talks about his identity as a bisexual man.

In the fifth interview session, conducted on July 11, 2020, Partridge discusses his involvement with the Black Panthers, talks about his work with feminist organizations, and shares his experiences teaching classes at an experimental high school. He also talks about living in collectives and communes in Portland, about various jobs he held, and about his experiences in San Francisco during the summer of 1976.

In the sixth interview session, conducted on July 18, 2020, Partridge discusses the evolution of his political views during the 1970s and joining the Freedom Socialist Party. He describes a co-parenting arrangement he entered with a former student. He talks about more jobs that he held and his early involvement with labor unions.

In the seventh interview session, conducted on July 25, 2020, Partridge continues to discuss his involvement with the Freedom Socialist Party, and the co-parenting arrangement he entered with a former student. He talks about his involvement with the Central American Solidarity Committee in the 1980s, including traveling to Mexico and Nicaragua.

In the eighth interview session, conducted on August 1, 2020, Partridge discusses organizing postal workers to resist an attempt by the administration of President Donald J. Trump to dismantle the U.S. Postal Service at the time of the interview in 2020. He revisits the topic of his involvement with the Central American Solidarity Committee in the 1980s, talks about the connection between the labor movement and revolutionary politics in Central America, and discusses Canadian postal unions. He talks about his career as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Portland from 1984 to 2011. He also discusses campaigning for Jesse Jackson in the 1980s.

In the ninth interview session, conducted on August 29, 2020, Partridge discusses his involvement with the Rainbow Coalition, and continues to talk about campaigning for Jesse Jackson in the 1980s. He discusses his involvement in political campaigns for labor-friendly politicians in Oregon, as well as campaigns for issues such as minimum wage increases and the renaming of Portland streets. He also talks about his work as a contributor to various publications.

In the tenth interview session, conducted on September 19, 2020, Partridge continues to discuss his involvement with the Rainbow Coalition and reads from their newsletter. He talks about his involvement with Jobs with Justice, and about the political activism of his parents.

In the eleventh interview session , conducted on October 3, 2020, Partridge continues to discuss his involvement with the Rainbow Coalition and reads from their newsletter. He continues to talk about his involvement with Jobs with Justice, discusses the history of the Teamsters Union, and talks about the inclusion of agricultural workers in the labor movement. He talks about Jesse Jackson’s 1992 visit to Portland, and about the activities of the Portland Teacher’s Union in the 1990s.

In the twelfth interview session, conducted on October 16, 2020, Partridge discusses his involvement in election integrity efforts for the 2020 presidential election. He then continues to discuss his involvement with the Rainbow Coalition and to read from their newsletter. He talks about the Workers Rights Hearing Board, and shares his thoughts about police interactions with protestors in Portland.

In the thirteenth interview session, conducted on October 23, 2020, Partridge continues to discuss his involvement with the Rainbow Coalition and read from their newsletter. He discusses his involvement in political campaigns, including acting as campaign manager for Geri Washington, as well lobbying on issues such as single payer health care and an increased minimum wage. He also talks about his relationship with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden.

In the fourteenth interview session, conducted on October 30, 2020, Partridge Partridge reflects on his lifetime of involvement in politics and protest movements. He discusses the transition of the Rainbow Coalition into the New Party, and talks about his involvement with the organization. He talks about the history of trade globalization and the 1999 World Trade Organization (WT) protests in Seattle, Washington.

In the fifteenth interview session, conducted on November 13, 2020, Partridge continues to discuss his involvement with the New Party and read from their newsletter. He talks about gentrification in North and Northeast Portland, about recovering from a drug addiction, and about his career as a carrier for the U.S. Postal Service.

In the sixteenth interview session, conducted on November 27, 2020, Partridge continues to discuss his career as a carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, including working conditions and unions for postal workers.

In the seventeenth interview session, conducted on December 4, 2020, Partridge continues to discuss his career as a carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and reads from the “Branch Mike” newsletter, which was published by the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 82. He talks about working conditions and about women postal workers. He discusses his involvement in the postal workers’ union and talks about his political activism with the union.

In the eighteenth interview session, conducted on December 18, 2020, Partridge continues to discuss his career as a carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and reads from the “Branch Mike” newsletter. He also talks about his retirement in 2011 and his continued involvement with the union.

In the nineteenth interview session, conducted on January 15, 2021, Partridge continues to discuss his career as a carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and reads from the “Branch Mike” newsletter. He continues to talk about his involvement with the postal workers union.

In the twentieth interview session, conducted on January 22, 2021, Partridge discusses the history and activities of Jobs with Justice, including the annual Bad Boss award and efforts to increase the minimum wage. He also talks about the relationship between police and labor.

In the twenty-first interview session, conducted on January 29, 2021, Partridge discusses his involvement with Jobs with Justice and the Workers Rights Board. He talks about the activities of those organizations, including efforts to organize workers at Powell’s Books.

In the twenty-second interview session, conducted on February 5, 2021, Partridge continues to discuss his involvement with Jobs with Justice and talk about its activities, including supporting unionization efforts. He also talks about the 2006 Great American Boycott.

In the twenty-third interview session, conducted on February 19, 2021, Partridge continues to discuss the 2006 Great American Boycott. He also talks about efforts to unionize workers at Providence Hospital and about his show on the Portland radio station KBOO.

In the twenty-fourth interview session, conducted on February 27, 2021, Partridge continues to discuss his show on the Portland radio station KBOO. He talks about the activities of Jobs with Justice, about federal labor legislation, and about the history of Portland’s day labor center. He speaks about the Occupy movement.

In the twenty-fifth interview session, conducted on March 5, 2021, Partridge revisits the topic of the Workers Rights Board, focusing on its work on behalf of postal workers. He discusses his involvement in the postal workers union after his retirement, particularly protesting the Postal Service retirement prefunding mandate.

In the twenty-sixth interview session, conducted on March 19, 2021, Partridge discusses his relationship with LaVern Simmons, including their involvement with the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He talks about Simmons’ early life and her children.

In the twenty-seventh interview session, conducted on March 26, 2021, Partridge revisits the topic of his involvement in the postal workers union after his retirement, particularly regarding resistance against the policies of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

In the twenty-eighth interview session, conducted on April 9, 2021, Partridge reviews his life of political activism, describing his involvement in movements not previously discussed in the interview, including Portland Tenants United and Don’t Shoot PDX. He also revisits the topics of his relationship with police officers and the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in Portland.

In the twenty-ninth interview session, conducted on April 16, 2021, Partridge discusses his involvement with the Democratic Socialists of America. He also talks about the postal workers union.

In the thirtieth and final interview session, conducted on April 23, 2021, Partridge closes the interview by reflecting on the oral history interview experience, and by talking about his hopes for the future.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Jean Eilers was conducted by Carolyn Matthews from August 10 to December 4, 2011. The interview was conducted as part of the Oregon Labor Oral History Program, which collects oral histories of individuals who have advocated for working people of Oregon, including public figures, union members, and workers. The interview was conducted in eight sessions. Robert Byrne and Michela Byrne were also interviewed in session eight. Session 5 and portions of session 7 are restricted until 2032.

In the first interview session, conducted on August 10, 2011, Eilers discusses her family background and early life in Portland, Oregon. She talks about her recreational activities, about the neighborhoods she lived in, and about her education at Madeleine Catholic School. She also looks at family photographs and talks about them. She then speaks about joining a convent in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, and teaching at Catholic schools. She also talks about her relationship with her family and describes the changes that came out of Vatican II. She discusses her early involvement with labor organizing in California with the United Farm Workers.

In the second interview session, conducted on August 17, 2011, Eilers revisits the topic of her family background and early life in Portland, Oregon. She talks about her college education while living in Los Angeles, California. She also revisits the topic of the changes to the Catholic Church that came out of Vatican II. She speaks at length about her early involvement with labor organizing in California with the United Farm Workers, including working with Cesar Chavez. She talks about her reasons for leaving the convent in 1981, and about her marriage to Robert Byrne.

In the third interview session, conducted on October 19, 2011, Eilers continues to discuss her work with the United Farm Workers, including working with Cesar Chavez, and her reasons for leaving the movement. She speaks about her life after leaving the convent in 1981, including working for AFSCME. She then discusses working for other unions, including OPEU Local 503 and SEIU Local 49. She also talks about balancing her career and child care. She then talks about serving as the state director of the AFL-CIO and discusses Jobs with Justice.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on November 2, 2011, Eilers continues to discuss serving as the state director of the AFL-CIO, including protests the union was involved with, particularly regarding the Gulf War and the World Trade Organization. She talks about people and organizations that she worked with while with the AFL-CIO, including Father Tobin and Occupy Portland. She speaks about union negotiations at Kaiser Permanente, Xerox, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. She then briefly talks about her work for SEIU Local 49 with employees of Providence Hospital.

In the fifth interview session, conducted on November 9, 2011, Eilers speaks at length about her involvement with the campaign to unionize the employees of Providence hospitals with SEIU Local 49, and talks about the failure of that campaign. She also talks about the Occupy Portland movement; about capitalism and Catholicism in health care; and about the relationship between labor and the press.

In the sixth interview session, conducted on November 16, 2011, Eilers discusses her involvement with the Jobs with Justice Faith Labor Committee, particularly the annual breakfast. She also talks about Father Bob Krueger of St. Andrew's Church. She speaks about the role of women in the Catholic Church and in labor unions; revisits the topic of Vatican II; and talks about the SEIU. She talks about the careers of her husband, Robert Byrne, and her daughter, Michela Byrne. The sound quality of this interview session is poor.

In the seventh interview session, conducted on November 30, 2011, Eilers reads from and talks about a brief autobiographical essay. She speaks about the importance of unions and revisits the topic of her work with SEIU Local 49 to unionize employees of Providence hospitals. She talks about her early life in Portland and discusses how the city changed; about F. Leo Smith; and about her involvement with the Metropolitan Alliance for the Common Good. She also talks again about Occupy Portland.

In the eighth and final interview session, conducted on December 4, 2011, Eilers' daughter, Michela Byrne, discusses her early life as the daughter of a priest and a nun who were labor activists; her education; and her career as a teacher. Eilers' husband, Robert Byrne, discusses his involvement in the labor movement, and talks about leaving the priesthood. Eilers also discusses balancing her career and raising a family.

Video 2. This oral history interview with Timothy J. Gauthier was conducted by Jim Strassmaier and recorded on video by Michael O'Rourke in the offices of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) in Portland, Oregon, on September 24, 2008. The interview was conducted as part of the Oregon Labor Oral History Program, which collects oral histories of individuals who have advocated for working people of Oregon.

In this interview, Gauthier discusses his family background and early life in Santa Barbara, California, including his memories of the anti-war protests during the 1960s, surfing, and his family's political and religious beliefs. He talks about his experience at Santa Barbara City College and at Southern Utah State College (now Southern Utah University). He discusses working for the NECA, including his job duties of working with local union chapters and conducting labor negotiations. He also talks about working with the IBEW. He describes the benefits the NECA provides to its members. He speaks about coming to Portland, Oregon, in the early 1980s and working alongside Ed Barnes of IBEW Local 48. He talks about how the recession of the early 1980s affected union members and labor negotiations, and describes NECA's and IBEW's response. He speaks at length about the establishment and success of the Market Recovery Program, which uses union dues to supplement union wages. He also talks about opposition and legal challenges to the program.

Gauthier discusses working with labor attorneys during labor negotiations. He talks about creating a drug testing program and explains the reasons why he felt drug testing was important for union members. He then describes the process of winning job contracts, including how the Market Recovery Program helps. He speaks about the mission and objectives of NECA; describes several of NECA's programs and organizational partnerships; and talks about national recognition for the Oregon-Columbia NECA chapter. He talks about the future of NECA, as well as NECA's charitable work. He closes the interview by discussing his family life.

In the seventh interview session, conducted on July 25, 2020, Partridge continues to discuss his involvement with the Freedom Socialist Party, and the co-parenting arrangement he entered with a former student. He talks about his involvement with the Central American Solidarity Committee in the 1980s, including traveling to Mexico and Nicaragua.

In the ninth interview session, conducted on August 29, 2020, Partridge discusses his involvement with the Rainbow Coalition, and continues to talk about campaigning for Jesse Jackson in the 1980s. He discusses his involvement in political campaigns for labor-friendly politicians in Oregon, as well as campaigns for issues such as minimum wage increases and the renaming of Portland streets. He also talks about his work as a contributor to various publications.

In the twelfth interview session, conducted on October 16, 2020, Partridge discusses his involvement in election integrity efforts for the 2020 presidential election. He then continues to discuss his involvement with the Rainbow Coalition and to read from their newsletter. He talks about the Workers Rights Hearing Board, and shares his thoughts about police interactions with protestors in Portland.

In the fourteenth interview session, conducted on October 30, 2020, Partridge Partridge reflects on his lifetime of involvement in politics and protest movements. He discusses the transition of the Rainbow Coalition into the New Party, and talks about his involvement with the organization. He talks about the history of trade globalization and the 1999 World Trade Organization (WT) protests in Seattle, Washington.

In the seventeenth interview session, conducted on December 4, 2020, Partridge continues to discuss his career as a carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and reads from the “Branch Mike” newsletter, which was published by the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 82. He talks about working conditions and about women postal workers. He discusses his involvement in the postal workers’ union and talks about his political activism with the union.

In the eighteenth interview session, conducted on December 18, 2020, Partridge continues to discuss his career as a carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and reads from the “Branch Mike” newsletter. He also talks about his retirement in 2011 and his continued involvement with the union.

In the twenty-fourth interview session, conducted on February 27, 2021, Partridge continues to discuss his show on the Portland radio station KBOO. He talks about the activities of Jobs with Justice, about federal labor legislation, and about the history of Portland’s day labor center. He speaks about the Occupy movement.

In the twenty-eighth interview session, conducted on April 9, 2021, Partridge reviews his life of political activism, describing his involvement in movements not previously discussed in the interview, including Portland Tenants United and Don’t Shoot PDX. He also revisits the topics of his relationship with police officers and the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in Portland.

Session 1, Part 1. In the first interview session, conducted on June 4, 2018, Butler discusses her family background and early life in Portland, Oregon, including her mother as a role model, her relationship with her twin sister, Gillian, and her family's political views. She talks about her experiences at Lewis & Clark College, including life in the dorms and studying history. She speaks about how she got involved in labor organizing while working at a library, and talks about the people she worked with. She also describes studying abroad in Kenya and how her experiences there affected her political beliefs. She discusses her involvement in other organizations, including a tenants union, and talks about working for Pacific Northwest Bell after college. She looks at photographs and talks about them.

Session 1, Part 2. In the first interview session, conducted on June 4, 2018, Butler discusses her family background and early life in Portland, Oregon, including her mother as a role model, her relationship with her twin sister, Gillian, and her family's political views. She talks about her experiences at Lewis & Clark College, including life in the dorms and studying history. She speaks about how she got involved in labor organizing while working at a library, and talks about the people she worked with. She also describes studying abroad in Kenya and how her experiences there affected her political beliefs. She discusses her involvement in other organizations, including a tenants union, and talks about working for Pacific Northwest Bell after college. She looks at photographs and talks about them.

Session 6, Part 2. In the sixth interview session, conducted on July 19, 2018, Butler speaks further about her retirement from JwJ, and speaks at length about her work as a contractor with the American Association of University Professors. She talks about the history and mission of the AAUP, about the people she worked with, and about AAUP by-laws and policies. She also talks about organizing AAUP chapters, particularly at Portland State University. She speaks about becoming AAUP's executive director, and shares her reasons for leaving the AAUP.

Tape 1, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on May 11, 2011, Gutwig discusses his family background and early life in the Parkrose neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, including his father's career as a drywall finisher and union involvement in Painters Local 10. He talks about his early journalism career, including his experiences working for his high school newspaper as a reporter and editor; and job shadowing with Gene Klare of the Oregon Labor Press, now the Northwest Labor Press.

Tape 1, Side 2. In the first interview session, conducted on May 11, 2011, Gutwig discusses his family background and early life in the Parkrose neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, including his father's career as a drywall finisher and union involvement in Painters Local 10. He talks about his early journalism career, including his experiences working for his high school newspaper as a reporter and editor; and job shadowing with Gene Klare of the Oregon Labor Press, now the Northwest Labor Press.

Tape 2, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted on May 18, 2011, Gutwig continues to discuss his family background and early life in the Parkrose neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. He talks about his family's political and religious beliefs; taking guitar lessons; and meeting his future wife, Lori Clark, in high school. He then talks about studying journalism at Mount Hood Community College, including working at the college newspaper and playing baseball. He speaks at length about his relationship with Lori Clark. He discusses his activities after college and shares his memories of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.

Tape 1, Side 2. In the first interview session, conducted on August 10, 2011, Eilers discusses her family background and early life in Portland, Oregon. She talks about her recreational activities, about the neighborhoods she lived in, and about her education at Madeleine Catholic School. She also looks at family photographs and talks about them. She then speaks about joining a convent in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, and teaching at Catholic schools. She also talks about her relationship with her family and describes the changes that came out of Vatican II. She discusses her early involvement with labor organizing in California with the United Farm Workers.

Tape 4, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted on August 17, 2011, Eilers revisits the topic of her family background and early life in Portland, Oregon. She talks about her college education while living in Los Angeles, California. She also revisits the topic of the changes to the Catholic Church that came out of Vatican II. She speaks at length about her early involvement with labor organizing in California with the United Farm Workers, including working with Cesar Chavez. She talks about her reasons for leaving the convent in 1981, and about her marriage to Robert Byrne.

Tape 7, Side 1. In the fourth interview session, conducted on November 2, 2011, Eilers continues to discuss serving as the state director of the AFL-CIO, including protests the union was involved with, particularly regarding the Gulf War and the World Trade Organization. She talks about people and organizations that she worked with while with the AFL-CIO, including Father Tobin and Occupy Portland. She speaks about union negotiations at Kaiser Permanente, Xerox, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. She then briefly talks about her work for SEIU Local 49 with employees of Providence Hospital.

Tape 12, Side 1. In the eighth and final interview session, conducted on December 4, 2011, Eilers' daughter, Michela Byrne, discusses her early life as the daughter of a priest and a nun who were labor activists; her education; and her career as a teacher. Eilers' husband, Robert Byrne, discusses his involvement in the labor movement, and talks about leaving the priesthood. Eilers also discusses balancing her career and raising a family.

Tape 1, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on November 9, 2018, Teitsworth speaks at length about his family background, and talks about his early life in New Jersey. He discusses his relationship with his family, his political beliefs, and his education. He describes a trip to Europe in 1969; talks about his experiences with LSD and other drugs; and shares his thoughts on citizenship.

Tape 6, Side 2. In the third interview session, conducted on November 22, 2018, Teitsworth continues to discuss his and Deborah Buchanan's association with Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati. He then speaks about his career as a firefighter with the Portland Fire Bureau and with Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue. He talks about his experience of being fired from the Portland Fire Bureau, describes some of the rescues he was involved in, and talks about the dangers of the job. He discusses life in a firehouse, compares the medical services provided by firefighters to those of private ambulance companies, and talks about dealing with people in distress. He speaks about the firefighters union, about firefighter pay and benefits, and about working with his fellow firefighters. He talks about his love of music and playing piano.

Session 8. In the eighth and final interview session, conducted on August 17, 2018, Rich Peppers, Jamie Partridge, and Lorene Scheer participated along with Butler. They each talk about their labor organizing backgrounds. They have a conversation about their work together as labor organizers with Jobs with Justice, describe several JwJ actions, and talk about lobbying the Oregon Legislature. They close the discussion by talking about JwJ's work related to civil rights, and about the future of the labor movement.

Tape 2, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted on May 18, 2011, Gutwig continues to discuss his family background and early life in the Parkrose neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. He talks about his family's political and religious beliefs; taking guitar lessons; and meeting his future wife, Lori Clark, in high school. He then talks about studying journalism at Mount Hood Community College, including working at the college newspaper and playing baseball. He speaks at length about his relationship with Lori Clark. He discusses his activities after college and shares his memories of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.

Tape 4, Side 1. In the fourth interview session, conducted on June 30, 2011, Gutwig continues to describe the interview process for the job of managing editor of the Northwest Labor Press. He then talks about his career as managing editor of the newspaper, including how the paper operated and working with Gene Klare. He describes the changes he made to the production of the paper, particularly the introduction of desktop publishing. He also shares the history of the Northwest Labor Press. He talks about his relationship with Portland labor leaders, about the lack of coverage about labor issues in the mainstream press, and about how working at the Northwest Labor Press affected his political beliefs. He discusses the paper's distribution, speculates about the future of the paper, and talks about labor in politics. He also talks about Barbara Roberts.

Tape 6, Side 2. In the fifth and final interview session, conducted on July 14, 2011, Gutwig speaks at length about the effects of NAFTA, of the attacks on September 11, 2001, and of changes to the National Labor Relations Board on labor unions. He also talks about the relationship between labor and the Democratic Party, particularly with President Barack Obama. He discusses operating the Northwest Labor Press at the time of the interview in 2011 and talks about his staff, including Don McIntosh. He talks about labor union membership, about the benefits of collective bargaining, and about the attacks on unions from conservative politicians. He closes the interview by discussing the target audience of the Northwest Labor Press, talking about the future of the paper, and sharing some of the things he learned over his years reporting on labor issues.

Tape 7, Side 1. In the fifth and final interview session, conducted on July 14, 2011, Gutwig speaks at length about the effects of NAFTA, of the attacks on September 11, 2001, and of changes to the National Labor Relations Board on labor unions. He also talks about the relationship between labor and the Democratic Party, particularly with President Barack Obama. He discusses operating the Northwest Labor Press at the time of the interview in 2011 and talks about his staff, including Don McIntosh. He talks about labor union membership, about the benefits of collective bargaining, and about the attacks on unions from conservative politicians. He closes the interview by discussing the target audience of the Northwest Labor Press, talking about the future of the paper, and sharing some of the things he learned over his years reporting on labor issues.