Bynum Hosts Roundtable with Local Labor Groups

August 27, 2025
Press Release

Oregon City, OR – Today, Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05) held a roundtable with local labor leaders to discuss her priorities on the federal level and hear about the issues they are facing. The conversation included the leaders’ concerns about layoffs, reductions in force (RIFs), and interactions with Federal Agencies like the VA, SSA, and IRS. They also discussed Trump and Republicans’ budget – which Rep. Bynum voted against and called “trash” – is forcing Oregon’s state agencies to announce layoffs and RIFs as well.

“The fact of the matter is we have a President and a Labor Secretary that just can’t be trusted to stand up for American workers right now,” said Rep. Bynum. “In addition to gutting health care and raising costs, this Administration is needlessly and recklessly cutting jobs. Today’s roundtable was a powerful reminder that our workers are the backbone of our economy – I’ll always fight against these attacks and stand with the unions and workers who keep our communities and economy strong."

This is the 13th roundtable Rep. Bynum has hosted to hear Oregonians’ stories and provide updates on her work in Congress, and the fifth specifically with labor leaders.

Attendees from the roundtable included: 

  • Kevin Larson, President, Oregon State Fire Fighter Council Local 1062
  • Alberto Gallegos, Political Strategist, SEIU Oregon
  • Tom Panksy, NARFE Congressional District 5 Leader
  • Bill Martin, President, APWU
  • Wayne Mercado, Leg Affairs Chair, NARFE Tualatin Valley Chapter 1798 
  • Hannah Winchester, Political and Community Organizer, OFNHP
  • Johnny Earl, President, SEIU 503
  • Manda Bednarczyk, Flight Attendant, Alaska Airlines (AFA-CWA) Governmental Affairs Committee 
  • Bruni Agosto-Pinal, Master Executive Council Government Affairs Chairperson, Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines Association of Flight Attendants
  • Juanita Kamhoot, C.N.A at Kaiser Permanente, Vice President of Healthcare SEIU 49
  • Sarina Roher, President, OFNHP
  • Grant Schott, Legislative & Political Organizer, AFGE
  • Alan Ferschweiler, Legislative Director, Oregon State Fire Fighters Council, Legislative Director

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Issues: Costs & Jobs