PDX Air service returns in May
■ EUGENE – Eugene Airport has announced the return of daily air service to Portland International Airport (PDX) through Alaska Airlines, starting May 15. Travelers can expect departures from Eugene at 5:30 a.m. and 12:23 p.m., with return flights from PDX scheduled for 11 a.m. and 9:55 p.m.
LTD OKs new labor agreement
■ EUGENE – The Lane Transit District’s Board of Directors has approved a new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with Amalgamated Transit Union 757 (ATU) for its Facilities Department employees. The agreement, reached after just two bargaining sessions, was unanimously approved by ATU members.
Key highlights of the contract include immediate wage scale increases, three annual wage hikes, and the retention of a comprehensive benefits package. The retirement plan will be reviewed by June 30.
ATU Local 757 Executive Board Officer Bill Bradley called the new contract a significant victory for union members, highlighting the improved wages and job security. The contract will remain in effect until June 30, 2028.
In other LTD-related news:
• LTD last month honored Kerry Cooper, a Journeyman Mechanic, as Employee of the Year for 2024. Chosen from 14 nominees, Cooper was recognized during LTD’s Employee Banquet on February 2. CEO Jameson Auten praised his dedication and contribution to the Fleet Department. Cooper, who joined LTD in 2008, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
• LTD last month appointed Julie Lindsey as Chief Financial Officer and Mike Hursh as Chief Operations Officer. Lindsey, with 34 years of financial management experience, will lead the Finance and Procurement departments. Hursh previously served as CEO of AC Transit and will oversee Operations, Fleet, and Public Safety at LTD.
• LTD is celebrating a first-place finish in the 2025 AdWheel Awards competition. These awards recognize the marketing and communications efforts of the members of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
Grant to support Springfield tourism
■ SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce last month received a $68,709 grant from the City, funded by Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) revenues, to promote tourism. As stipulated by the Springfield Municipal Code, the TLT funds must be reinvested in services and improvements to attract non-local visitors. The communication packet includes an accompanying report detailing the use of these funds from July 2023 to June 2024.
Restoration projects receive federal funds
■ A variety of local restoration projects will receive a share of $3.4 million of Title II Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding. These projects are designed to improve roads and water quality, enhance ecosystems, restore habitat, and support trail and infrastructure maintenance while employing youth and local contractors. Regional organizations utilizing these funds include Cascade Volunteers, Lane County Youth Services, Northwest Youth Corps, Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council, and Oakridge Trail Alliance.
Paid Leave Oregon hits $1 billion in benefits
■ Paid Leave Oregon recently surpassed $1 billion in benefits distributed to workers across the state, a significant achievement since its launch in January 2023. Over 150,000 individuals have benefited from the program, which aims to provide financial support during critical life events.
David Gerstenfeld, Director of the Oregon Employment Department, said that Paid Leave Oregon not only aids employees and their families during critical life events but also supports businesses by reducing turnover and fostering economic stability.
“Paid Leave Oregon makes our state healthier, happier, and more prosperous,” said Karen Madden Humelbaugh, director of Paid Leave Oregon.
Funded by contributions from both employers and employees, the program serves as a model for state-administered paid leave, offering support for various needs, including medical conditions, new child bonding, and family caregiving.
More info: paidleave.oregon.gov.
– Chronicle news services
