Beaverton semiconductor workers rally as factory vies for CHIPS funding
Semiconductor workers held a rally on Tuesday demanding safer working conditions, fair wages, and job security as their Beaverton factory vies for federal CHIPS Act funding.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Semiconductor workers held a rally on Tuesday demanding safer working conditions, fair wages, and job security as their Beaverton factory vies for federal CHIPS Act funding.
During the rally, dozens of employees from Analog Devices Inc. called on the company to use its public funds to usher in improved working conditions as ADI applies for federal CHIPS Act funds, which are meant to bolster the nation's semiconductor industry. The company was also awarded $12 million from the Oregon CHIPS Act, according to Analog Devices Workers United.
“Both President Biden and Governor Kotek have touted their CHIPS Acts as high-quality job creators, but at ADI, we don’t have quality jobs,” said Robbie Garecht, an operator at ADI. “In order to realize the economic benefits of this historic legislation and truly bring American manufacturing back, we need to ensure the jobs created are good, family-sustaining jobs. That means fair wages, safe working environments, and job security.”
The workers also raised safety concerns after “recent incidents” at the factory, along with a pattern of employee turnover due to low wages. Additionally, the union is asking for paid shutdowns after “numerous periods of unpaid furloughs” at ADI, during which workers had to go without a paycheck or accrue negative vacation balances, the union said.
Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor and BlueGreen Alliance Policy Manager Ranfis Giannettino Villatoro joined the rally in solidarity.
“We feel strongly that when a company like ADI receives millions in public funding, they must be held accountable for how that funding is used, and first and foremost they should be paying their workers a living wage,” said Ben Coffey, an operator at ADI. “This isn’t just about us, it’s about setting a standard for the entire semiconductor industry. With billions flowing from the federal CHIPS Act, semiconductors workers everywhere have a powerful case to demand accountability and real, positive change.”
In a statement to KOIN 6 News, a spokesperson for Analog Devices Inc. said, “We support and respect our employees and their right to express views on critical matters. As we continue to listen and engage with our team and encourage conversations, we remain committed in working together and aim to seek opportunities to help address their feedback.”
The call for better working conditions comes as the state tries to maintain its position as a leader in the semiconductor industry.
In April, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed the Oregon CHIPS Act to elevate the state's semiconductor and microchip manufacturing with a $210 million investment.
The state's CHIPS Act includes $190 million to support Oregon businesses applying for federal investments in the federal CHIPS and Science Act along with a $10 million investment to help public universities receive federal grants.
“Oregon has been at the center of the semiconductor industry in the United States for decades,” Kotek said in a statement after the signing. “This bill is an absolutely essential tool for leading a coordinated effort with the private sector to ensure we can compete for federal funds to expand advanced manufacturing in Oregon.”