"Union Pushes to Restore Ban on Self-Serve Gas in Oregon"

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555, one of Oregon's largest labor unions, has filed an initiative to reinstate the state's ban on self-serve gas. The ban was lifted earlier this year, allowing Oregonians to pump their own gas or have an attendant do it for them. The union argues that self-serve gas has led to job losses and increased safety risks at gas stations. Former Portland City Commissioner Steve Novick supports the initiative, expressing concerns about losing jobs and the inconvenience it may cause for people with disabilities. The initiative needs to collect around 117,000 signatures by July to be included on the ballot next November.