A strange land where Democrats are Democrats: 

►  In the Oregonian -- Oregon House sides with labor on employer communications -- Organized labor scored a fat win on Friday when lawmakers gave final approval to a bill allowing workers to opt out of meetings where employers talk about unions, ballot measures and other political speech. The House voted 34 to 24 to endorse SB 519, with Democrats and unions praising what they call the "Worker Freedom Act." Republicans and businesses protested fiercely, saying that the employer "gag rule" is an unnecessary regulation that tilts the landscape toward unions. The bill now goes to Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who is expected to sign it. Oregon would join New Jersey in extending such protection to workers.

►  In the Salem S-J -- Bill that was high priority for labor unions passes -- SB 519, which cleared the House on a 34-24 vote Friday, bars businesses from requiring workers to attend company-organized meetings about politics -- including union organizing -- and religion.

Local news: 

►  In the PSBJ -- "Buy American" rule spurs threat from state's top trading partner -- Canadian cities have threatened to retaliate against the Buy American provisions of the federal stimulus legislation, while local and national business groups warn of a trade war. The Washington State Labor Council says the reasons for supporting Buy American are simple. “More jobs are created when the material is created here,” said spokeswoman Kathy Cummings. “It’s all about stimulating the American economy in every sector.”

►  In today's Seattle Times -- Strikes and workers' rights (letters) -- The first letter responds to the Times' call for Boeing Machinists to give up the right to strike. The second letter explains why the Employee Free Choice Act is needed to restore America's middle class.

►  In today's Bellingham Herald -- Some layoffs may be avoided at Bellingham schools -- The district sent layoff notices to 64 certificated employees, but through attrition, budgeting changes and federal stimulus money, 47 of those people are guaranteed at least part-time positions.

►  In today's Everett Herald -- Surprise windfall for road projects in Monroe, Lake Stevens -- Due to the recession, many construction jobs cost less than expected, freeing millions for other work.

Boeing news: 

►  In Sunday's Everett Herald -- Outsourcing a sore point for Boeing unions -- Boeing handed over not just some manufacturing work but also design responsibilities on its 787 to its global partners. Supplier troubles and production problems have plagued the 787, giving Boeing's unions a sense of vindication for protesting the company's new business model.

►  In Sunday's Everett Herald -- Stakes couldn't be higher for Boeing's first 787 flight -- Boeing's future -- and that of the region's aerospace industry -- is in the air when the 787 tests its wings during a first flight scheduled to happen from Paine Field before the end of the month. 

►  In Sunday's Everett Herald -- What Boeing did right -- and wrong on 787 -- Delays soiled Boeing's reputation and spoiled a potentially wide lead Boeing could have held over rival Airbus. 

News from Olympia: 

►  In today's Seattle Times -- Bill gives state tuition break to foreign workers, families -- A little-noticed measure passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the governor will extend in-state tuition rates at Washington state colleges and universities to foreign professionals at companies such as Microsoft and Amazon, as well as to their children and spouses.

►  At Schmudget -- Will the Basic Health Plan become unaffordable? -- The decision to impose sharp increases in premiums may have some advantages, but it does not mean that people won't end up uninsured. The cost hikes are likely to make enrollment unaffordable for many.

►  In the Walla Walla U-B -- Budget ax falls on teen parole -- A program affecting about 500 youthful offenders released annually from Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration custody will end July 1. Eliminating the Enhanced Parole program will save the state $5.3 million, officials said.

►  At TheOlympian.com -- Whatever happened to gain-sharing lawsuit? -- Gain sharing, giving pension plan members a cut of extraordinary returns, was ended in 2007. The Department of Retirement Systems says the lawsuit is still pending, with a trial set for Oct. 27.

►  In the Olympian -- Biggest spenders: GOP's Delvin, Orcutt -- Republican Sen. Jerome Delvin of Richland was No. 1 in optional expenses among state legislators, spending $59,080 in taxpayer money. In the House, Republican Rep. Ed Orcutt of Kalama was tops at $57,801.

National news: 

►  In today's Wall St. Journal -- Push for time off gains in many states -- New and strengthened Democratic majorities in many state legislatures are pushing measures that require businesses to grant employees additional time off for personal or family reasons. Governors in Colorado and Nevada signed laws within the past month that give employees unpaid leave for school-related events, becoming the first states to do so in a decade. Wisconsin lawmakers will take up similar legislation this fall.

►  In today's Washington Post -- Too big to mail? (editorial) -- The post office may be the next too-big thing. If it continues on its present course, the U.S. Postal Service stands to post $6 billion to $12 billion in losses by the end of the fiscal year. By the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2009, it had racked up an operating loss of more than $2 billion, almost equal to its total losses last year. So far, the USPS has depended on loans from the Federal Financing Bank, a federal borrowing agency, to help make up the difference, but it is fast approaching its $15 billion credit limit. Something has to give.

►  From AP -- GAO says labor safety program is inadequate -- Congressional investigators say the DOL has poorly managed a program allowing companies with good safety records to skip routine inspections -- and mistakenly allowed some with serious violations to participate in it.

►  In today's LA Times -- Kroger feasts amid a supermarket famine -- As Wal-Mart, Costco and other big discounters eat into other chains' sales, the parent of Fred Meyer stores sees gains.

►  From Reuters -- Employers cutting back 401(k) plans -- A quarter of U.S. employers have eliminated matching contributions to employee 401(k) retirement plans since September to save money amid the economy's downturn, according to research released today.

Employee Free Choice Act: 

►  In Sunday's San Diego U-T -- Feinstein stuck in middle of union "card check" fight -- She was a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act in 2007. But she is the only Democrat in the California congressional delegation who is not a co-sponsor of this year's bill, which is labor's top legislative priority. The senator has expressed reservations about forging ahead with such a fundamental change in union-organizing rules during a deep recession.