Union files initiative to reinstate Oregon’s self-service gas ban
from KATU News
Thursday, October 26, 2023
FILE – A person fills up his gas tank at a gas station. (Getty Images)
PORTLAND, Ore. –
One of the state’s largest unions has filed an initiative to reinstate Oregon’s ban on pumping its own gas.
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And since August, Oregonians have had the option to pump their own gas or have an attendant do it for them.
According to United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555, allowing self-service gas has put people out of work and made gas stations more dangerous.
The union submitted an initiative on Wednesday.
“Most people said, ‘Thank God, I’m already tired of pumping my own gas.’ “Gasoline prices don’t go down because you can pump your own fuel. I mean, the numbers show that. So why? It’s just a way for businesses to get their money from Oregon’s economy into their coffers,” said UFCW Miles Eshaia. “They are just thwarting the fossil fuel industry by eliminating jobs in Oregon. We don’t have a labor shortage in Oregon, we have a wage shortage. You have to pay market wages so that people can work. You.”
Former Portland City Commissioner Steve Novick is one of the initiative’s lead applicants.
“I just liked the fact that there was this quirky thing that helped make Oregon, Oregon. I share the concern about job losses. I do think that self-service will make things less convenient for people with disabilities because yes, there will still be full-service pumps, but you have to drive in and maneuver around to find the right pump, which is always a hassle. I want to at least give that to people who think like I do, that we’re losing a little bit of Oregon’s identity – to be able to express that feeling at the ballot box,” Novick said.
At the pump, drivers said they felt safe pumping their own gas.
“The precautions on the pumps these days keep you safe and you don’t have to worry about explosions or anything like that. They’re all well-lit, so worrying about someone being outside trying to grab one is nothing to worry about,” said Steven Malany, who said he’s fine with full-service or self-service and sometimes does both.
Monica Manewal says she learned to drive by pumping her own gas, but believes people should have a say.
“Yes I think so. This is how the system works. I think it’s fair to put it up for a vote, but I like it the way it is now,” she said.
Now about 117,000 signatures must be collected by July in order to put the issue before voters next November.
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