Progressive–Labor Party of Astoria
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| Progressive–Labor Party of Astoria | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leader | Claire Beaumanoir |
| Chairperson | Katherine Lancaster |
| Founder | Wayne O'Connor |
| Founded | 23 April 1942 |
| Merger of |
Labor Party Progressive Party |
| Headquarters |
1594 Clatsop Ave, Astor City, Astoria |
| Membership (2022) | 1,942,059 |
| Ideology |
Progressivism Social democracy Factions: Centrism Laborism Social conservatism Social liberalism Democratic socialism Enviromentalism Left-wing populism |
| Political position | Centre-left |
| International affiliation | Progressive Alliance |
| American affiliation | Social Democrats of America |
| Senate of Astoria |
11 / 25 |
| House of Representatives |
51 / 95 |
| Governors |
5 / 12 |
|
Politics of Astoria Political parties Elections | |
| This article is part of a series on the |
| Politics of Astoria |
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The Progressive–Labor Party of Astoria (PL) is a political party in Astoria that is comprised of a broad coalition of social democrats, democratic socialists and trade unionists. Ideologically the Progressive–Labor Party sits within the centre-left to left on the political spectrum. As of 2023, it holds a majority in the House of Representatives with 51 seats, and is the minority in the Senate with 11 seats. Out of the 12 governors, 5 are members of the Progressive–Labor Party. A total of 6 presidents have belonged to the party, the first being Abraham Davis in 1926 and the most recent being elected in 2014; Frank Albertini. The party participates in the international Progressive Alliance and the North American Social Democrats of America. Its members in the American Parliament have an electoral agreement with the Red-Green Alliance of America. It is the political opponent of the National Democratic Party, both of which form the two-party system.
The party was founded by Abraham Davis, who brokered a deal to merge the Labor Party and Progressive Party in the lead up to the 1926 election. The Progressive–Labor Party developed its voting coalition throughout the Great Depression through various public works projects that rapidly industrialized the nation. It was instrumental in the development of the network of major dams on the Columbia River and the creation of the Astorian Electrical Authority (AEA) in 1932. Astoria's social welfare programs were developed during Progressive–Labor majorities. Major programs created during the party's prominence in the 1940s include; Federal Health Insurance Program (FHIP), Federal Pension and Employment Insurance System (FPEIS) and the Federal Assistance Program for the Deprived and Poor (FAPDP). These programs attracted strong support from the poor, senior citizens, union members, and farmers.
It has historically been the party of anti-immigration, a stance which factions within the party still maintain. Environmentalism, while accepted officially within the party's platform, is a divisive subject among the various factions of the party. Rural and union voters support the preservation of the dam network, while urban liberals seek the dismantlement of dams over concerns of habitat disruption. Other issues which divide party policy is nuclear energy, with more conservative voters believing that the plants need to be preserved while urban liberal voters are overwhelming anti-nuclear. In the 1980s and 1990s the party adopted policies that supported access to abortion and gay marriage, although it adopted its stances on abortion access much later than the National Democratic Party. The party's majority advocates for Astoria to leave the Conference of American States (CAS) and the League of Nations (LN).
History
Origins of the Labor Party (1870-1900)
The Labor Party of Astoria originated in the late 19th century as a reaction to 1873 Mormon attacks on a Chinese railroad worker camp in Glenns Ferry, Idaho. While the camp was predominantly Chinese, White Astorians also perished during the attack. Those who survived the attack, along with railroad workers across the interior formed the Brotherhood of Railwaymen and Wranglers, a fraternal organization that sought to protect workers in the wilderness. Members who desired physical protection had to band with other workers to pay dues for protection, effectively creating a highly organized paramilitary force. The Railwaymen and Wranglers waged open warfare against the Mormons and Canaanites during the Canaanite–Mormon War as a fourth belligerent throughout the 1870s.
The Brotherhood of Railwaymen and Wranglers were initially allies of the Frontier Party of Astoria, the major political party at the time that controlled the Commonwealth government. It was the Brotherhoods activism with interior Frontier politicians that led to the Mormon Extermination Act of 1876. Railwaymen and Wranglers took an active role in the execution of the extermination order, and historians consider them to be the catalyst for the Mormon genocide in the Snake River Plain. Members of the Railwaymen and Wranglers joined with Isaiah Landon during the Sierran Civil War and fully adopted his ideology; Landonism. There were efforts among the organization to stir a revolution within Astoria and join the Second California Republic.
The Brotherhood of Railwaymen and Wranglers, the largest labor organizations in the region at the time, played a key role in Astoria's politics. The Brotherhood saw the founding of a political as an opportunity to expand its influence beyond the railroad industry and to build a broader working-class movement and end its dependence on the Frontier Party. It opened dialogue with the Society of Carpenters and Lumber Workers in 1897 regarding the foundation of a new worker-orientated political party. The Society of Carpenters and the Brother of Railwaymen and Wrangers called for a convention in 1900 in Portland on July 9th.
The discussions at the convention focused on the need for a political party that could represent the interests of working people, and that would challenge the dominance of the two major parties in the region, the Frontier Party. However, there were several problems that arose during the convention that threatened to derail the founding of the new political party. One of the biggest issues was the question of whether the party should align itself with the Socialist Party of Astoria, which was growing in popularity at the time in Astoria's coastal cities. Some delegates argued that the Labor Party should ally itself with the Socialists in order to build a stronger movement, while others were concerned that such an alliance would alienate more moderate voters.
Another issue that arose during the convention was the question of how to balance the interests of different labor organizations within the party. Some unions, such as the Brotherhood of Railwaymen and Wranglers, had more resources and influence than others, and there was a concern that they would dominate the party and marginalize smaller unions. Despite these challenges, the convention ultimately succeeded in establishing the charter for the party. The party's platform called for a range of reforms aimed at improving the lives of working people, including the eight-hour workday, better working conditions, and the right to form unions.
Party during the Carousel Regime (1901-1910)
Gerhardt Astor launched a coup in August 1901, which was a takeover of the government that was engineered by a group of conservative businessmen and military officers who were opposed to the Labor Party's growing influence. Most of the collaborators were members of the United Grand Lodge of Astoria, which stood in opposition to the fraternal labor organizations. Philbert Nelson, then Prime Minister and a prominent Confederation Party member, was deposed and replaced by Gerhardt Astor, the son of Keir Astor.
Following the coup, the Labor Party was immediately banned by the new regime, and its members were hunted by the military and police. Many party leaders were arrested and imprisoned, and others went into hiding to avoid persecution. The Carousel Regime, which lasted from 1901 to 1910, was characterized by authoritarian rule, censorship of the press, and suppression of civil liberties. The regime was particularly hostile to labor unions and left-wing political movements, and it used brutal tactics to suppress dissent. Despite the repression, the Labor Party continued to exist in some form, with members working underground to promote their cause. The party's platform of social democracy and workers' rights remained influential in the region, and it laid the groundwork for future labor movements and political parties.
Militancy grew significantly in the mines and factories of Astoria in the middle of Gerhardt Astor's regime, and in 1907 several large scale protests took place in the summer. Trade unionists and pro-British supporters aligned with one another and held major sit ins at major factories and mines. Ports were closed and railways shut down, causing a complete shutdown of the Astorian economy. Astor resorted to state-sponsored terrorism, utilizing right-wing paramilitary groups and the military to hunt down agitators. Organizers of the party were targeted, resulting in the death of several key figures within the party. Ronald Reed, leader of the Railwaymen and Wranglers was captured in 1907 and was murdered by military police. In 1908 the leader of the Carpenters, Christopher Wells, was executed by a tribunal after being falsely attributed to a bombing in Seattle.
Several of Astoria's unions began an open dialogue with the Democratic-Republican Party of Sierra in an attempt to pressure Astor to end the state sanctioned killings. Astoria's position in the world was significantly hampered after the Sierran government condemned the activities of the Astorian military, leading to a series of high profile trials on September 9, 1908. Astor. Fearful that Sierra would invade the country, struck a deal with Sierran Prime Minister Robert Landon resulting in the legalization of the Labor Party and other left-wing parties. In 1910 the Labor Party fell short against the National Democratic Party, and the party became the official opposition for roughly 15 years.
Transition to Democracy (1910-1938)
Parliament drafted the 1909 Constitution of Astoria, establishing Astoria as a federal presidential republic. The Labor Party won a minority of seats within the the new National Assembly. Gerhardt Astor was elected as an independent, serving two terms. All twelve states were admitted to the republic simultaneously, with the Labor Party winning the gubernatorial seats of two states; Yakima and Pocatello. The Labor Party was against the passage of the 1917 Astorian Immigration Act, which many within the party believed would flood the labor market and destroy the collective bargaining power of trade unions.
With the passage of the immigration act, Astoria was flooded with mostly low-wage white workers from Sierra's Styxie and from the United Commonwealth. Although Landonism was banned throughout the country, small ideological clubs of immigrants sprung up across coastal cities. In Seattle and Portland these societies rose to prominence, as they became hubs for the white working class. The Labor Party quickly attached itself to the organizations to build a larger voter base. The National Democratic Party instituted several laws at the state level to prevent citizens who had not lived within their county for more than five years the ability to vote. Throughout the 1920s white Sierrans continued to migrate to Astoria in response to Sierran Cultural Revolution.
Name and symbols
Organization
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The party's leadership is divided into two primary bodies: the Central Committee and the National Convention.
The Central Committee of the Progressive-Labor party is responsible for the day-to-day management and decision-making of the party. It is composed of elected representatives from various regions and local branches of the party. The Central Committee members are elected by the party's rank-and-file members and serve for a set term. The Central Committee is responsible for implementing the party's policies and programs, organizing party activities, and managing the party's finances. It also has the power to appoint and remove party officials and to determine the party's overall strategy.
The National Convention is the highest decision-making body of the Progressive-Labor party. It is composed of delegates from the various regional and local branches of the party, as well as elected officials and party leaders. The National Convention meets every four years to set the party's agenda, elect the Central Committee, and make other important decisions. The National Convention is also responsible for approving changes to the party's constitution and platform.
Leadership
The leadership structure of the Progressive-Labor party is designed to ensure that the party's decisions and policies are made democratically and reflect the views and needs of the party's rank-and-file members. The Central Committee and the National Convention both have important roles to play in this process. The Central Committee is responsible for the day-to-day management of the party, while the National Convention provides a forum for broader discussions and decision-making.
The current leader of the party is Claire Beaumanoir, who currently serves as the speaker of the Astorian House of Representatives. The chairperson of the party is currently Katherine Lancaster.
State parties
Major party groups
Factions
Ideology and positions
The Progressive–Labor Party advocates for a mixed economy, in which both the private and public sectors play a role in providing essential goods and services. They support strong welfare programs, progressive taxation, labor protections, and regulations that aim to balance economic growth with social justice. Most of its economic policies are inline with European social democratic parties.
The party supports labor unions and workers' rights. The party believes that organized labor is essential for ensuring fair wages, good working conditions, and collective bargaining power. Progressive–Labor also support policies that promote the growth and strengthening of unions, including the right to strike and laws that make it easier to form a union. The party argues that strong unions are necessary to create a more equitable society and reduce economic inequality.
In terms of regulation, Progressive–Labor believes that the government has a responsibility to regulate markets and businesses to prevent exploitation and abuse. They support regulations that promote environmental protection, consumer safety, and fair competition. They argue that government regulations can create a level playing field for businesses and protect consumers from harmful products or services. Regarding environmental regulations, Progressive–Labor is supportive of policies that aim to address climate change and protect the environment. They advocate for government action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase the use of renewable energy, and promote sustainable development. The Progressive–Labor Party also support the use of taxes and tax subsidies to encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. On consumer protection, Progressive–Labor supports regulations that aim to protect consumers from harmful or deceptive practices by businesses. They advocate for policies that ensure product safety, prevent false advertising, and end monopolies. They also support regulations that require businesses to be transparent about their practices and products. The party is divided on topics regarding hydroelectricity and nuclear power.
The Progressive–Labor Party generally supports reproductive rights, including access to abortion. They also support the legalization of gay marriage and other LGBTQ rights. Members of the party believe that individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices about their bodies. The party is an advocate for progressive taxation, in which those who earn more pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes. They argue that this approach can reduce economic inequality and fund essential public services, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. The party was instrumental in the creation of a capital gains tax and a inheritance tax. Some conservative members of the party reject gay marriage, but there is a near universal support for access to abortion and contraceptives.
The party supports a multilateral approach to international relations without the necessity of belonging to global institutions. They advocate for diplomacy, cooperation, and collaboration between nations to promote peace, human rights, and social justice. The party is against Astoria joining international organizations, and has advocated for Astoria to leave the Conference of American States (CAS) and the League of Nations (LN).
Progressive–Labor presidents
Progressive–Labor Party
Abraham Davis
(January 1, 1927 — January 1, 1935)
Wayne O'Connor
January 1, 1935 — January 1, 1951
Samuel Faulkner
January 1, 1971 — January 1, 1979
Martha Lindstrom
January 1, 1987 — January 1, 1999
Ludomir Waszak
January 1, 2011 — January 1, 2019
Frank Albertini
January 1, 2011 — January 1, 2019
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Electoral history
National Assembly elections
| House of Representatives | President | Senate | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Election
year |
No. of
seats won |
+/– | No. of
seats won |
+/– | Election
year | |||
| 1942 | 62 / 95
|
 62
|
Wayne O'Connor | 16 / 25
|
16
|
1942 | ||
| 1944 | 64 / 95
|
2
|
Wayne O'Connor | 17 / 25
|
1
|
1944 | ||
| 1946 | 65 / 95
|
1
|
Wayne O'Connor | 15 / 25
|
 2
|
1946 | ||
| 1948 | 56 / 95
|
8
|
Wayne O'Connor | 18 / 25
|
3
|
1948 | ||
| 1950 | 54 / 95
|
2
|
Martin Barber | 15 / 25
|
3
|
1950 | ||
| 1952 | 52 / 95
|
2
|
Martin Barber | 12 / 25
|
3
|
1952 | ||
| 1954 | 57 / 95
|
5
|
Martin Barber | 11 / 25
|
1
|
1954 | ||
| 1956 | 58 / 95
|
1
|
Martin Barber | 12 / 25
|
1
|
1956 | ||
| 1958 | 35 / 95
|
23
|
Nathaniel Clarke | 10 / 25
|
2
|
1958 | ||
| 1960 | 40 / 95
|
5
|
Nathaniel Clarke | 11 / 25
|
1
|
1960 | ||
| 1962 | 42 / 95
|
2
|
Nathaniel Clarke | 12 / 25
|
1
|
1962 | ||
| 1964 | 37 / 95
|
5
|
Nathaniel Clarke | 8 / 25
|
4
|
1964 | ||
| 1966 | 35 / 95
|
2
|
Jothnathan Barker | 7 / 25
|
1
|
1966 | ||
| 1968 | 38 / 95
|
3
|
Jothnathan Barker | 8 / 25
|
1
|
1968 | ||
| 1970 | 39 / 95
|
1
|
Jothnathan Barker | 9 / 25
|
1
|
1970 | ||
| 1972 | 37 / 95
|
2
|
Jothnathan Barker | 8 / 25
|
1
|
1972 | ||
| 1974 | 47 / 95
|
10
|
Samuel Faulkner | 13 / 25
|
5
|
1974 | ||
| 1976 | 42 / 95
|
5
|
Samuel Faulkner | 12 / 25
|
1
|
1976 | ||
| 1978 | 35 / 95
|
7
|
Franklin Morris | 11 / 25
|
1
|
1978 | ||
| 1980 | 45 / 95
|
10
|
Franklin Morris | 14 / 25
|
3
|
1980 | ||
| 1982 | 40 / 95
|
5
|
Franklin Morris | 11 / 25
|
3
|
1982 | ||
| 1984 | 39 / 95
|
1
|
Franklin Morris | 10 / 25
|
1
|
1984 | ||
| 1986 | 61 / 95
|
22
|
Martha Lindstrom | 13 / 25
|
3
|
1986 | ||
| 1988 | 56 / 95
|
5
|
Martha Lindstrom | 14 / 25
|
1
|
1988 | ||
| 1990 | 59 / 95
|
3
|
Martha Lindstrom | 15 / 25
|
1
|
1990 | ||
| 1992 | 60 / 95
|
1
|
Martha Lindstrom | 17 / 25
|
2
|
1992 | ||
| 1994 | 64 / 95
|
4
|
Martha Lindstrom | 16 / 25
|
1
|
1994 | ||
| 1996 | 56 / 95
|
8
|
Martha Lindstrom | 15 / 25
|
1
|
1996 | ||
| 1998 | 55 / 95
|
1
|
Ludomir Waszak | 13 / 25
|
2
|
1998 | ||
| 2000 | 48 / 95
|
7
|
Ludomir Waszak | 12 / 25
|
1
|
2000 | ||
| 2002 | 40 / 95
|
8
|
Ralf Klemetti | 11 / 25
|
1
|
2002 | ||
| 2004 | 44 / 95
|
4
|
Ralf Klemetti | 12 / 25
|
1
|
2004 | ||
| 2006 | 42 / 95
|
2
|
Ralf Klemetti | 13 / 25
|
1
|
2006 | ||
| 2008 | 48 / 95
|
6
|
Ralf Klemetti | 14 / 25
|
1
|
2008 | ||
| 2010 | 49 / 95
|
1
|
Frank Albertini | 13 / 25
|
1
|
2010 | ||
| 2012 | 46 / 95
|
3
|
Frank Albertini | 12 / 25
|
1
|
2012 | ||
| 2014 | 51 / 95
|
5
|
Frank Albertini | 11 / 25
|
1
|
2014 | ||
| 2016 | 52 / 95
|
1
|
Frank Albertini | 13 / 25
|
2
|
2016 | ||
| 2018 | 41 / 95
|
11
|
Brendan Shepard | 12 / 25
|
1
|
2018 | ||
| 2020 | 39 / 95
|
2
|
Brendan Shepard | 10 / 25
|
2
|
2020 | ||
| 2022 | 51 / 95
|
12
|
Brendan Shepard | 11 / 25
|
1
|
2022 | ||
Presidential elections
American Parliament elections
 Astoria articles | |||||||||
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- Altverse II
- Progressive–Labor Party of Astoria
- Political parties in Astoria
- Social democratic parties
- Social Democrats of America member parties
- Parties represented in the American Parliament
- Centre-left parties
- Labour parties
- Progressive parties
- Progressive parties in Astoria
- 1942 establishments in Astoria
- Political parties established in 1942
- Progressive Alliance