Largest Expansion of Bargaining Rights Since 1973
The Legislature prioritized giving workers a voice in their work. They approved bargaining rights for child care workers, adult foster care workers, and passed a bill that allows public employees to unionize by having a majority sign cards. 2007 represented the largest expansion of bargaining rights since 1973.
Child Care Workers
Local 503's newest members are Child Care providers. These workers have not had the fundamental right to bargain collectively that almost all Oregonians enjoy. Child care workers fought for bargaining rights and expanded access for working parents to get child care for their kids.
"I testified at a Lobby Day to let lawmakers know how important funding is for the Child Care Program. Parents need this program to be able to afford to work and have access to safe child care. I've never seen anyone so understanding and willing to listen as the state representatives and legislators. It was great to see them back us up. We won an additional $33 million in funding for the Child Care Program."
Wanda Winne
Child Care Provider, NE Portland
Child Care providers swarmed the Capitol, and brought the kids they care for. They packed hearing rooms to make their voices heard. Senator Avel Gordly (D - Portland) was moved by the level of member involvement. She stopped the hearing, inviting two of our members' children up to the dais to join the Senators while they listened to the testimony of child care providers.
The Committee approved the collective bargaining measure, and the full legislature passed the bill with bi-partisan support. Our members successfully fought to improve the day care program. Oregon was one of the worst states in the country in terms of affordable and accessible child care. Because of our members' efforts, we are now ahead of most states when it comes to affordable day care for low-wage working parents.
Adult Foster Care Providers
Adult foster care providers care for seniors, the disabled, and the mentally ill in their homes. Adult foster care workers are often sub-minimum wage workers who care for two to five clients.
This session, adult foster care providers organized, gaining a voice in the political process. On June 1, Governor Kulongoski signed the Executive Order (EO) recognizing their right to form a union. But we needed to pass a bill to make sure the next Governor couldn't overturn the Executive Order. In response, adult foster care workers came to the Capitol, wrote letters, made phone calls, and lobbied their legislators to pass a bill that would permanently secure their right to bargain collectively.
The Governor and legislative leadership bolstered their strong record of supporting the right to organize and came through big in the end for adult foster care providers. House Speaker Jeff Merkley changed the time line and kept the legislature in session an extra day in order to pass this bill this session for our members.
There is still work to be done. Oregon's budget was decided before adult foster care providers were able to get involved. As a result, providers are currently slated to get just a 2.1% raise over the course of two years. This February adult foster care providers will be back to fight for funding for their first contract.