Vol 4, Issue 2

By Joe DiNicola, President, SEIU Local 503, OPEU

January 17, 2008
What do we want? Contract!" "When do we want it? Now!" With over 40,000 members in our great union, these chants are heard around Oregon nearly every month of every year. But these words are only for union members who have already won the right to negotiate together for better wages, safe working conditions and dignity and respect on the job. For the vast majority of workers, the union dream is not yet a reality. Every time you talk about how your contract is good or how it could be better with your co-workers, friends or family, you are using the power of your union to build a better future.

In this issue of President Joe's Journal, SEIU Local 503, OPEU members get ready to join Custodians and Nutrition Service workers at a Portland Public Schools rally for a fair contract. Workers demand the right to form a union without fear of intimidation, the Oregon Health Plan begins open enrollment this month and on January 28 Andy Stern visits Portland to turn up the heat.

In this issue: Portland Public Schools Members Rally  The Freedom to Form a Union Oregon Health Plan Expands Enrollment  eNews Flash: Andy Stern Turns Up the Heat

Portland Public Schools Members Rally

Contract negotiations continue for SEIU Local 503, OPEU members at Portland Public Schools (PPS). The school district has proposed wage cuts of up to 31% for Custodians. These are the same Custodians who recently returned to work after the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that the school district had illegally outsourced their jobs.

For PPS Nutrition Service workers, the school district proposed raises that don't keep up with inflation. Every member recognizes the current offer for what it really is: another pay cut. At the same time, both PPS Custodians and Nutrition Service workers face roll-backs in healthcare coverage. The school district insists that workers must shoulder most of the increased cost of health insurance.

Portland Public Schools members have planned a rally at PPS District headquarters, 501 N. Dixon, in Portland on Monday, January 28. If you live in the Portland area, or if you can plan to be there, this is a critical event. Andy Stern, SEIU International President, will join members and stand together with PPS brothers and sisters. When you take one of us on, you take all of us on!

The Freedom to Form a Union

More than 57 million workers in the United States say they would join a union if they could. But when workers come together to win a voice on the job, employers often respond with intimidation, harassment and retaliation. In fact, recent studies show the unwelcome statistic that workers who support a union are fired in 25 percent of private-sector union election campaigns.

Under current labor laws in the United States enforced by the Bush administration, the deck is clearly stacked in favor of anti-union employers. Workers who want to unite to improve their lives need to work to create stronger laws to ensure their right to say "YES!" to union. Every worker must be entitled to have a truly free choice to decide to form a union. Employers should not be permitted to use current laws to put up obstacles and punish any worker who decides to unite with co-workers to win the fight for fair pay and better working conditions.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States, said 50 years ago, "Only a fool would try to deprive working men and working women of their right to join the union of their choice." Workers need a level playing field so everyone can have a fair chance to win a voice on the job. When workers have a voice, workers have an opportunity for a decent standard of living, affordable health care, retirement security and a safe workplace.

The freedom to choose to form a union without the fear of reprisals is a basic right. Ask any officer, steward or organizer how you can step up to help workers across the country. We say it often, but every SEIU Local 503, OPEU member knows it's true: we're stronger together!

Oregon Health Plan Expands Enrollment

According to the Oregon Center for Public Policy, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) once added about 130,000 Oregonians to the state's Medicaid program. Today, OHP enrollment is down to just 19,000. But now is the time to help eligible Oregonians register for OHP benefits.

Here's the scoop from Oregon.gov website:

When will the list open?

The list will be open from January 28 through February 29, 2008.

What is the reservation list process?

People interested in applying for OHP Standard benefits must place their names on the reservation list.

Department of Human Services (DHS) will mail a postcard to people on the reservation list that includes their reservation number. The postcard will only confirm that the person is on the reservation list; it does not guarantee an application for OHP Standard benefits.

After the reservation list closes, a set number of names will be randomly drawn from the list. DHS will mail OHP Standard applications to those people whose names have been drawn. Because of funding limitations, not everyone on the reservation list will be sent an application.

Do you qualify for other benefits?

Only OHP Standard requires this reservation list process. OHP Plus and other DHS benefit packages have different eligibility requirements and are open for enrollment. You may already qualify for coverage through one of these packages.

You can help get the word out that the OHP program is open. Please encourage anyone you know who might qualify to get on the reservation list during the January 28 to February 29 window of opportunity.

eNews Flash

Andy Stern Turns Up the Heat: At 7:30 pm January 28, following the PPS rally, SEIU International President Andy Stern will speak at the First Congregational Church at 1126 SW Park Avenue in Portland (across the street from the Portland Art Museum). All are welcome and the event is free for union members. Plan to attend so you can hear what Andy says it will take to make a fairer America. Here’s a preview: "The American economy is not a zero-sum game. There is no good moral or economic reason why all workers cannot or should not share in the success and prosperity they helped create. We need to restore the promise of the American Dream. And that means choosing what kind of country we want to be." Please join Andy at the PPS rally and for his remarks at First Congregational Church, and bring a friend and spread the word.