After a year-long struggle, members at Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) celebrated a victory October 6. The ODFW bargaining team successfully negotiated a better compensation system for overnight on-call workers. Under new contract provisions, all ODFW workers will earn one hour of compensatory time for every six hours of on-call duty.

Historically, ODFW hatchery workers on-call received the "one-for-six" rate during daytime and evening hours, but for reasons known only to ODFW managers, overnight hours did not qualify.

Last year, a member filed a grievance to resolve the issue. Determined hatchery workers then proved "When you take one of us on, you take all of us on!" is not just a slogan. They came together, filed more grievances and demanded fair compensation.

ODFW managers threatened to transfer some workers to unpopular swing shifts if we went forward. Hatchery workers refused to be divided or intimidated and countered with a "demand to bargain" the issue. ODFW members from all over the state stayed the course — they shared input and ideas by phone and e-mail and showed up in person to support the bargaining team.

The outcome is a good solid agreement that benefits everyone. The ODFW bargaining team followed the on-call agreement with a second victory — twenty workers formerly classified as "limited duration" are now classified as permanent full-time with all contract rights.

Congratulations ODFW members — we all won because you stood strong together.

Stewards Stand Up for Fairness

Who do you call when you have a question about your contract? You should call your local steward. Stewards are trained to make sure we understand the terms of our contracts and help us stand up for fairness. Stewards are the first line of defense when we need to protect the contract rights we fought so hard for at the bargaining table.

Stewards are the eyes and ears, the heart and soul and the strong voice of our union every day for every worker. They are ready to help you.

Have you ever thought about becoming a steward? Maybe it sounds intimidating. Maybe it sounds like you need to know everything about our contract. Paula Allen, a member from the Department of Revenue and the chair of our statewide Stewards Council, says, "You don't have to be a lawyer to be a strong steward. From day one we make sure our new stewards have the tools, training and support they need to represent co-workers and win."

Every steward, no matter how experienced, knows that if they don't have the answer, they can get it. Stewards may face tremendous challenges, but they also get tremendous rewards. Even a seasoned steward will tell you they are always learning — and they value the chance to apply what they learn to real-life situations. They will also tell you it's great to be able to help co-workers.

Please contact a steward, local officer or your organizer to learn how to become a steward. You can make a difference — and you can help change people's lives for the better.

Who is CAPE?

Your co-workers volunteer to join CAPE (Citizen Action for Political Education) to make sure our voice in Oregon politics is strong and united. SEIU Local 503, OPEU members elect worksite leaders from all over the state to serve on our CAPE committee. CAPE members step up to hold politicians accountable.

Affordable health care, a secure retirement and a safe work environment are examples of the issues we fight for every day at the state Capitol. CAPE members interview candidates, monitor voting records and decide which candidates support workers.

What happens after CAPE chooses candidates? The CAPE committee presents recommendations to our SEIU Local 503, OPEU Board of Directors. Our Board, elected members from every region in the state, makes the final decision. (It's very rare that the Board disagrees with a CAPE decision.) Once CAPE endorsements are official, members throughout the state work to help elect pro-worker candidates to state and local government.

Who funds CAPE? Members volunteer to make "2 cent" payroll deductions to fund CAPE. Your 2 cent contribution to CAPE qualifies for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit in Oregon. That's right — every dollar you contribute qualifies for a tax write-off at the end of the year. It only takes a 2 cent per hour voluntary deduction from your paycheck. For single taxpayers, the "2 cents" add up to a $50 tax reduction. If you are married, you can contribute 4 cents per hour and write off $100 of Oregon income tax. Every member who contributes to CAPE makes our voice stronger.

Will you help make SEIU Local 503, OPEU members more powerful? When you choose to get involved, we have more power to win — in contract talks, at the Capitol and in our workplace. You can run for a position on the CAPE committee, vote to elect your area's CAPE representative and make your 2 cent contribution to fund CAPE.

Please call a steward or local officer to find out how you can help CAPE today — your voice matters, it's easy and it won't cost you a dime.

eNews Flash

Addus: Congratulations to Addus home health care workers...we reached a tentative agreement! After months at the bargaining table, members now vote on their new contract. Portland Custodians Win: The Oregon Supreme Court said Portland Public Schools broke the law when they contracted out custodians' jobs. SEIU custodians fought hard to keep their jobs and the Court agrees they were right.