Dignity Newsletter, September 4th, 2026
SEIU 503 Statewide Union Elections Are Happening Now!
Ballots have been mailed to USPS addresses on file – you should have received an email earlier today with details about voting and how to return your ballot in time to be counted in this year’s statewide elections.
Voting for the people you want to represent our members over the next two years is one of the most meaningful ways to participate in our union’s democratic process.
Want to know more about our elections process and who is running for office? Check out our elections page online here.
General Council Wraps Up Work for 2026
Member-elected delegates to General Council wrapped up four days of work on governance of our union by discussing and debating resolutions to guide us into the future. General Council takes place every two years (even numbered years).
The 2026 event was at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland and wrapped up on Sunday, August 23rd. Resolutions that were voted on will be updated on our website soon.
In between serious discussions on resolutions, delegates had the opportunity to meet with their fellow member leaders, enjoy one another’s company, and have a few light moments. Tucked into the sessions were a political dinner, a tribute to AFRAM’s 30th anniversary and a rally to support higher education workers in the park. Here is a brief video recap.
Election season is underway. Make a difference today!
The November 3rd General Election is coming up soon, and there is a lot on the line for SEIU members: our state is facing a budget shortfall on top of the federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, our largest units are in bargaining, and we face ongoing federal attacks.
Electing pro-union candidates this November is essential to winning these tough fights. We need to re-elect a Governor who will not allow our Sanctuary status to be jeopardized, who will not coordinate with ICE or anti-Trans extremists, who will work with us to fund vital services instead of slashing them, and who will negotiate fairly with our members. We need to elect pro-labor majorities in the House and Senate to hold large corporations accountable, move important policy forward, and pass a fair budget. We need to elect labor champions at the local government level who will fight for our members’ contracts and protect their jobs.
You can do your part by registering for political canvass shifts to talk to voters in your community and help make a difference, one door at a time. Register today and make a difference.
Attend a Homecare event near you!
From rallies and sign-waving events to storytelling actions and community gatherings, members are standing up to say loud and clear: Care is a right, not a luxury. Check the calendar for upcoming actions near you or reach out to your organizer to learn how you can get involved. Together, we can show that Oregon’s care providers—and the people who rely on these services—deserve dignity, respect, and investment.
Columbia Sportswear Discount
Your quarterly Columbia Employee Store invite is here! Gear up for fall with fresh arrivals from Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna – all available at 40% off retail pricing.
Columbia Annual Summer Sale ends 9/20! Save up to 70% off select styles while supplies last. To access the store, simply show the attached invite on your phone or bring a printed copy, along with proof of affiliation. You’re welcome to bring up to four guests per visit.
SEIU Local 503 Access Dates: September 4th – 27th, 2026
