Who are Homecare Workers?
As Homecare and Personal Support workers, we provide essential, skilled care that allows parents, grandparents and people with disabilities to continue living at home. Together in union, we share a goal of providing services that make Oregon a better place to live. We work to improve the lives of SEIU 503 members and their consumers, and help build an Oregon where access to care and support is a top priority. Our strength as a care provider union has resulted in some of the strongest worker contracts in the nation, enacting improvements that strengthen the program for ourselves and the families we support.
What are we fighting for in the 2025 Bargaining Campaign?
In a survey completed by care providers early this year, workers are concerned about economic security, affordable housing and Internet access; you made it clear you need higher wages, better benefits, and respect.
We are now at the bargaining table meeting with state management and will make our priorities clear.
What Does Contract Bargaining Look Like?
Contract bargaining involves far more than only what happens at the bargaining table.
Check back here for updates from each collective bargaining session!
Homecare Bargaining Update, July 1, 2025: We’re Almost There!
We’re in the final stretch of negotiations for a new union contract for SEIU care providers—and we’re proud to share some of the tentative agreements your bargaining team has won at the table.
NOTE: None of these improvements will take effect until the contract is ratified by a vote of the membership.
Tentative Agreements Reached:
- Timesheets: Personal Support Workers
We’ve secured language that will end the requirement for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) to submit timesheets with signatures. This requirement will decrease the red tape for providers and make it just a bit easier to focus on supporting their consumer. - EVV Relief for Live-In Providers
Our teams have reached a consensus on a Letter of Agreement (LOA) that the state intends to create a path to exempt all live-in providers from the Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system. - Registry Improvements: Transition to Carina
We agreed to language that clarifies that Carina will be the registry for all workers going forward, and will phase out the old state registry. The state has agreed to better communicate the benefits of Carina to consumers to make sure they can access care providers throughout the state.
What’s Next?
Take Action! We are preparing to move into economic negotiations at our next session, which is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8 in Salem. You can support your bargaining team by signing an email to state managers to demand fair wages. There is power in numbers—click here to take action now!
Our union’s power to win improvements comes from homecare workers staying involved and informed. Please follow us on Facebook, read Dignity, our biweekly e-newsletter, and check us out online for the latest information about bargaining and our union. For questions contact your union organizer or our Member Assistance Center at (844) 503-7348.
Past Bargaining Updates:
Bargaining Update: July 1, 2025 Session Read here.
Bargaining Update: June 17, 2025 Session Read here.
Bargaining Update: May 20, 2025 Session Read here.
Bargaining Update: May 6, 2025 Session Read here.
Bargaining Team, April 30, 2025 Caucus Update, Read Here
Bargaining Update: April 1, 2025 Session Read here
Here is our member-elected Homecare Bargaining Team:
(FROM LEFT): Phyllis Wills, Graciela Hernandez Villegas, Joy’e Willman, Patty Falkenstein and Katina, Diana Evens, Steve Shumate, Jolene White, Andrew Cook, Cristal DeJarnac, Angie Jelley and Avery Horton. Bargaining Team Members not pictured: Loril Eaton, Chris Christensen and Barbara Evans.
Team roles and regions:
Co-Chair: Cristal DeJarnac, Bend
Co-Chair: Patty Falkenstein, Washington County
Scribe: Joy’e Willman
Diana Evens, Eugene
Steve Shumate, Portland
Loril Eaton, Lincoln City
Graciela Hernandez Villegas, Portland
Phyllis Wills, St. Helens
Chris Christensen, Salem
Andrew Cook, Eugene
Avery Horton, Bandon
Jolene White, Grants Pass
Barbara Evans, Eugene
Angie Jelley, Reedsport/Roseburg
Show your support for Homecare Contract Bargaining. Download a background to use on your Zoom calls and cell phone background! Download your favorite background here!
Do you know who your SEIU organizer is?
Here’s a list of all SEIU Homecare Organizers by county. Contact your SEIU Organizer for ways to get involved and take action!
Lupe Canales – Marion, Yamhill, Polk 661-429-8939, email
Michelle Oeder – Lane, Linn, Benton, Lincoln 541-619-0081, email
Erik Horeis – Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Harney, Klamath, Lake 541-601-8042, email
Matthew Wilson – Wasco, Hood River, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Morrow, Malheur, Umatilla, Union, Grant, Baker, Wallowa 541-429-5082, email