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.
As we enter negotiations for the 2025 contract cycle, we need to hear from you about what is most important to fight for at the bargaining table. You should have received a personalized link in December 2024 to the survey. If you haven’t, please reach out to the Member Assistance Center at 1.844.503.SEIU (7348) or by email at this address.
What Does Contract Bargaining Look Like?
Contract bargaining involves far more than only what happens at the bargaining table.
Here is our member-elected Homecare Bargaining Team:
Chair: Cristal DeJarnac, Bend
Co-Chair: Patty Falkenstein, Washington County
Scribe: Joy’e Willman
Diana Evens, Eugene
Steve Schumate, Portland
Loril Eaton, Lincoln City
Graciela Hernandez Villegas, Portland
Phyllis Wills, St. Helens
Chris Christensen, Salem
Andrew Cook, Eugene
Avery Horton, Coos Bay
Jolene White, Grants Pass
Alternate: Barbara Evans, Eugene
Alternate: 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
Check back here for the dates of Contract Negotiation Sessions with the State, and updates from each Session!
In our last contract, settled in 2023, SEIU503 Homecare Workers have won wage increases and a pay scale! Here’s how it works!
WATCH THE VIDEO!
CALCULATE YOUR PAY INCREASE!
Because union members came together and took action in our worksites, at the capitol, and in our communities, we were able to reach a tentative agreement that included a raise of $1.73 for all workers in January 2024, a pay scale which will ensure regular wage increases based on the amount of hours you work, and a raised hours cap on overtime—allowing workers a maximum of 20 overtime hours per week.
Images from Bargaining 2023
Homecare and Personal Support Workers held a big Rally and March on May 17, 2023 in Salem to tell legislators and DHS about our top priorities. Check out these images taken at the rally by SEIU Homecare member, Sergio Osorio.