On July 6th and 7th, over 1,500 SEIU 503 members staged unity breaks, held info pickets, rallied and marched to support the State Bargaining Team and call for a fair contract. Workers from nearly every department of the State of Oregon joined together in over 100 worksites throughout the state.

In The Dalles, APD and SPD workers were joined by care providers and their clients. ODF Wildland seasonal firefighters broke out their SEIU shirts and took some time for a unity break in Columbia City. DHS offices in Medford, Bend, Eugene, Springfield, Hillsboro, Ontario, and all throughout Portland purpled up in solidarity to let state administration know: we’re ready for a fair contract.

We need to maintain this momentum and make sure we win a fair contract that respects us and our work. We are asking all bargaining delegates, stewards and CATs to save the date of July 30th for the 2017 State Worker Bargaining Conference. At the conference we expect either to be voting on a tentative agreement or developing plans to escalate our fight for a fair contract.

Registration is required for this event, even if lodging isn’t necessary.

We hope to see you in Salem on July 30th!