We will be adding information and resources to this page as it becomes available.
Our Commitment to Members
In times like these it is the purpose of a union to ensure that workers’ voices are part of the conversation, and the perspective of working people is taken into account. As such, we have issued guidance on how employers, government agencies and policy makers should approach preparations. We will be communicating directly with members via email as employer-specific information becomes available.
**Internal Elections Notice** Due to the Coronavirus and restrictions on gathering, some ballot counts may be delayed due to lack of availability of counters. Ballots are being securely stored until members are available to conduct the counts. Please note that all ballots must still be returned by the deadline listed on the ballot in order to be counted. Thank you for your patience.
Resources for Members
Agreements with Employers
Child Care
If you are continuing to work during this public health emergency and need child care, please call 211info to get connected with a provider as soon as possible. We’ve put together a guide for SEIU members who are trying to apply.
If you are a childcare provider, we’re working on a letter of agreement with the state – which is like a short-term contract – to ensure the safety and security of childcare workers during the COVID-19 crisis. We will post more information on this page as we receive it.
Here’s some additional resources and information from Oregon Early Learning Division.
Unemployment Benefits
Governor Brown has issued an executive order loosening the rules around unemployment to help people who are quarantined or temporarily out of work due to COVID-19 – this includes people who need to stay at home to care for a child. Claims can be filed at Oregon.gov/employ or by calling 1-877-FILE-4-UI (1-877-345-3484).
Family First Coronavirus Response Act: Paid Leave
On April 1, 2020 a new federal law will go into effect that millions of workers the right to take paid sick leave and paid family medical leave to deal with the Coronavirus. However, due to pressure from corporate interests, and some politicians, the law leaves out many workers. Click here to see if you can benefit.
Membership Advantages resources for Covid-19
Membership Advantages are only available to SEIU 503 members.
Members who have LifeMap short term disability insurance through SEIU 503 can file a claim if they contract Covid-19 or a quarantine is imposed on them. Please note that a waiting period of 3 weeks applies before benefits begin. Claims may require formal documentation from a health agency.
Do you have student loans and have seen a disruption to your income as a result of Covid-19? The SEIUMB Student Loan Forgiveness Navigator may be able to help reduce your student loan payments. SmartSavings also offers discounts on online therapy and health programs, educational programs for kids, entertainment and food delivery.
For additional information contact our Member Assistance Center at (844) 503-SEIU (7348).
Community Resource Guide
With information on state and county resources, food assistance, low cost healthcare, childcare and more, our resource guide is an attempt to pull together all the resources in the state that are available to people impacted by COVID-19.
Additional Resources
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): There is a critical shortage of PPE in Oregon and around the county. Governor Kate Brown directed all Oregon hospitals, outpatient clinics, and health care providers, including veterinarians and dentists, to cease all non-emergency procedures, in order to preserve personal protective equipment (PPE), such as surgical masks, gowns, and gloves, for health care workers treating COVID-19 patients. We are doing everything we can to fight for access. Please contact your organizer if you don’t have access to PPE. Every story helps us advocate. Download a flyer on how to sew your own protective masks at home.
- Workers compensation: A COVID-19 related illness is not automatically a workers comp claim. However, if a person was exposed to the virus at work, it could be. Visit Saif.com for more information or to file a claim.
- 211 is the go-to public phone number to get information about Novel Coronavirus and referrals to programs for food, shelter, health care and more. CALL 211 or 1-866-698-6155; TEXT your zip code to 898211 (TXT211); EMAIL help@211info.org.
- Visit the Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 website for weekly public updates about how many people are being monitored in Oregon, as well as sharing updates about how Oregon families can help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
- Ten Steps for preventing Coronavirus: in English and Spanish
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Regarding the Coronavirus and xenophobia — read this article in TIME magazine, and this one from the Los Angeles Times.
- UndocuScholars has created a list of resources available to undocumented people.
Latest updates from the Oregon Health Authority
On a regular day, cooking can be a challenge. These days, you might be running low on time and energy, not to mention ingredients. Food Hero, an initiative of the Oregon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education, has some resources that can help: https://www.foodhero.org/
