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 policymakers should approach preparations. We will be communicating directly with members via email as employer-specific information becomes available.
Resources for Members
SEIU 503 Member Hardship Fund
In times of need, we’re stronger if we pull together and lift each other up. That’s why our Union created a COVID-19 hardship fund to provide cash assistance to any SEIU member who has faced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Any SEIU member (or sub-local) may donate to the fund, and all members in good standing are eligible to receive funds.
Take Action!
SEIU 503 members are coming together to make sure that the COVID-19 response is worker centered. Employers, state agencies and elected officials will not look out for us if we don’t raise our voices together and force them to listen. Check out our action center, where we’re running several campaigns to support SEIU 503 members on issues like hazard pay, PPE, and more.
Unemployment Benefits & Other State Services
In these challenging times public services are more important than ever. But they’re not always easy to navigate. Please check the resources pages above that provide specific information for different job classifications. But for general information, our Union has created GetHelpCOVIDoregon.org, a one-stop resource for the public services that will help us get through the public health and economic crisis we face.
Federal Stimulus Package
Congress passed a record $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill, the CARES Act, to help our nation recover from the coronavirus crisis that was signed into law on March 27th. Find out what the federal stimulus package means for SEIU members in Oregon here.
Family First Coronavirus Response Act: Paid Leave
On April 1, 2020, a new federal law went into effect providing 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).
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 are some additional resources and information from Oregon Early Learning Division.
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. NOTE: Homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face.
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Download a flyer on how to make your own NO-SEW protective masks at home. NOTE: Homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face. - 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
- API Materials: The Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) has compiled information related to Coronavirus in Asian and Pacific Islander languages.
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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
We want to keep you informed about #COVID19 in #Oregon. Data are provisional and change frequently. For more information, visit http://healthoregon.org/coronavirus
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The latest data is a sign that our approach is taking us in the right direction. But we have to keep at it. We’re in this for the long haul.
✅Wear a face covering.
✅Watch your physical distance.
✅Wash your hands.
These strategies work, as long as we keep using them. https://twitter.com/OHAOregon/status/1291806612915511296
"We hope that Oregonians’ efforts to stop the spread will result in this scenario becoming reality – it is within our reach. But it will take continued hard work and more people following the Governor’s orders and guidelines than we are seeing now."
OHA State Health Officer Dr. Dean Sidelinger speaking on the #COVID19 situation in #Oregon during today’s media availability: "The predicted resurgence in cases following re-opening has stabilized. But there are warning signs that cases could spike again."