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We are essential. We are stronger together!

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. Please follow the links below to access resources specific to you. Or scroll past the resources section for information relevant to all SEIU members.

On Friday, November 6 the Oregon Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) filed the final version of the Emergency Temporary Standard for protecting workers from COVID-19 exposure on the job. Click here for summary information from the Oregon AFL-CIO.

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.

Find out more here.

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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.

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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.

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New OSHA Rules Governing Safety

Workers across Oregon have won new workplace safety rules that are going to help protect us as this spike in Covid-19 cases happens. On November 6 the Oregon Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) filed the Emergency Temporary Standard to help keep us safe on the job. These new protections include:

• Transparency and reporting about exposure and cases.
• Training on how to safely deal with the situation.
• Science-based information that will be provided in a clear and concise way to employees to lower risk potentials.
• Proper ventilation.

Read More Here…

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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).

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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.

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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.

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Have a question you don’t see answered? Submit it here. 

Additional Resources

• 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.
  • English fact sheet
  • Español
  • Русский
  • 简体中文
  • Tiếng Việt
• 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.
• 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.

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Latest updates from the Oregon Health Authority