Delegates Gather at SEIU 503 General Council
In case you missed it: hundreds of delegates gathered earlier this month in Portland for General Council, representing all sectors of our Union. The main work of a general council is to consider and vote on resolutions that impact the operations and goals of our Union.
In all, 32 different resolutions were debated, amended and ultimately adopted by delegates. These included rejoining the AFL-CIO, strengthening methods to grow our membership, and opening pathways for all workers to join a union. You can check the status of all 2024 GC resolutions here.
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SEIU’s New President April Verrett Speaks at DNC: SEIU is ALL IN for Kamala Harris, a leader who will fight for workers and beat Donald Trump
“We are all in for Kamala Harris because Kamala Harris has always been all in for us,” said April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union.
Verrett was among the group of union leaders who took to the stage to support Kamala Harris.
WATCH: Union leaders speak at 2024 Democratic National Convention (PBS).
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Official statement from SEIU International President April Verrett on SEIU’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for President:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – “The most important thing for working people right now is uniting behind Vice President Harris, the candidate who can beat Donald Trump and finish the job that we started under the Biden-Harris administration. Working people are clear: Vice President Harris is the leader who has their back. SEIU is ALL IN for Kamala Harris.
Vice President Harris is the best prepared candidate for president, bringing decades of public service fighting for working families, as well as a historic choice to lead the Democratic ticket as a woman of color and the daughter of immigrant parents. She has taken action to make home care and childcare more accessible and affordable, championed new staffing standards for nursing homes, and has always prioritized all service and care workers and the essential work that they do.
Read the full statement here.
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In-Home Care Providers May Be Required to Show Proof of Employment for Jury Duty Exemption
Because we are first responders for the health and well-being of our consumers, it’s often difficult to be able to serve jury duty. Because some counties now require proof of exemption from jury duty, care providers can get a letter from the Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC) which serves as proof of your employment if you are unable to serve.
If you get a summons and need to be excused, you can get a letter from the OHCC Customer Relations Department by calling 877-624-6080, or by emailing them at ohcc.customerrelations@odhsoha.oregon.gov. You can also click here to submit your request through the green “General Customer Support” button on the OHCC website.
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Central Oregon Homecare Workers join picket lines for the Techs of St Charles Hospital in show of solidarity
We know that when healthcare workers get the support they need, patients/consumers win. That is why SEIU 503 in-home care providers joined 150+ Techs at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend–all members of Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP)–to walk the picket line on Thursday, August 15th.
SEIU 503 members joined the picket lines in solidarity alongside our union siblings with the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals in Bend to demand that St. Charles put patients and staff over profits.
Unfortunately, St. Charles executives are refusing to support common sense proposals that would promote living wages, work/life balance, and safe staffing. Recently, St. Charles’ bid to rapidly expand services was denied by the Oregon Health Authority specifically because hospital leaders won’t ensure competitive wages for the healthcare professionals they employ.
When you take one of us on, you take all of us on!
Click Here to Learn More About Thursday’s picket!
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Columbia Offers Discounts to SEIU Members
SEIU Local 503 members have exclusive access to the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store, but only for a limited time! Check it out!
Columbia Employee Store Invitation Details:
• SEIU Local 503 offer is valid through September 8th!
• Store is stocked with current products from our family of brands: Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, SOREL and prAna
• For store access, please provide your digital invite (printed or shown on your mobile device) + proof of affiliation
• Invitees can bring up to four additional guests with each visit
• This offer is for in-store access (not valid online)
Summer Sale Starts Now! Take up to 40% off Employee Store prices on select styles
• You can also share this special Summer Sale Shareable pass with your social circle, to provide friends and family with access during our summer sale!
SEIU Local 503 employee/member does not need to be present for the Summer Sale Shareable pass to be used.