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What’s in this issue:
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VOTING DEADLINE SEPT. 19! Time Is Running Out! Your Ballot Is Your Voice, Your Power, and Your Future. Use It!
Voting on your union contract is one of the most powerful actions you can take as a member. When you cast your ballot, you’re not just voting on a Tentative Agreement — you’re showing that care providers are united, engaged, and ready to fight for dignity and respect on the job.
Without your voice, important decisions about wages, benefits, and working conditions could be made without the strength of our collective input. If SEIU 503 members don’t participate, it sends a message that workers are divided or disengaged — and that weakens our ability to win improvements, enforce our rights, and push back against attacks on care workers.
By taking a few minutes to vote, you:
- Ensure your hard-fought contract wins become real.
- Build power for future fights in an uncertain political climate.
- Show decision-makers that care providers are organized and will not be ignored.
When union members advocate for ourselves, we win. When we sit back, others make decisions for us — and that’s when gains are lost. Read the full summary of wins.
If you are an eligible union member and did not receive an electronic ballot, contact your union organizer or call the SEIU 503 Member Assistance Center at 1-844-503-SEIU (7348).
ATTENTION: Don’t Lose Your Benefits! An Important Change to Carewell Benefits Eligibility Rules Will Take Effect on October 1, 2025.
Starting October 1, care providers will need to consistently work at least 40 hours per month to maintain benefits eligibility. Specifically, you must work at least 40 bargaining unit hours per month for 2 months in a row or benefits will end 1 month after you work less than 40 hours per month for 2 months in a row.
For example, if you work less than 40 hours in October, but you work 40 hours or more in November, you will maintain benefits eligibility. However, if you work less than 40 hours in October and also work less than 40 hours in November, you would lose benefits eligibility as of January 1, 2026.
Click here for more information. You can also check your hours with MyCarewell503 and look for more work with Carina.
CNA Training Is Free Through SEIU 503 RISE!
Long-Term CareWorks, RISE Partnership’s CNA training program, is offering care providers like you the opportunity to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) — completely free of cost!
When looking to advance your career, knowing where to start can be a challenge. If you’re ready to take the next step in your healthcare career, this fully funded opportunity can help you get there. Free training is just the beginning. During the training, all students get a financial stipend, career coaching, professional development, and extra support like a free laptop and scrubs.
Click here to learn how to advance your career and gain the skills you need to thrive in the healthcare sector.
SEIU 503 Membership Advantages Open Enrollment Begins October 1st!
Get ready for Membership Advantages Open Enrollment starting soon! You can purchase additional life insurance for you and your family without a medical review during our annual open enrollment and sign up for a number of other different optional benefits throughout the month of October. During this period, members can also purchase short-term disability and legal insurance.
We will have more information about open enrollment soon. If you want to learn more about what your union offers through Membership Advantages, visit us online.
Around Our Union – Special Session Update
Last week, the legislature met in a special session at the Capitol in Salem to consider a funding package for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to preserve Oregonians safety on the roads and nearly 500 ODOT jobs. While the House approved the measure over the holiday weekend, the Senate is delaying their vote until Wednesday, September 17th. ODOT has confirmed that layoffs that were supposed to take effect this month will be delayed until October 15th to allow workers the security they need until a vote happens.
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Upcoming Events Register events at Seiu503.org/calendar Be sure to check the events calendar regularly for regional meetings in your area! |