Published: June 12, 2019

Homecare Contract Bargaining Update

Top priorities this week: Electronic Visit Verification and getting paid ON TIME!

We had our most recent bargaining session with the State on June 10th. Our top priority for this week’s negotiations was getting a counter proposal from the State’s team on the new Electronic Visit Verification system requirement. The State is starting statewide implementation of the EVV system for DD Personal Support Workers (those who provide supports to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) in July 2019.

Legislative Update

We are now in the final month of the legislative session. Several key priority bills that directly impact SEIU members moved through the legislature. As session winds down, our political program is focused on a state budget that includes funding to set us up to win strong contracts this summer.

Union homecare contract has improved the lives of workers, clients

A new report from SEIU Local 503, Oregon’s care provider union, has found that collective bargaining improved the standard of care available to seniors and people with disabilities.

In the twenty years that Oregon’s homecare and personal support workers have been in union, they have changed the entire shape of the long-term care system in the state.

Q: If the eXPRS site is down, and I am at the start or end of my shift, what do I do?

A: Work as scheduled and then use eXPRS Desktop to enter your clock in or out manually. You do have to select the appropriate reason from the drop downs available for each entry you did manually.

The MRC is a a department within our union where stewards and members can call for advice or assistance with workplace issues. The MRC can be reached at
844-503-7348, Monday through Friday.

Paid Time Off Benefits For Homecare and Personal Support Workers

Thanks to the tireless efforts of workers like you, SEIU 503 has been able to negotiate with the State for more equitable compensation for homecare and personal support workers.

Since the creation of the Oregon Homecare Workers Benefit Trust and Supplemental Trust in 2013, tens of thousands of caregivers all across Oregon have gained access to a multitude of new benefits.

Care Provider Spotlight: Rose Pumphrey

“I’ve made many friends [in my union]. I have other people I can relate to. We are doing the same kinds of jobs and it’s nice to get feedback and share stories. We even trade recipes!”

Rose Pumphrey – Homecare Worker, Salem

Mark Your Calendar!

JUNE 15, 2019: HCW/PSW Administration Review Training. Training for HCW/PSW Stewards to assist members with Administration Reviews. 9am-4pm at the Salem SEIU 503 office, 1730 Commercial Street SE. Lunch will be provided.

Call 1-844-503-7348 for more information or click here to register.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES. For information and calendar dates regarding free training classes for care providers, you can check out the following links:

Oregon Home Care Commission. The Oregon Home Care Commission offers both in-person and online classes for personal support workers and homecare workers.
Oregon Care Partners. Oregon Care Partners (OCP) provides free access to high-quality trainings in all corners of the state, helping caregivers to improve the lives and quality of care of aging Oregonians and individuals living with dementia. Trainings are made possible thanks to funding by the state of Oregon and through collaborations with partner organizations like SEIU. Trainings are conveniently offered both in-person and online on topics that include Alzheimer’s and dementia-care, effective approaches to challenging behaviors and safe medication management for older adults. (Please note: homecare and personal support workers are welcome and encouraged to attend but do not qualify for CEU’s in OCP classes.)

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Dignity June 2019

Homecare Contract Bargaining Update

Legislative Update

Care Provider Spotlight: Rose Pumphrey

Mark Your Calendar!