View this newsletter online in English / Español | Русский | Tiếng Việt | 简体中文
What’s in this issue:
|
See below for a statement from our AFRAM Caucus and a link to events celebrating Black History.
Oregon’s 2026 Legislative Session is Underway!
Monday was the first day of the 2026 legislative session, and SEIU members have been in full force at the Oregon Capitol all week long. Here’s a recap of events:
On Tuesday night, dozens of members were in the Capitol to demand legislators reject tax breaks for large corporations and not balance the budget on the backs of working people.
Members were back again bright and early Wednesday morning to testify at a hearing for our Workforce Standards Board bill and stayed all day to meet with legislators as part of our lobby day.
Members meeting with SEIU Champion Sen. Khanh Pham
On Thursday, Feb. 5, hundreds of SEIU members and coalition partners gathered in front of the Capitol for the Fight for Our Future rally, calling for an end to federal tax breaks for the wealthy and large corporations to prevent cuts to essential services provided by our members.
SEIU 503 President Johnny Earl leading yesterday’s rally
This is a “short” legislative session (lasting only one month), and things are moving fast. Oregon is grappling with a deficit in the current budget of hundreds of millions of dollars due to federal action, and we need to fight for every dollar to prevent job cuts. You can do your part by emailing your lawmakers now.
Member Assaulted by Federal Agents Gets Support from the Community
Over the past week, the labor community came together to support a member homecare worker who was assaulted by federal agents last week in Salem.
The worker, Maria, was on her way to pay her rent and buy a cake for her grandson’s birthday last Thursday morning, when agents pulled her over. Maria, who is a U.S. citizen, said agents shattered her window, pulled her out of her vehicle and threw her to the ground while they searched her vehicle. Agents then rifled through her purse and found Maria’s passport. Upon seeing she was a citizen, agents left the scene without calling for medical assistance.
Maria went to the hospital and was treated for a torn rotator cuff, a concussion, and bruised ribs. She was sent home to recuperate that night.
While she is traumatized from the incident, Maria is now recovering from her injuries.
Well wishes and support poured in from the community – members and coalition partners contributed enough funds to help cover Maria’s medical bills and the cost of repairing her vehicle.
“No one should be dragged from their car, injured, and terrorized for who they are or where they come from,” said Johnny Earl, President of SEIU Local 503. “Immigrant workers are the backbone of our communities and our economy, and they deserve dignity, safety, and respect, not violence and fear. Labor will not be silent while workers are harmed. We demand accountability and answers.”
Thousands Show Up for Peaceful Labor Against ICE Rally; ICE Hits Protesters with Tear Gas, Pepper Balls and Rubber Bullets
Last Saturday, thousands of workers and their families from 30 labor unions across Oregon gathered in south Portland to protest the escalating violence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota and other cities, most recently after agents shot and killed protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
The rally started in a nearby park with speakers talking about the fear ICE is creating in our neighborhoods that isn’t making us safer and is instead making our communities and work environments more dangerous.
“When people have fear of being arrested or deported, they don’t report wage theft, they don’t report sexual harassment, they don’t report crime. How is that making our communities safe?” said SEIU 503 member leader Ibrahim Coulibaly.
Participants then marched several blocks on the street around the ICE facility and without warning, ICE agents launched pepper balls and tear gas onto the crowd. Everyone in the area was impacted, including children and older adults who were surrounded by plumes of smoke and fumes.
People who were affected by the smoke were assisted by others nearby and were able to head home safely.
SEIU 503 executive director Melissa Unger, who was in the crowd that was gassed, said labor will continue to stand against federal immigration actions that are bad for workers. “We will take this moment and continue to raise our voices; we will do so together with unions from across our state and across our country to take action.”
A federal court issued a temporary restraining order on Feb. 3rd, limiting how ICE can use tear gas on protesters.
Ballots Out Feb 10: Cast Your Vote in the SEIU 503 Homecare and Personal Support Sublocal Elections
Union elections are coming up soon for SEIU 503 Homecare, Personal Support Workers, and PCAs Sublocal 99! Many members have applied for a variety of positions.
Voting will be by paper ballot, which will be mailed to your address on February 10th by Ryder Election Services. The last day to vote and mail your paper ballot is March 10, 2026.
Vote as soon as you can and return your ballot in the sealed envelope to Ryder’s office in Bend before March 10th. No stamp required!
Along with voting to elect your state-wide union leaders, district directors, and bargaining team, you will also choose member delegates who will attend our 2026 General Council.
If you have any questions about the SEIU 503 Homecare elections, please reach out to your Homecare organizer. Or you can check out all the details here.
February Is Black History Month
A Statement from the SEIU 503 AFRAM Caucus:
“This Black History Month, we pause to honor the stories, voices, and contributions that have shaped our world and continue to shape our future.
“Black history is not confined to the past; it is present in the leaders we learn from, the culture we celebrate, and the ongoing work toward justice, equity, and understanding. It is a history of resilience, courage, creativity, and faith in the face of injustice.
“As a community, we are called not only to remember, but to listen, learn, and reflect on how we can continue building a more inclusive and compassionate world. This month, and every month, we commit to honoring Black excellence and standing for dignity, respect, and belonging for all.”
To get involved with SEIU Local 503 AFRAM (African American) Caucus and find events you can join to support Black History Month, click here.
Purple Up for Solidarity: Get Your Official SEIU Gear at the Purple Store!
The SEIU 503 Purple Store is the primary destination for SEIU members to find apparel and accessories that show their “purple pride”! And the store has some cool new items — now available for pre-order! Grab a Working Class tee or a Union Strong hoodie at the links below. To be included in the initial shipment, place your order by 2/15.
Pre-Order Items:
Looking for other union gear like mugs, hats, bumper stickers, etc? You can shop the Purple Store anytime here.
Follow SEIU 503 For The Latest News & Updates
|
|
Upcoming Events Register events at Seiu503.org/calendar Be sure to check the events calendar regularly for regional meetings in your area! |
