Dignity Newsletter: July 24, 2026
Dignity for All Actions Across Oregon
Care providers make it possible for Oregonians to live with dignity in their homes and communities. But right now, those essential services are under attack, with the federal government falsely claiming that care providers are defrauding taxpayers to justify deep cuts to essential programs like Medicaid.
That’s why care providers are coming together for Dignity for All! actions across the state. From rallies and sign-waving events to storytelling actions and community gatherings, members are standing up to say loud and clear: Care is a right, not a luxury. Check the calendar for upcoming actions near youor reach out to your organizer to learn how you can get involved. Together, we can show that Oregon’s care providers—and the people who rely on these services—deserve dignity, respect, and investment.
Pictured above: Care Providers gathering at a union picnic.
Celebrating Pride with SEIU 503’s Lavender Caucus
Queer rights are labor rights. This year, SEIU 503’s Lavender Caucus proudly marched in the Portland Pride Parade alongside union siblings from across the labor movement, celebrating the power of solidarity and the fight for equality.
In the weeks leading up to the parade, caucus members volunteered their time to plan, build, decorate a float, and organize for the event—bringing the creativity, passion, and commitment that make our union stronger.
The Lavender Caucus has experienced incredible growth over the past few years, as more LGBTQ+ members and allies have come together to build community, advocate for one another, and ensure every worker is treated with dignity and respect. Their presence at Pride is a reminder that our fight for fair workplaces, strong contracts, and justice extends to every member of our union. Interested in getting involved with the Lavender Caucus? Learn more here.
Pictured above: SEIU Local 503 Lavender Caucus and other union members together at the 2026 Portland Pride Parade.
Wildfire Assistance Fund
When our members are impacted by disaster, we show up for each other. SEIU Local 503 has made a Wildfire Hardship Fund available to provide financial assistance to members experiencing hardship due to the current Oregon wildfires. If you’ve been affected by evacuation, property damage, lost income, or other wildfire-related hardships, we encourage you to apply. We also encourage members to donate to the fund if they are able. Learn more here.
Major Contract Win for City of The Dalles Workers
SEIU 503 members at City of The Dalles just ended a difficult bargaining campaign that resulted in an excellent new contract! We not only defended against proposed takeaways but won significant COLAs in the face of a shaky economy and city budgetary challenges.
Our members held status quo on health insurance while removing hidden cost increases – and won COLAS of 3% effective July 1st, 2026 and COLA’s based on inflation between 2.5% and 5.5% over the next two years. More wins include adding Indigenous People’s Day as a paid holiday; bilingual differentials; an additional 24 hours a year of vacation time for employees who have worked for more than 20 years at the City; up to 8% pay differentials for mechanics; Oregon’s first $200 shoe allowance for library employees, improved clothing/boot allowance for all eligible employees, and more!
This victory is all because workers organized and took action: we purpled up, attended multiple city council meetings, showed up in solidarity to bargaining sessions, and we won!