Dignity Newsletter, July 25, 2025
What’s in this issue:
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After months of bargaining, SEIU 503 members on the Homecare and Personal Support Bargaining Team have reached a tentative agreement with the State of Oregon. This agreement includes historic wins—like a $3/hour raise over the life of the contract, stronger training protections, and continued health care funding. These gains reflect the power of union members coming together to demand a fair contract.
There’s one more crucial step: ratification. This contract is not final until you vote to make it real. Ratifying a contract is more than a formality—Every ballot cast is a declaration that care work matters, that our voices are powerful, and that solidarity wins.
Don’t sit this out. Make your voice heard. Cast your vote and help turn this tentative agreement into a binding contract that reflects our collective strength and the dignity we deserve. Voting is open now. Let’s finish strong.
If you are an active member and did not receive your ballot via email, reach out to your union organizer or contact the SEIU 503 Member Assistance Center at 1-844-503-SEIU (7348) or contact@seiu503.org. Go to the SEIU 503 website to read the details of our tentative agreement!
ODDS Rule Change: Paid Support Allowed While Traveling Outside the U.S.
Effective July 15, 2025, the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS), has made permanent changes to several administrative rules. These changes allow people receiving developmental disability services to continue receiving paid supports when traveling outside the United States.
These rule changes match the Oregon Health Authority’s existing policy on out-of-state services (OAR 410-120-1180).
Why This Matters. This change ensures that people receiving services can travel internationally and still receive the support they need, offering more flexibility and continuity of care.
Full Rule Details: ODDS Rules Website
Around Our Union
SEIU 503 Members Help Secure Special Legislative Session to Save ODOT Jobs
Oregon’s 2025 legislative session ended without passing a critical transportation funding passage that resulted in nearly 500 SEIU 503 Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) members being laid off. For some workers, this meant losing their housing provided by ODOT and their jobs. Because of our union’s worker power, advocacy of our ODOT members and SEIU 503 allies, we were able to delay the layoffs from August 1st until September 15th as well as other protections and supports for affected workers. Governor Kotek also called a special legislative session to address transportation funding that will begin August 29th.
ODOT Layoffs Delayed Thanks to Worker Action!
503 members sent emails to their legislators demanding a special session be called to fix this mess. Workers who were laid off sent their notices to their legislators to show the reality of what happened when they failed to agree to a transportation package, they made videos telling their stories, and others spoke to the media.
This is a huge win for our members and Oregon’s roads, but we’re not done yet. We will keep you posted on how you can also help secure the funding needed to keep ODOT jobs and our roads safe.
July is Disability Pride Month
The ADA Turns 35: A Victory for Disability Rights
In July 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law—thanks to relentless activism. The powerful “Capitol Crawl,” where 60 protesters left wheelchairs to climb the Capitol steps, showed the world how inaccessible public spaces were. Four months later, the ADA passed.
About 15% of people worldwide live with disabilities, including many SEIU 503 members—as care providers, advocates, and workers living with disabilities themselves. And not all disabilities are visible.
Join our new Differently Abled Caucus and help us keep fighting for dignity and equality for all.
SEIU 503 Members Celebrate Portland Pride
Last Sunday, SEIU 503 members joined dozens of union members to march in Portland’s Pride parade. We’re proud to contribute to a state where people can be themselves, express themselves, and love who they love. If you want to get involved in our LGBTQ+ work, check out our Lavender Caucus.
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Upcoming Events Register events at Seiu503.org/calendarBe sure to check the events calendar regularly for regional meetings in your area! |