Dignity Newsletter, June 12, 2026
- Congress Proposes New Plan to Invest in Care Work
- Stay in the Know! Update Your Mailing Address
- In Case You Missed It: Members in Action Across Oregon
- Don’t Fall For It: The Truth Behind Opt Out Today
- Around Our Union: New Unit Joins SEIU 503
- Columbia Sportswear Discount For Union Members
A new proposal from Democrats in the U.S. Senate – led by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden – is geared toward making care services more affordable and accessible for consumers while investing in the critical workforce that provides them. The plan would expand access to home- and community-based care, cut waiting lists and help families who are unable to qualify for Medicaid get needed support. The plan would also require that dollars directed toward nursing homes are invested in resident care rather than corporate profits.
For homecare workers, the plan would improve wages, benefits, training opportunities and more for caregivers. As the need for long-term care continues to grow in the coming years, strengthening and supporting this essential workforce will be critical to ensuring consumers can get quality care in their homes and communities.
Do we have your most recent mailing address on file?
Since we are nearing statewide elections time, it’s critical that we have your current USPS mailing address in our database to ensure you receive a ballot.
If you aren’t certain, you can easily update it by clicking here.
In Case You Missed It: Members in Action Across Oregon
Every day, SEIU 503 members are taking action, building power, and standing together for a better future – this is solidarity in real time.
Take a look at this short video highlighting some of the incredible member-led events and actions from the past several weeks.
The Truth Behind “Opt Out Today”
If you’ve been a union member for any amount of time, you’ve probably seen it, a postcard or email that looks like it’s from your union telling you to drop your membership.
“Opt-out today” makes it plain what their mission is on their website: “The Freedom Foundation promotes free markets and limited, accountable government at every level. We do this by taking on the largest, most relentless obstacle to these objectives — public-sector unions”. They want to destroy your ability to have representation on the job, and their track record shows they’re serious about it.
This group wants to massively cut budgets at our workplaces and to keep our wages stagnant or even sub-minimum wage. Don’t let them destroy your power.
If you get contacted by Opt-Out today let them know you’re sticking with the union and throw that mailer in the trash.
Around Our Union: New Unit Joins SEIU 503
Congratulations to workers at the Oregon Department of Energy who just weeks ago won recognition as part of SEIU 503’s public sector state unit.
This small but mighty group of state workers overwhelmingly supported joining the union, with 75% of them already signing membership cards. Energy employees serve in a variety of roles statewide and are thrilled to become represented and gain the benefits of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). They will join their fellow State of Oregon colleagues as we begin the process of bargaining a new contract later this year. Is it already almost that time?
Welcome, DOE team, to our union!
Just For 503 Members: Columbia Employee Store Pass
Gear up for your summer adventures with the latest styles from Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna. Simply show the attached invite on your phone or bring a printed copy, along with proof of affiliation, to access the store. You may bring up to four guests per visit. Enjoy 40% off the entire store, every day.
SEIU Local 503 access window: NOW – June 28th, 2026
