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Homecare Bargaining update: June 17, 2025 Session
SEIU Local 503’s Homecare bargaining team met with the State last week (June 17) and reached tentative agreements on proposals that advance the rights, protections, and support for care providers once our contract is finalized and ratified by members.
Upcoming Bargaining Dates:
Tuesday, July 1
Tuesday, July 8
Wednesday, July 9
Watch for updates as we push for stronger wages, better benefits, and more protections for care providers across Oregon!
Tentative Agreements Reached:
Indoor Animal Care: For the first time, we won language that provides clarity for providers when it comes to pets or animals in consumers’ homes. This provision:
- Clarifies what kind of animal-related support we can choose to offer.
- Gives us the choice—we now have the right to say yes or no to helping with animal care.
- Improves safety by setting clear standards for when there are pets or other domestic animals in the home.
Language Access: Being able to read critical job information in your preferred language was a must for our bargaining team in this contract. Because we relayed our personal stories, we won! By no later than January 2027, all providers will have the right to:
- Request their task list or Individual Support Plan (ISP) in their preferred language.
- Access Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC)-produced materials—including background check information—translated into the top seven most common languages used by providers.
This is a big win for language justice and a major step forward!
Letter of Agreement (LOA) on PACE: We reached agreement on an interim process to improve access and information to PACE training from the Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC), making this crucial training more accessible for all providers moving forward.
Letter of Agreement (LOA) on Marketing & Recruitment: Because of our work last bargaining cycle, the Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC) has finally started recruiting union care providers through radio ads, flyers, posters, and ads on YouTube. They all link to this website: https://oregonhomecarejobs.com/ (send it to your friends).
In this contract we want to make sure the work to recruit new union care providers continues. And we succeeded again! We reached a tentative agreement to support and expand OHCC’s efforts. This includes:
- A commitment to continue the work they have started.
- An obligation for the employer to make all reasonable efforts to include recruitment materials in local DHS offices.
What’s Next?
We are preparing to move into economic negotiations and to finalize outstanding proposals at the next sessions.
Oregon’s Legislative Session Ends Soon – Time to Help ODOT Workers!
The Oregon legislature must end its 2025 session by Sunday. While most of the state budget has been decided, there’s one key piece remaining: the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). If the legislature fails to pass the transportation funding bill (HB 2025), approximately 1,000 ODOT jobs, including 350 of our members, will be eliminated in July. Yes, that means that hundreds of SEIU 503 members could be without a job next month. That’s why we need you to contact your lawmakers NOW to help save these jobs and preserve the essential work they do for our state. Take action today: Save ODOT Jobs
SEIU 503 Members are in DC Fighting to Prevent Medicaid Cuts
A small but mighty delegation of SEIU 503 members traveled to Washington, DC this week with a clear message: Hands off Medicaid! Our members are on Capitol Hill warning lawmakers that cutting essential health care for vulnerable people to fund tax breaks for billionaires is immoral and deadly. We will continue to fight to ensure that every Oregonian and every American has access to quality, affordable health care!
Around Our Union: Support Addus Hospice Workers As They Negotiate Their First Contract!
The 20 courageous Addus Hospice workers who recently voted to unionize with SEIU Local 503 are now at the bargaining table, fighting for their first union contract. These caregivers provide vital end-of-life support to Oregon families, and they deserve respect, fair wages, and a voice on the job. By signing this petition, you’re standing in solidarity with them and showing that all SEIU 503 members support their efforts to win a strong contract that reflects the essential work they do.
Let’s show them they’re not alone—add your name today!
Around Our Union: Basin Transit Workers Ratify a New Contract
Basin Transit Service workers in Klamath Falls have reached a tentative agreement that delivers meaningful improvements in wages, benefits, and workplace protections:
- Wages: 2.5% COLAs each year (2025–2027) plus a $2/hour raise in 2025. New top step for 30 years of service.
- Time Off: MLK Jr. Day added as a holiday; increased vacation accrual and new 40-hour vacation buyout option; expanded bereavement leave.
- Benefits: Health coverage maintained with added benefits through Blue Cross/Blue Shield; job-sharing preserved.
- Work Tools & Gear: Uniform stipend reaffirmed, $250 safety footwear allowance, and increased tool allowance for mechanics.
Union Day with the Oregon Ducks!
Our 4th annual Union Day with the Oregon Ducks is just over 70 days away! As the 4th largest Union state in the country, Oregon Athletics would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to our state’s hardworking and dedicated union employees at our 4th annual Union Appreciation Day.
Union members, families, and supporters can secure their discounted tickets for 2 games this year: September 6th vs Oklahoma State and November 14th vs Minnesota.
You can secure your discounted tickets here. Don’t delay, these tickets will sell out soon. Feel free to share this link to your fellow members.
Summer Columbia Discount This Month
As SEIU 503 members, we are offered occasional special sales at local companies throughout the year. Now through June 29th, members can enjoy up to 40% at the Columbia Store in Portland. See details below:
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