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Bargaining Update, March 4: Introductions and Ground Rules
In our first face-to-face meeting across the table with the State during this contract bargaining cycle, our member-elected SEIU 503 Homecare Bargaining Team went over ground rules, made introductions, and emphasized how critical our work is to Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens.
We shared stories about our struggles in the caregiving field and how we need the state to address each of our core priorities: wages, benefits and respect.
We meet again on Friday, April 4th to begin the process of exchanging proposals at the table.
What can you do TODAY to help win a great contract?
- Sign the petition! Advocating for ourselves and our consumers is more important than ever as we stand up against the new presidential administration’s proposed proposed cuts to Medicaid and critical federal public services.
- Call Congress! Contact your representative at 866-426-2631 and tell them HANDS OFF MEDICAID!
- Stay informed at bit.ly/HCBargaining2025 or contact your union organizer. For additional questions call the SEIU 503 Member Assistance Center at (844) 503-7348.
Hundreds Join Homecare Tele-Town Hall
Last week, hundreds of homecare and personal support workers joined a tele-town hall to discuss our bargaining campaign and survey results. The message from the survey responses showed workers are concerned about economic security, affordable housing and Internet access; you made it clear you need higher wages, better benefits, and respect.
But before we can win on these priorities, we must stop proposed Medicaid cuts. Congress is considering cutting billions of dollars in Medicaid funds to pay for trillions of dollars in tax cuts for the very rich.
SEIU Local 503 represents 25,000 Oregon care providers, and with 67% of homecare pay funded by Medicaid, these cuts would harm our consumers – Oregon’s most vulnerable residents – and millions of caregivers nationwide.
We need your help! Call Congress now at 866-426-2631 and say: HANDS OFF MEDICAID! Every call makes a difference.
Statewide Rallies to Save Medicaid
Cuts to Medicaid would affect virtually everyone in Oregon and have a devastating impact on our state budget.
SEIU 503 members are rallying across Oregon to loudly and firmly tell Congress and this administration: Hands off Medicaid!
Register today for a rally near you.
Medford – Saturday, March 15th, 1:30 pm. Register here.
Portland – Wednesday, March 19th, 5:30 pm. Register here.
Bend – Friday, March 21st, 5:30 pm, Register here.
Salem – Wednesday, April 16, 3:30pm, Register here.
Eugene – Saturday, April 12th, 11am, Register here.
SEIU 503 Member Invited to be Sen. Wyden’s Special Guest at Washington D.C. Town Hall
Personal support worker and SEIU 503 member leader, Patty Falkenstein, and her daughter, Katina, were guests of Oregon Senator Ron Wyden in Washington, D.C. this week to appear at a People’s Town Hall meeting for Oregon residents.
The meeting lasted more than two hours and constituents asked a variety of questions about federal issues impacting our state, including health care, Medicaid, forest health, immigration and others.
All-Member Town Hall Next Week
Join your fellow SEIU 503 union members for our bimonthly all-member virtual Town Hall next week, on Thursday, March 13th at 5:30pm.
We will give you an update on the most recent board meeting, talk about the federal budget in Congress and its impact on Oregon, and developments at the state legislature. No need to go anywhere, simply participate from home on your phone, laptop or tablet.
Sign up by registering for the Town Hall here.
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Join your fellow SEIU 503 union members for our bimonthly all-member virtual Town Hall next week, on Thursday, March 13th at 5:30pm.
We will give you an update on the most recent board meeting, talk about the federal budget in Congress and its impact on Oregon, and developments at the state legislature. No need to go anywhere, simply participate from home on your phone, laptop or tablet.
Sign up by registering for the Town Hall here.
Columbia Employee Store Discounts for SEIU Members
SEIU Local 503 members can enjoy exclusive savings at the Columbia Employ Store in Portland through March 9 during the Annual Winter Sale. Take up to 60% off select styles through February 28, and shop the latest products from Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna at 40% off full retail pricing.
Visit the big tent in front of the store and bring your friends and family—each passholder can bring up to four guests per visit, with children under 18 not counting toward the guest limit. To enter, show your digital invite (the image below this article), printed or on your mobile device, along with proof of affiliation with SEIU Local 503. The digital invite can be used multiple times during the invite period, but this offer is valid for in-store shopping only and does not apply online.
Follow SEIU 503 For The Latest News & Updates
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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! |
