The State didn’t see fit to compensate workers for the additional risks we took on during the COVID-19 pandemic. That wasn’t right. So, during the 2021 bargaining process our team negotiated contract language that gives qualifying workers additional compensation in recognition of the increased hazardous working conditions that we experienced during the pandemic.
Who qualifies? All homecare and personal support workers who worked during the first two waves of the pandemic, March 2020 to April 2021 and have an active provider number as of December 1, 2021 will qualify for hazard pay. Each qualified worker will receive over $2,200. The amount of each check is the same regardless of the amount of hours worked. Most hazard pay checks were issued on December 1. If you have not yet received your hazard pay, please call our SEIU 503 Member Assistance Center at 1-844-503–SEIU (7348).
Would we be receiving this hazard pay if we were not represented by a Union? In short, no. This victory is only possible because our members stand together in unity. It’s the culmination of two years of hard work, starting with our input in bargaining surveys, our activism during the legislative process, our voices in actions targeting DHS, and the work of our member-elected Bargaining Team over the last several months. There’s never been a better time for you to join other homecare and personal support workers in Oregon and become a union member. With all we’ve been through the past couple of years, and who knows what is on the horizon, your voice needs to be heard, and you deserve to be involved in the decisions that affect you! Become a member today.
Is hazard pay taxable? Yes, it is regular income and is taxable. Homecare workers in the APD program will have taxes automatically withheld from their check, but PSWs will not. This is because the PSW program uses multiple external vendors to cut checks. To make it easier for you, we created this calculator to help you determine the tax impact of the hazard pay and how much to set aside for tax day.
Still have questions? Go to seiu503.org/care2021.