Our historic new Child Care contract has been ratified by SEIU Local 503 Child Care members with a strong show of support! Our new four-year contract includes two rate increases with a guarantee that we will negotiate wages again in 2017, a more equitable approach to rate increases, and improved processes–including more timely reauthorization paperwork and a stronger grievance procedure.
This has been an incredible year for Child Care Providers and for Oregon families. In addition to winning our best contract yet, we created a pathway for all Oregonians to save for retirement by helping pass House Bill 2960. We also worked hard to pass House Bill 2015. This law improves access to affordable child care for Oregon families, increases stability for parents who qualify for subsidies, and invests in the child care providers who make quality, affordable child care possible. Thanks to our SEIU 503 members who made calls, sent emails, and met with legislators in person, more families will be able to go back to work knowing their children are receiving quality care from a provider they trust.
Without the political power and collective voice we have through our union, these improvements would not have been possible. Together, we held lawmakers accountable to us and the services we provide to Oregon families. We need to continue to build our political strength, and we do this through contributing to our union’s political action fund, Citizen Action for Political Education (CAPE). We won rate increases and strengthened Oregon’s Child Care program because providers like you invested in our CAPE fund to make sure we have a strong political voice. To win in the future, we’ll need to do more of the same. United, we won a strong contract, and united we will continue to be victorious in the future.
If you have questions or want to be involved please contact SEIU 503 at 800-452-2146.
Your Child Care Bargaining Team:
Kassaundra West Nichols, Baker City
Kimberly Cole, Medford
Portia Moye, Portland
Teri Bender, Medford
Natalie Jackson, Ashland
Wanda Winne, Vancouver
Jennifer Schmidt, Riddle