Our Homecare/PSW bargaining team met with State management for a marathon 11-hour bargaining session on Tuesday, August 15. 

The State’s most recent proposal put forward an offer of a $.65 pay increase for the first cost of living adjustment, which our team resoundingly rejected. We responded with a counter proposal of a $3-$5 increase over the course of the contract, depending on how many hours you work. We know things will continue to evolve as we move through negotiations in the coming weeks and will keep you informed as we go. 

In addition to the hourly increase we are currently negotiating, we are working on the implementation of a pay scale, which will further increase wages. 

 In our last contract, our member elected SEIU 503 Homecare Bargaining team fought for, and won, Holiday Pay for Homecare and Personal Support workers. Now, if you work on July 4, Thanksgiving or Christmas you will be paid time and a half for the first 8 hours you work. For our current negotiations, we are proposing more paid Holidays; bargaining will balance this proposal with our top priority on better wages, keeping in mind that each new paid Holiday reduces the amount of money available for raises.  

Our next bargaining session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 22 in Salem. To learn more about SEIU Local 503 Homecare/PSW Bargaining visit our bargaining web page.