Published: January 11, 2023

Homecare Bargaining Update, July 25 Session 

Contract bargaining is heating up! Our Homecare/PSW Bargaining Team is now meeting with state management each week as we get closer to winning a new contract. Here’s what happened at this week’s session: 

Hours: Previously we reported that Management was beginning to make movement on hours, proposing a cap of 50 hours per week. That’s not where we want it to be, But we are encouraged they understand that overtime is needed to enable workers to provide care for the thousands of consumers in need.  

Are you on social media? You can help share our message! Our homecare bargaining team is asking for your help in encouraging DHS to lift the hours cap. Go to our SEIU Local 503 Facebook page to LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE our video posts about this issue! We’ll be posting multiple times daily. Here’s one to get you started!  

Grievance Procedure: We reached a Tentative Agreement on an article strengthening language related to our Grievance Procedure. 

  • Set meetings with the state to expedite grievances. 
  • Revised grievance timelines from calendar days to business days. This improvement allows members an extended window for filing grievances. 

Payroll Systems and Timelines: We continue to negotiate on contract language related to payroll systems and associated timelines. We expect much more discussion on this in the coming weeks to address ongoing issues. 

Health and Safety Protections: Our team reached a Tentative Agreement on improved language and strengthened systems that support our health and safety protections, supporting providers’ ability to report issues and ensure improvements to the state’s tracking and response on issues. We’ve secured language to ensure case management entities will support providers in knowing how to report health and safety issues. An online guide will be made available to providers by the Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC) by next January.  

Be sure to check your email next Friday for a bargaining update from the upcoming August 1 bargaining session. And don’t forget, this “Dignity” e-newsletter goes out every other Friday and contains the latest bargaining updates along with other valuable information.

You can also stay up to date and catch up on bargaining news by visiting our SEIU Homecare Bargaining web page.