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Bargaining Team Members (FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT): Patty Falkenstein, SEIU 503 Executive Director Melissa Unger, Cristal DeJarnac, Joy’e Willman – Scribe (BACK ROW, FROM LEFT): Phyllis Wills, Barbara Evans, Graciela Hernandez Villegas, Loril Eaton, Diana Evens, Andrew Cook, Steve Shumate and Avery Horton. Not pictured, joined via Zoom: Jolene White, Angie Jelley and Chris Christensen
In Case You Missed it: Opening Statements and First Proposals in Bargaining
Our union’s Executive Director Melissa Unger and members of the Homecare Bargaining Team presented our opening statement to the State’s team, emphasizing how critical our work is. Members of our team shared stories about our real life struggles as homecare workers, and how we need the State to address each of our core priorities: wages, language justice, systems that don’t meet the needs of workers or consumers, paid time-off and respect.
We began the process of exchanging proposals across the table, with our first proposal being around Language Justice. Being the most language-diverse bargaining unit at SEIU 503, we drove home the point of the State’s need to communicate to workers in languages we understand best, rather than providing documents and information only in English.
In addition, we shared our Bargaining Support Petition, which was signed by nearly 4000 homecare and personal support workers and personal care attendants, and was on display in the room where we met with the State’s bargaining team. When workers make their voices heard, it really does make a difference.
Stay informed by checking out our bargaining web page or reach out to your union organizer for more information. If you have additional questions, contact the SEIU 503 Member Assistance Center at (844) 503-7348.
Tell Lawmakers: Fund Frontline Workers
Oregon lawmakers are now deciding how much to fund state agencies and determine the amount of money available for SEIU 503 members to bargain new contracts this year. The Ways and Means Committee is hosting a series of “roadshows” across Oregon to listen to public input on the state budget. SEIU 503 members need to PURPLE UP, show up, and let them know that now is the time to pass a fair budget that builds Oregon’s workforce and invests in working families like ours. Find the closest location and register today.
- April 4th: Warm Springs – Old Warm Springs Elementary School, 5-7pm, REGISTER HERE
- April 11th: La Grande – Eastern Oregon University – 5-7pm, REGISTER HERE
- April 16th: Salem – Oregon State Capitol, 5-7pm, REGISTER HERE
- April 25th: Klamath Falls – Klamath Community College, 5-7pm, REGISTER HERE
These events are a valuable opportunity to let your voice be heard so we can win fair contracts. If you’re interested in attending and speaking at a roadshow, please register at the links above today. We’re hosting virtual sessions every Tuesday at noon and 5:30 p.m. to help you prepare your testimony. You can sign up after you register for your town hall.
Hands Off Medicaid Rallies Continue this Month
Congress is considering significant cuts that would impact the 1.4 million Oregonians who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare and devastate the state budget. We’re not going to let that happen without a fight!
There are two more rallies happening this month – you still have time to sign up to participate!
Eugene – Saturday, April 12th, 11am, Register here.
Salem – Wednesday, April 16, 3:30pm, Register here.
Medicaid funds the jobs of caregivers like us who provide critical services to our state’s most vulnerable residents. Federal Medicaid dollars are critical to state budgets, funding on average nearly 30% a state’s budget, and paying for the services that keep communities running like special education, K-12 services, in-home care for seniors and people with disabilities, and mental health services.
Hands Off! National Day of Action
Join in a National Day of Action on Saturday, April 5th, to fight back against federal attacks on working people, unions, disease research, services we rely on and basic human rights.
These events are being coordinated by local community groups in cities across the country and are happening throughout Oregon. Find an action near you by clicking here. Let’s send a message to this administration and unelected billionaires: Hands off!
Defending Care: Unite Through Regional Provider Meetings
Regional care provider monthly meetings are more important than ever. As the current federal administration continues to attack workers’ rights and the care infrastructure we depend on, staying informed and united is critical. These meetings are a space to share updates, get support, and build power together. Don’t miss out—connect with your fellow care workers and stay strong in the face of these challenges. To find a meeting near you, keep checking the SEIU 503 online events calendar!
Help Fix Oregon’s Care Industry
Our Union’s top priority bill for the legislative session, HB 3838 (Home and Community-based Care Workforce Standards Board), needs your help! The bill would establish a workforce standards board for Oregon’s long-term care industry, which will create statewide standards for pay, training, and staffing. Do you have thirty seconds to sign our community support petition right now? Sign the Petition!
You Got a Wage Increase in January. Do This Now to Receive the Correct Tax Credit.
On January 1, 2025, care providers received a raise, lifting the base wage to $20 per hour. Now, if you have medical coverage through a Marketplace plan, you should review and update your income information with the Marketplace.
You need to make sure you have your actual 2025 income in place so that you receive the correct Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC). Carewell SEIU 503 partners with insurance agents at Valley Insurance Professionals who can help you. Call 1-844-503-7348 to schedule an appointment.
As a reminder, Healthcare Cost Assistance benefits cover your net monthly health insurance premium, which is the total monthly health insurance premium cost minus the total APTC you were eligible for.
You can also update your income information:
- Directly with the Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) online, or
- By calling the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596, or
- With your own insurance agent
And speaking of taxes – if you have been waiting until the last minute to complete your returns, you are not alone and can get help! Tax Day is Tuesday, April 15th.
The IRS and Oregon Department of Revenue have integrated their Direct File platforms to help Oregonians file their federal and state taxes for free beginning this tax season. Workers who anxiously await their annual tax refunds will no longer need to pay for-profit companies to file their returns and can save millions in filing fees thanks to Direct File. Click here to learn more.
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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! |
