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What’s in this issue:
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On January 1, Our New Contract Will Deliver Significant Pay Raises, Increased Mileage Reimbursement and More
SEIU Local 503 homecare workers will receive a $1.25 per hour wage increase beginning with the pay period beginning January 1, 2026. This is part of the newly ratified 2025-2027 collective bargaining agreement with the Oregon Home Care Commission.
Key details of wage increases for 2026 and beyond include:
- Pay Period Beginning January 1, 2026: A wage increase of $1.25 per hour.
- Pay Period Beginning January 1, 2027: An additional wage increase of $1.75 per hour.
These increases are in addition to the step raises won in a previous contract. The goal of the new contract is to ensure that by July 1, 2027, most providers will earn at least $25 per hour, with more experienced workers potentially earning up to $27 per hour.
In addition, our contract agreement includes an increase in mileage reimbursement rates, which will rise to $0.70 per mile on the pay period beginning January 1, 2026, matching the federal rate. For more information, members can visit the SEIU503 Local website.
Contract Security for Homecare Workers: No Cuts to Pay or Hours
Homecare workers have been expressing concern about possible cuts to pay and hours due to federal funding cuts. These worries are real and understandable — after all, homecare workers rely on stable wages and schedules to support their families and the people they care for.
The current homecare contract is locked in for the next two years, and it does not include any cuts to pay or hours. Workers will continue to receive the wages and hours guaranteed under this agreement. If there are any changes proposed in the future, we would have to go back to the bargaining table with workers at the center of the conversation — and we will not agree to cuts that harm workers’ ability to make ends meet.
“Our homecare workers keep seniors and people with disabilities safe and independent in their homes. You deserve stability, respect, and the assurance that your livelihoods won’t be chipped away by surprise cuts.” – Melissa Unger, SEIU 503 Executive Director |
Making the Season Brighter: New Holiday Pay Benefits
Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve will be here soon, and now both are eligible for Holiday Pay under our homecare contract.
If you work on the approved holiday, you will be paid time and a half for up to 8 hours of authorized hours worked.
If you only work 3 hours, you are eligible for Holiday Pay for those 3 hours; if you work 10 hours, you will get Holiday Pay for 8 of those 10 hours and regular pay for the other 2 hours.
For New Year’s Eve, you will get holiday pay up until midnight that night. If your shift goes past that, you will get regular pay for those additional hours that fall on New Year’s Day.
Our most recent contract victory also adds Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 19), Juneteenth (June 19), and Veterans Day (Nov. 11) to our previously won holidays of July 4, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Have You Claimed Your $50 Political Tax Credit?
As we prepare to say goodbye to 2025, make sure to utilize Oregon’s $50 Political Tax Credit before the end of the year. Oregon residents filing an Oregon tax return for 2025 who make less than $75,000 (individual) or $150,000 (couple filing jointly) are eligible. If this applies to you and you haven’t made a political contribution this year, make sure to contribute to your union’s political action committee, CAPE, today. Billionaires are able to cut million-dollar checks for anti-worker candidates, but thousands of SEIU 503 members giving $5 or $10 a month to CAPE add up and is our best chance to fight back – and win – for working families. Click here to get your credit!
Coming December 31, 2025: New Electronic Remittance Advice System for PSWs
Beginning December 31, 2025, the State will transition to an electronic remittance advice system, replacing the current default paper remittance system. Personal Support Workers (PSWs) who wish to continue receiving paper remittance advice will still have that option—but you’ll need to sign up for it.
Within 90 days of contract ratification, PSWs will be given a clear opportunity to opt in to paper remittances. SEIU will help draft and distribute this notice so the process is easy to understand and complete.
To make sure no one misses their chance, the State committed to send three separate notifications about the paper option:
- Two notices before December 31, 2025
- One notice after December 31, 2025
If you prefer to keep receiving paper remittance advice, follow the instructions you received in your email from the State. If you did not receive an email or need assistance, please contact the Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC) at 877-867-0077 or email OHCC@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Free $2,500 Life Insurance for SEIU Local 503 Members – Designate Your Beneficiary Now
All active members of SEIU Local 503 are automatically enrolled in a free $2,500 life insurance policy, which takes effect on the first day of the month following your first member dues payment.
It’s important for members to choose a beneficiary for this policy so we can reach your loved ones if needed. You can designate and/or update your beneficiaries using this link: USAble Beneficiary Form
Questions? Please contact the SEIU Local 503 Membership Advantages office at (503) 772-6569.
Use Your Columbia Sportswear Discount This Holiday Season
If you’re looking for ideas on holiday shopping, look no further! Members of SEIU Local 503 get access to the Columbia Sportswear employee store this month, along with big discounts on name brands. SEIU Local 503 Pass Details:
Valid Dates: December 5th – December 28th
Discount: Enjoy 40% off storewide
- It’s Golden Ticket Time – Save 50% off select styles and an additional 10% off your entire purchase!
- Brands: Shop the latest styles from Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna
- How to Use: Show the digital pass on your phone or bring a printed copy + proof of affiliation. You can find your digital pass here
- Guest Policy: Bring up to four guests per visit
Note: For Employee Store access only (not valid online)
Follow SEIU 503 For The Latest News & Updates
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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! |
