What’s in this issue:
- Register to Vote and Help Elect Pro-Worker Candidates
- Oct 9: 24/7 Caregiving Community Meeting
- Our SEIU 503 Election Results Are In!
- Open Enrollment Happening Now!
- The President’s Corner
- Join an SEIU Caucus!
- Around our Union: Michigan Homecare Workers
Register to Vote and Help Elect Pro-Worker Candidates!
The deadline to register to vote in the 2024 General Election is October 15.
The outcome of the 2025 General Election is crucial as it will shape the future of our communities and the nation. It’s an opportunity for workers to have a say in who represents their interests at all levels of government. Every vote contributes to determining the leaders and policies that impact the workplace, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Oregon has a proud tradition of open, accessible, and fair elections, with a modern vote-by-mail system that is the gold standard in U.S. elections administration. Have you recently moved? You’ll need to update your voter registration and if you’ve never been registered, you can do so easily online in just minutes.
Register to vote online here! Help our Union elect pro-worker candidates by signing up for a political shift – talking to voters is key to making this happen!
Want to know who our members are endorsing in this year’s elections? Learn more at this link.
Registering to vote in Oregon is quick and simple – it takes just minutes to do. There are many ways to register. Check it out!
- Online using My Vote.
- By mail using a voter registration form. This form also is available in multiple languages .
- In person at the county elections office or at certain state agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Live-in Care Providers: Don’t Miss This!
Do you live with the person that you’re caring for? Do you have frustration with the current respite, hours assessment, systems, and respect? Are you ready to think in terms of a vision for a better way of doing things? Attend a virtual meeting next week to share your thoughts on how to address the needs of the 24/7 caregiving community.
REGISTER NOW!
October 9th 2:30-4:30pm:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 843 2029 7750
Difficulty of Care Tax Credit:
If you are living with your consumer you may qualify for some exemptions from federal taxes. Please check out our contract, ARTICLE 14 – SERVICE PAYMENTS Section 11, page 53: Difficulty of Care Exemptions. The OHCC Customer Relations Unit shall provide qualifying Providers with written confirmation of their Difficulty of Care exemption status; upon a request and completion of the Difficulty or Care form.
President’s Corner
Hi, my name is Cristal DeJarnac and I’m your new President of Homecare.
Over the past 6 years that I have been in member leadership, I have been working diligently behind the scenes to fix worker issues and to hold the state accountable. Some have accused me of drinking the purple Kool-Aid, and that I am just a “yes man” for SEIU 503. Well, I’m here to tell you the reality is, yes, even though I do like purple Kool-Aid, I’m nobody’s yes man, and I’m not one to be micromanaged either. I stand up and fight for our workers every chance I get, and in every setting I’m in.
Whether that be at the bargaining table, or in meetings with our Union and the Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC), where we work together to resolve grievances resulting from contract violations, pay issues, and health and safety issues. Or at the Joint Labor / Management Committee meetings, with our Union, the OHCC, ODHS, ODDS, and OHA. That’s where we work together with all these State agencies, to problem solve all the other issues outside of Contract violations. Read more…
Watch for more articles from me each month in the President’s Corner. It’s here where I will keep you up to date on what’s happening within Homecare. My goal is to have open communication and be as transparent as possible with you all.
Our Union Election Results Are In!
Union members cast their ballots for statewide officers in September – the results have been tabulated and results can be found online here.
SEIU 503 is a democratic, member-run union and every two years, we elect more than 700 leaders to a variety of positions, such as the Board of Directors, sub local officers, and statewide officers. The people in these roles will shape the work of our Union over the next two years as we bargain strong contracts, represent workers, and grow.
Any SEIU 503 active or semi-active member in good standing may run for Statewide Office, Director, or Assistant Director and any SEIU 503 active, semi-active, or staff member in good standing may run for Executive Director.
Congratulations to all the winners!
It’s Time! Your Membership Advantages Open Enrollment Happening Now Through Oct 31
Supplement your free $2,500 member life insurance! You can purchase additional life insurance for you and your family without a medical review during our SEIU 503 Membership Advantages annual open enrollment, October 1, 2024 through October 31, 2024. During this period, members can also purchase short-term disability and legal insurance.
By now you should have received detailed Open Enrollment information in your mailbox. If you have questions, email us.
You can also check out our SEIU 503 website to learn more about our Membership Advantages program.
Join Our Union Caucus Groups!
SEIU 503’s caucuses are affinity groups where members:
- Connect through shared identities/experiences
- Organize on issues affecting our communities both within and outside of our union
- Build an intersectional labor movement; centered in justice, community, and solidarity.
Our Caucuses are open to members who identify as: Black, Latinx, Asian, Desi, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, People Living with Disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+ Womxn of Color, Veterans, etc. Learn more.
It’s Time! Your Membership Advantages Open Enrollment Happening Now Through Oct 31
Supplement your free $2,500 member life insurance! You can purchase additional life insurance for you and your family without a medical review during our SEIU 503 Membership Advantages annual open enrollment, October 1, 2024 through October 31, 2024. During this period, members can also purchase short-term disability and legal insurance.
By now you should have received detailed Open Enrollment information in your mailbox. If you have questions, email membershipadvantages@seiu503.org.
You can also check out our SEIU 503 website to learn more about our Membership Advantages program.
AROUND OUR UNION: 35,000 homecare workers in Michigan just won back their union rights.
Michigan homecare workers had their rights were stripped away in 2012 by Republican legislators and then-governor Rick Snyder.
Since March, Michigan homecare workers have been rallying and lobbying for Senate bills 790 & 791, which would restore collective bargaining for homecare workers. Those bills passed the Senate and last week successfully made their way through the House.
Before the passage of these bills, workers were making $14/hr–well below the living wage for single adults in Michigan. Now that homecare workers are recognized as state employees, it gives them the right to unionize. From there, they can fight for better pay and also receive benefits that they haven’t received since 2012.
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! |
