The Votes Are In!
CONGRATULATIONS! Together, we won a truly groundbreaking contract for Homecare and Personal Support Workers in Oregon — and it’s officially LOCKED IN with a 98.6% YES vote!
Winning pay raises and better working conditions in times like these is no small feat. But we had a plan, stayed united, and we made it happen. Because of our collective effort, we delivered real, concrete wins:
- Major Wage Gains: By July 1, 2027, most providers will earn at least $25/hour, with step increases pushing more experienced workers up to $27/hour.
- Stronger PDC Differential: The Professional Development Certification (PDC) differential will increase to $1.25/hour (from $0.75) as of July 1, 2026.
- Higher Mileage Reimbursement: Mileage will rise from $0.56 to $0.70 per mile beginning January 1, 2026, matching the federal rate.
- Expanded Paid Holidays: Four new holidays — New Year’s Eve, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, and Veterans Day — have been added to the previously won holidays of July 4, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
- Language Justice Wins: Translated task lists or ISPs available upon request by January 2027; OHCC-created documents and background check materials will be offered in at least seven top provider languages (Arabic, Somali, Vietnamese, Russian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese); and a state phone line to resolve enrollment or consumer-action issues in the provider’s preferred language.
Read the full Tentative Agreement Summary here.
This contract is about more than numbers on a page. It’s about respect — not just for the work we do, but for who we are as human beings. Respect through higher pay, improved benefits, recognition for our hours, and fair treatment on the job.
Of course, every two years we face the same fight. We face funding cuts and opposition. That’s why we cannot let up — not for a second. We must stay stronger and more united than ever.
We have power in numbers – and that power is you. Every SEIU purple shirt in every room, every action, every worker voice demanding justice — that’s what makes change real.
We know elections directly impact our contracts. Thanks to our CAPE fund, we are able to support pro-worker initiatives and elected officials. If you’re not yet contributing, sign up now — every contribution strengthens our ability to hold elected leaders accountable and bargain great contracts.
Let’s celebrate! Share this victory and ask someone you work with to join the union and contribute to CAPE. Together, we’re building the strength we need to win the fights ahead.
SEIU 503 Homecare Bargaining Team
Co-Chair: Cristal DeJarnac, Bend
Co-Chair: Patty Falkenstein, Tigard
Scribe: Joy’e Willman, Portland
Diana Evens, Eugene
Steve Shumate, Portland
Loril Eaton, Lincoln City
Graciela Hernandez Villegas, Portland
Phyllis Wills, St. Helens
Chris Christensen, Salem
Andrew Cook, Eugene
Avery Horton, Bandon
Jolene White, Grants Pass
Barbara Evans, Eugene
Angie Jelley, Reedsport/Roseburg