During the 2019 legislative session, Oregon lawmakers passed House Bill 2016, the Oregon Public Employee Protection Act. On January 1, 2020, these changes took effect, enacting some of the largest pro-employee changes to Oregon law in several decades.  Under the…

The Oregonian’s Sunday print edition featured an article highlighting a historic 2019 legislative session at the Oregon State Legislature: Democrats pile up landmark wins that will affect Oregon schools, businesses, workers, air quality, teen criminals and more. Many of these…

When the 2019 legislative session began in January, SEIU 503 laid out an ambitious agenda at the Oregon State Capitol. Our work supporting candidates who support workers resulted in a pro-union governor and a pro-worker supermajority in the House and…

The Oregon House of Representatives today passed the Oregon Public Worker Protection Act (HB 2016), which now advances to Governor Kate Brown for signature. “With income inequality widening, the cost of living skyrocketing, and unprecedented attacks on unions, it’s a…

We are now in the final month of the 2019 legislative session. Several key priority bills that directly impact SEIU members moved through the legislature, including passing the Student Success Act, which will raise $2 billion in new revenue each…

  Earlier today, the Oregon Legislature passed a bill that will cut public employee retirement benefits by 1.5% to 3%. The changes will take place beginning on July 1, 2020, and will depend on when you started working for the…

After years of working hard for revenue reform, Oregon just passed a bill raising $2 billion in new revenue from large corporations. The bill will improve education and other public services throughout Oregon, put our members in a better position…

As we enter the final 2 months of the legislative session, a number of key priority bills that directly impact SEIU members are moving through the legislature. Our political program remains focused on winning funding at the legislature to set…

This statement is from SEIU 503 Executive Director Melissa Unger in response to the A Better Childhood lawsuit filed on behalf of 10 children in Oregon’s foster system: This lawsuit highlights the trauma and stress that touches every person involved…

Governor Brown has announced a plan to pay down some of the PERS unfunded liability, and shift costs to employees. The following is a statement from SEIU 503 Executive Director Melissa Unger: Current versions of this plan are unfair and…