Finkle, Lisa – OHA: Candidate for Statewide Vice President – Public Sector

I have 25 years of union experience — yes, twenty five — across membership with two Oregon unions. I’ve handled grievances, investigations, contract interpretation, and member support. After this long in the work, I know how unions should operate, how members expect their money to be used, and how to get things done without unnecessary drama.

I’m running because I’ve hit too many roadblocks trying to access basic information, and that’s not how a member driven union should function. A union shouldn’t feel like a mystery novel with missing pages. I care about fairness, transparency, and bringing some good old fashioned common sense back into the process.

I don’t support stacking multiple leadership roles in the hands of a few. My priorities are clear communication, processes that don’t change on a whim, stronger member support so we actually understand why people leave or don’t join and rebuilding trust. Members deserve a union that works for them — not one operating behind a curtain with its own internal rules.

We also need to treat our own union employees the same way we expect the State to treat us. Our SEIU503 staff are bargaining right now, and they’re facing the same stalling tactics and “hurry up and wait” strategies that we complain about when they’re used against us as state workers. It’s time for a reset. Leading by example matters.

And when HR tells stewards they can’t access comparator cases for management service employees — even though we’re all held to the same policies — SEIU503 should respond quickly and decisively, not ignore my pleas. Members shouldn’t have to fight their own union to get the tools they need to represent each other.

Outside union work, I’m involved in community advocacy, professional development groups, and the ongoing battle of keeping houseplants alive. I’m also part of the unofficial club of parents with grown children who still need things.

I’m steady, experienced, and not afraid to speak up when something doesn’t make sense. I believe in fairness, clarity, and meaningful change — and in a member led future where every voice is heard and respected. Vote memberledfuture.com