Unger, Melissa – 503Portland: Candidate for Statewide Executive Director

Melissa Unger for SEIU Local 503 Executive Director

I joined our union as a member and an organizer 19 years ago, served as Political Director, and for the past 8 years I’ve had the honor of being our Executive Director, fighting alongside workers to make sure they have a voice.

The Executive Director runs the day-to-day operations of our union — making sure the union works. I oversee our staff of nearly 200 and manage our budget alongside our Treasurer. I make sure contracts get bargained and enforced, campaigns get won, and that when a worker calls, files a grievance, or heads into bargaining, our union delivers. That takes experience and relationships — with our board, staff, sublocals from every sector, and allies across Oregon.

The work I love most is bargaining with members. I serve on bargaining teams across our sectors because there’s nothing more rewarding than sitting beside member leaders and fighting to put more money in workers’ pockets. Right now, I’m fighting alongside higher education workers facing wage freezes, and supporting Marion County workers demanding affordable healthcare.
The last two years have tested us. Together we’ve fought for ODOT jobs, passed Homecare standards bills, secured healthcare for nursing home workers and organized nearly 2000 new members into our union.

With federal cuts looming over Medicaid, ODOT, and universities, that fight is far from over. Soon we’ll be at the homecare and state worker bargaining tables, facing tough fights to lift wages and protect healthcare, standards, and jobs. To win, we must take the fight to the corporations and millionaires to make them pay their fair share and fund our services.

While I’m proud of our record, I know our union can do better. As Executive Director, I’m committed to hearing concerns, acting on them, and closing the loop so members know their voices make a difference — quarterly listening sessions, expanded finance town halls, and meaningful follow-up. We’re also working to build an equitable union: removing barriers, and real pathways for every member to lead.

I’m proud to run with Johnny Earl for President, Chelsea Alionar for Vice President Public Services, Cristal DeJarnac for Vice President Care Sector, Mark Workman for Treasurer, and Renae Bracken for Secretary. Our team reflects the diversity of our union — and together, we’ll build a union where every worker belongs.

electapowerhouse503.com | #powerhouse503