Resolution Author Statements and Board Pro / Con Statements
1. Updated Fiscal Year
Shall the Union’s bylaws be amended to change the SEIU 503’s fiscal year from October through September to January through December?
Author statement: The current fiscal year requires the Union to prepare and file its lengthy financial report (LM-2) with the Department of Labor during the last three months of the calendar year. Meeting the December 31 deadline over the holiday season is a challenge. Matching the fiscal year to the calendar year simplifies the fiscal year, a benefit to members. The change would move the LM-2 filing deadline to March 31. This would benefit auditors, staff, and member leaders, including the President and the Treasurer, who review and sign the financial report. Auditors recommend this positive change.
Board Pro/Con:
Pro: “[I]n all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.” (Longfellow) Let’s simplify and strive for excellence by aligning the Union’s fiscal year with the calendar year and our planning years. (Steve Demarest)
Pro: The current fiscal year requires the Union to prepare and file its lengthy financial report (LM-2) with the Department of Labor during the last three months of the calendar year. Meeting the December 31 deadline over the holiday season is a challenge. Marching the fiscal year to the calendar year simplifies the fiscal year, a benefit to members. The change would move the LM-2 filing deadline to March 31. This would benefit auditors, staff, and member leaders, including the President and the Treasurer, who review and sign the financial report. Auditors recommend this positive change. (Thuy Huyen)
Con: Until there is a forensic audit there should be no changes made. It seems the accounting department has been in disarray for some time. Members need to know that nothing is being swept under the rug. This is a failure of the executive director. (Avery Horton)
2. Align Retiree Director and Assistant Director Positions with the other Board of Directors positions.
Shall the Union’s bylaws be amended so that the Retiree Director and Retiree Assistant Director for the SEIU 503 Board of Directors are elected separately from the Retire Local President and Vice President, and so that the Retiree Director and Assistant Director serve the same terms as other Board members?
Author statement: Currently, the Retiree Local President and Vice President are automatically the Retiree Director and Assistant Director on SEIU 503’s Board of Directors. They serve on the Board for two years, May to May, to match their terms as President and Vice President of their local. Everyone else on the Board has a two-year November to November term. The proposed change to elect the Retiree Local President and Vice President separately from the Retiree Director and Assistant Director, just as active members elect their work sector Directors and Assistant Directors separately from their local representatives, would match the Retiree Director and Assistant Director terms on the Board with the rest of the Board. This would improve team building, continuity, and effectiveness of the Board.
Board Pro/Con:
Pro: Federal requirements do not allow electronic voting for our Union’s Board of Director positions. Because the Retiree Local’s President and Vice President are currently automatically on the Board of Directors, the Retiree Local cannot use electronic voting for its local elections. This resolution, if passed, will give the local that option instead of its election method being dictated by circumstances. Also, this resolution will put the Retiree Local in sync with the other locals, which nominate and elect sector Directors and Assistant Directors in the same election as regional Directors and Assistant Directors. (Steve Demarest)
Con: None
3. Write-Ins Prohibited for Statewide Officer, Board, and International Union Delegate Elections
Shall the Union’s bylaws be amended to bring them into compliance with the SEIU International Union’s Constitution and Bylaws by prohibiting write-in votes in Statewide Officers, Board of Directors, and International Union Delegate elections?
Author statement: Write-in votes in SEIU 503’s Statewide Officers, Board of Directors, and International Union Delegate elections are prohibited by the International’s Constitution and Bylaws. This change is necessary to bring 503’s Bylaws into compliance with that prohibition. It would make members who read the Bylaws aware of the prohibition, which would be in effect even if the Bylaws are not changed. The change would benefit members who rely upon the Bylaws to understand election rules. The change would not affect General Council Delegate or sublocal elections.
Board Pro/Con:
Pro: Members should be able to rely upon our Union’s bylaws for the rules for elections. This resolution will bring the bylaws in compliance with the prohibition against write-in votes for elections covered by the International Union’s constitution and bylaws. (Steve Demarest)
Con: “The right to choose the leaders of the Union in a fair and democratic manner.” That is in our Bylaws. Write ins are fair and democratic. This is an attempt at those in power to stay in power by eliminating possible competition. The nominated candidates are not posted until after nominations are closed. How is that fair and democratic? If someone is running unopposed, this allows for someone to throw their hat in the ring and challenge for the seat which is fair and democratic. (Avery Horton)
4. Filling of Statewide Officer and Board Vacancies
Shall the Union’s Bylaws be amended to provide a procedure for filling vacant Assistant Director positions for the SEIU 503 Board of Directors, and to make the procedure for filling a Statewide Officer position, when the elected member does not take office, consistent with the procedure for filling the position when it becomes vacant during the term of office?
Author statement: Currently, there is no provision in our Bylaws to fill an Assistant Director vacancy if the corresponding Director position is not vacant. This leaves Directors without support if the Assistant Director position is vacant. Without an Assistant Director, some members will not have representation at a Board meeting if the Director misses the meeting. This change provides for filling Assistant Director vacancies when there is a Director in place. This will improve representation and enhance the effectiveness of the Board.
Board Pro/Con:
Pro: Members should be able to rely upon our Union’s bylaws for the rules for elections. This resolution will bring the bylaws in compliance with the prohibition against write-in votes for elections covered by the International Union’s constitution and bylaws. (Steve Demarest)
Con: Members should be allowed to vote on who fills vacant positions. (Avery Horton)
5. Change Name of Strike and Job Protection Fund
Shall the Union’s Bylaws and Administrative Policies and Procedures (AP&P) be amended to change the name of the Strike and Job Protection Fund to the Job Protection and Action Fund?
Author statement: This change would not change the use or purposes of the fund, which include strike support. The change would reduce confusion with the Strike Benefit Fund, which is used solely for strikes. This confusion occurs regularly. The reduction in confusion would be an improvement in communication and understanding, a benefit for members and leaders.
Board Pro/Con:
Pro: When monies in the Strike and Job Protection Fund are used consistent with the purpose of the fund (for example, a bargaining campaign), members should not be concerned that their Strike Benefits Fund is being used for something other than strike benefits. However, this concern occurs. It occurs due to confusion with the names of the funds. This resolution, if passed, should eliminate the confusion and the unnecessary concern. (Steve Demarest)
Con: None
6. Disaster Preparedness
Shall the Union form a disaster preparedness workgroup to research and recommend disaster preparedness provisions for bargaining contracts in all sectors?
Author statement: The Natural Disaster Preparedness Resolution would require our union to form a committee comprised of volunteer members from each represented group covered by SEIU 503, with appropriate support staff, to look at what contract language exists, if any, between the union and our employers. This committee would look at whether our contract language needs to be strengthened and make recommendations to our union’s bargaining teams to make language as strong as possible. This committee would also work to identify ways to support other groups involved in emergency preparedness efforts to increase preparedness in their respective communities, along with seeing if we can’t encourage ALL Oregon employers to make plans to assist their employees and customers in these kinds of situations so we all can come through them with strength and the knowledge that all workers have access to some employer provided assistance that will make it easier to survive and thrive.
Board Pro/Con:
Pro: As a founding member of Southwestern Oregon Preppers, CERT member and CERT trainer, I applaud any effort to improve the preparedness of citizens. (Avery Horton)
Con: None
7. Education and training benefits for SEIU Local 503, OPEU members
Shall the Union advocate for the establishment of education and training benefits for its members, and advocate for prioritization and implementation of the education and training benefits program for sectors and communities disproportionately impacted by social and economic inequities?
Author statement: This resolution commits our union to support, sustain and grow an education and training benefit program through bargaining, public policy advocacy, and endorsing candidates who will be supportive of education and training benefits for union members. As written in this resolution, historically marginalized and underrepresented communities disproportionately impacted by social and economic inequities will be prioritized within sectors.
Board Pro/Con:
Pro: I am in favor of educating and training members especially in their rights as members of SEIU LOCAL 503. For example: $.75 (seventy-five cents) from each monthly dues payment shall be allocated to the Union’s political action program. If a member desires that this contribution not be expended for political action purposes and so indicates in writing, the contribution shall be paid to the Union’s scholarship fund. (Avery Horton)
Con: None
8. Increasing the capacity of our stewards to advocate for members experiencing workplace discrimination
Shall the Union commit to increasing the ability of stewards to support members experiencing workplace discrimination; commit to bargaining stronger anti-discrimination and harassment language in contracts; and commit to recruiting and retaining stewards from underrepresented communities and demographic groups?
Author statement: Every worker deserves a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, yet many of our members from historically marginalized communities still face these challenges at work. As a Union, we have a legal, ethical, and organizational obligation to represent all members fairly and equitably. By committing to enhance steward training, strengthen anti-discrimination language in contracts, and recruit stewards from underrepresented groups, we will better fulfill our duty as a union to protect and support every member, ensuring a fair and inclusive work environment for all.
Board Pro/Con:
Pro: This involves workers in the workplace which is what the actual purpose of unions is. Purpose Statement. Our Union is a labor organization established to represent and work for the benefit of both public and private sector members on matters of, including but not limited to, employment relations, collective bargaining and contract administration including arbitration and other remedies of law and rule. (Avery Horton)
Con: None
9. Health Insurance for Retirees
Shall the Union support legislation to increase the affordability of PERS health insurance for PERS retirees?
Author statement: This policy proposal would put SEIU 503 in support of legislation to extend to OPSRP retirees (PERS retirees who started PERS-covered employment after August 2003) employer-paid subsidies for health insurance offered by PERS, currently only provided to Tier 1/Tier 2 retirees, and to increase the subsides for Medicare plans offered by PERS to PERS retirees. This is consistent with our Union’s values and our goal to make healthcare more affordable whenever and wherever possible.
Board Pro/Con:
Pro: The current subsidies for PERS health insurance discriminate against OPSRP retirees (PERS members hired after August 28, 2003) by not including them. The subsidy for Medicare-eligible retirees has lost its value because it is a flat rate that has not increased with inflation. This resolution will commit our Union to supporting legislation to eliminate the discrimination against OPSRP retires and to increase the value of the subsidy for Medicare-eligible retirees. (Steve Demarest)
Con: None
10. Unions for All
Shall the Union use its resources to make Unions for All a reality for Oregon workers, continue to organize workers, and explore innovative ways to organize?
Author statement: Most of us know first hand the unfairness and injustices of jobs without a Union. Far too many workers don’t have access to quality health insurance, adequate paid leave, fair pay, and retirement plans, and cannot bargain for these things because they don’t have a union. Our current legal system makes it incredibly difficult, and sometimes nearly impossible, for workers to form and join unions. To overcome these barrier, we need to do what SEIU Local 503 leaders have always done—fight for a fairer set of rules that allows new workers into our movement. Let’s recognize our duty to be in community with all unrepresented workers. Let’s proudly parade our values here and in the streets by voting “YES!” To Unions for All.
Board Pro/Con:
None
11. Financial Transparency
Shall the Union provide a document that shows the dues structure and how dues are spent?
Author statement: Member leaders are regularly asked for a clearly articulated, visual picture of how dues are spent. Our union needs to improve transparency when it comes to how member dues are spent. There should be a one pager developed that articulates all the different ways dues are spent. We need to improve transparency when it comes to how member dues are spent. Not being able to clearly articulate where dues are being allocated creates a lack of trust and confidence in our union and within union leaders.
Board Pro/Con:
Pro: It is critical that our union be transparent about how our union dues are being spent down to the penny. The current lack of transparency with regard to how dues are spent, creates a lack of trust within our union membership. (Andrea Kennedy-Smith)
Pro: Yes! We should start by posting the LM-2 report on SEIU503.ORG so members can see how their dues are being spent. There should be quarterly or monthly reports sent to members so members can see how their dues are being spent. (Avery Horton)
Con: None
12. Field Organizer Staffing and Workload Analysis
Shall the Union do an analysis of field organizer assignments and create a report for the Board of Directors, which could potentially recommend increasing the number of organizers?
Author statement: This resolution calls for a comprehensive workload analysis of our field organizers and their assignments to help us make well-informed decisions. The goal of this is to help organizers improve working conditions, promote equity, and enhance anti-racism efforts across various sites. Enhanced strategic planning and possible systems restructuring will advance our collective goals, benefiting all members and strengthening our labor movement. Conducting a thorough workload analysis with input from all field organizers will ensure proper staffing levels, meaningful improvements, and strategic planning, ultimately strengthening our union and achieving our long-term organizational goals.
Board Pro/Con:
Pro: This resolution, if passed, will expand communication with staff and understanding of staff’s working conditions by members’ representatives on the Board of Directors. That is a good thing. (Steve Demarest)
Pro: Our union does not have sufficient organizers for the workload that is required. The turf is much too vast for some organizers. We are the largest union in the State of Oregon and deserve to have the appropriate number of organizers to support our membership. (Andrea Kennedy-Smith)
Con: This sounds like a waste of dues. If we focused on the purpose of the union, there wouldn’t be a workload problem. Purpose Statement. Our Union is a labor organization established to represent and work for the benefit of both public and private sector members on matters of, including but not limited to, employment relations, collective bargaining and contract administration including arbitration and other remedies of law and rule. (Avery Horton)
13. Retiree Rebates
Shall the Union’s Bylaws be amended so that the Retiree Local receives $12 (per year) per member?
Author statement: Current by-laws do not reflect the actual practice of $15.00 (fifteen dollars) per member per year from members who have paid $60.00 (sixty dollars) annual dues, going to the Retiree Local 001. This resolution is meant to update the Retirees Local 001 by-laws to reflect the actual practice by SEIU 503, OPEU. In addition, because the local maintains a healthy balance, it was decided request to lower the rebate to $12.00 (twelve dollars) per member per year from members who have paid $60.00 (sixty dollars) annual dues instead of $15.00 (fifteen dollars). Please support this resolution.
Board Pro/Con:
None.
14. Legal Department Staffing and Workload Analysis
Do you support a workload and structure analysis of the SEIU 503 legal department to be shared with the board so decisions around additional legal support for members and stewards can be made?
Author statement: We have 2 staff attorneys and 1 paralegal and the workload supporting 70,000 workers surpasses their capabilities. We need to gather data for the 503 Board of Directors to analyze and take into consideration.
Board Pro/Con:
Pro: This resolution, if passed, will expand communication with Legal staff and understanding of Legal staff’s working conditions by members’ representatives on the Board of Directors. That is a good thing. (Steve Demarest)
Pro: We are the largest union in the state of Oregon and deserve to have the appropriate number of legal staff in our legal department. We should not be utilizing outside attorneys. Many longtime union stewards that actively file grievances that go to arbitration end up working with vendor attorneys that are completely insufficient. Our legal departments workload has been well beyond capacity for years. It is time that we appropriately staff our legal department as our members deserve sufficient representation from in-house counsel. (Andrea Kennedy-Smith)
Con: Waste of dues money. If we focus on the purpose of the union, workload would not be a problem. Purpose Statement. Our Union is a labor organization established to represent and work for the benefit of both public and private sector members on matters of, including but not limited to, employment relations, collective bargaining and contract administration including arbitration and other remedies of law and rule. (Avery Horton)