Blogs

Well I hope everyone attended today's rally activities. I know that I saw a few faces that I don't normally see at union events. That's a good sign that people are starting to realize how serious the situation is. (Or maybe they just wanted the free t-shirts and food).

While we were out-and-about, we were chanting the usual rally cry that we use:  read more »

I don't know about any of the other agencies, but the Director of DHS has been meeting with groups of employees around the state recently.  For some people, those  meetings are in person at the work site. For others that are more remote, they're arranging video conferences.  read more »

Back in October 2008, SEIU International appointed members to the SEIU Commission on Standards and Ethics. They touted this group as an, "independent panel of academics, clergy, ethicists, and union leaders." The fifteen members were supposed to deliver a "comprehensive package of recommendations to the International to ensure that the Union's leadership is held accountable to the members at all levels."  read more »

With so much focus on the economy and bargaining, I've been a little lax in pursuing some of the other areas of interest around SEIU Local 503. Actually, I have been following them, I just haven't been covering them on the site.

Right now, everyone is working very hard to address the upcoming budget woes. They're planning the contract negotiation campaign. It all sounds great. Everyone working together for the good of the membership.  read more »

Message for you sir!

We have a message for you Governor Kulongoski! We're as mad as hell, and we're not going to take it any more!

We all realize that times are bad. Really bad. We know you're in a tough spot. We get it! But you just can't fix this problem by putting the burden on the public employees. The numbers just don't add up.  read more »

Before I was forced to take some time off for a personal emergency, we were on-track to signing a tentative agreement that, while not perfect, was far better than I had ever expected we could negotiate for the coming biennium. Now, upon my return, I discover that DAS "made a mistake." The offer is off the table, and a new one, with 10 mandatory furlough days, sits in its place. What happened?!!?  read more »

I hope everyone is having a happy and safe holiday season.

It has been an interesting month. First I was away for some scheduled time off. Then I returned just in time for to be blocked in by all of the snow and ice. Between the two events, I wasn't at the office for almost a month. It makes me glad that we had a good contract negotiation in 2007--we kept all of the vacation time, got our Personal Business, etc. I'm sure that a lot of people had to use some of that time.  read more »