News

On Sunday, February 8^th, 2009 there was a Bargaining Conference in Eugene.

Reports indicate that the topic of why we didn't take the initial offer put out by the Governor's office was not given much coverage. The primary answer was that until we have a ratified contract, DAS can pull out of even a Tentative Agreement. And the Bargaining Team felt that they thought DAS would pull out.  read more »

Bargaining for the DAS contract has begun. OUS bargaining is ramping up. There are already developments that all members should be aware of.

If you are a member and do not know what the current bargaining developments are, please ask your local union leadership!  read more »

This morning, December 1^st, Governor Kulongoski released his recommended budget for the 2009-11 biennium. Even a casual glance through the 31 page document shows what dire straights the economy is in. Massive cuts will affect all SEIU members, and the Oregonians we serve.

What are some of the things that stand out?  read more »

The applications to be on any of the standing or ad-hoc committees and councils for 2009-2001 are due on Monday, December 1st, 2008. If you are interested in serving, please fill out the application and get it submitted.

The official election results have not been released on the Elections Division web site yet, so this information will be updated. How is SEIU 503 doing with their campaign this election year?

Update #1 (6-Nov-2008) - The election results were just updated at 8:09 PM, but they're still unofficial.

Update #2 (7-Nov-2008) - The election results were updated at 6:18 PM. Again, still unofficial.

Update #3 (9-Nov-2008) - Unofficial result updates from 1:54 PM.  read more »

Link to the 503 website to see more info and register

I strongly urge anyone with an interest in seeing how the bargaining for their upcoming contract will be formed to attend this event. For many of us, that means our contracts with the State of Oregon are impacted by this process; the members at THIS bargaining conference will elect which of us will sit at the bargaining table when the time comes, and also help set the agenda on what to bargain for! This event is HUGE. I am not kidding. You have a choice and a voice; it's up to you to exercise your right to be part of the process.

Farrell Hopkins
member of DHS local 200-18

Naughty Joe continues his good work. As everyone has probably heard, Judge Norblad issued a judgement against Joe back in February 2008. I'm sure he was devastated that Judge Norblad was so blind as to not see the obvious view that Joe was right, and everyone else was wrong.

Joe is nothing if not resourceful and resilient. He filed a claim with the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). In August, BOLI ruled that SEIU 503 engaged in unlawful employment practices. Joe has taken this and run with it.  read more »