The Oregon public employe., April 01, 2002, Page 23, Image 23

Homecare Workers Prepare to Bargain First Contract
I
n three successive weekends in
I February^ in nine locations around
the state, nearly 300 homecare
workers came together to celebrate their
historic Union election victory and to
prepare io bargain their first contract.
At meetings held in Coos Bay, Bend,
Medford, Pendleton, Pacific City, Salem,
Portland, Roseburg and Eugene, homecare
workers elected their bargaining delegates
and bargaining team members, learned
about the bargaining process, and prepared
for the actions necessary to win a fair
contract.
The homecare workers showed they
understood thè need for political action,
with 55 new CAPE members coming out of
the meetings. In addition, 23 homecare
workers and clients registered to vote.
Executive Director Leslie Frane
attended the meetings in Coos Bay,
Portland and Salem in order to welcome
homecare workers into the Union,
congratulate them on their tremendous
success in forming a union, and wished
them success in their fight for dignity.
Additionally, the homecare workers
chose their bargaining team. The members
of the team are Diane Chandler, Coos Bay;
Mary Breedlove, Medford; Basil Rogers,
Prineville; Marla Denson^ LaGrande;
Jennifer Rucker, Tillamook; Patricia Mae
Mueller, Roseburg; Lee Meyers, Salem, and
Karen Thompson, Scio. Alternate
bargaining team members also were chosen.
They are Debi Valine, Coquille; Sally
Cumberworth, Cave Junction; Lee
Worcester, Bend; Vickie Gourley Neer,
Pendleton; Joan Wesley,
Waldport; Debbie
Brown, LaPine;
Patsy White, Salem,
and Mike Carter,
Eugene. Portland
area members will
choose their
bargaining team
members soon.
In preparation
for bargaining, the
homecare workers
circulated a batgaining
survey among their
members. Members were
asked to rank such
bargaining prio rities as
protecting
services and hours for clients; sick pay;
routine/emergency relief (respite) referrals,
and having taxes withheld from checks,
among others.
*
They were asked what would most
improve services for clients: more training,
dependable respite providers, increased
hours for clients, and other provisions.
Training was a big issue with
homecare workers during their ballot
measure campaign for a commission.
Questions about training was a subject of
the bargaining questionnaire. Other
questions dealt with pay and mileage
and benefits.
Having a voice at work was
Two homecare workers share their
ideas on a bargaining survey.
an important item on the questionnaire.
Members were asked whether they feel they
can express ideas and have them respected
and whether they have meaningful input
into meeting the needs of the client.
By having a voice in our work,
homecare workers can make important
improvements for our clients, for our
communities and for our future. •
Members meet across the state in preparation for bargaining the first union contract for Oregon’s homecare workers.
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