Organizing Victories
Largest Expansion of Bargaining Rights Since 1973
The Legislature prioritized giving workers a voice in their work. They approved
bargaining rights for child care workers, adult foster care workers, and passed
a bill that allows public employees to unionize by having a majority sign cards.
2007 represented the largest expansion of bargaining rights since 1973.
Child Care Workers
Local 503's newest members are child care providers. These workers have not had
the fundamental right to bargain collectively that almost all Oregonians enjoy.
Child care workers fought for bargaining rights and expanded access for working
parents to get child care for their kids.
"¡testified ata Lobby Day to let lawmakers
know how important funding is for the Child
Care Program. Parents need this program
to be able to afford to work and have access
to safe child care. I've never seen anyone so
understanding and willing to listen as the
state representatives and legislators. It was
great to see them back us up.
We won an additional $33 million in
funding for the Child Care Program."
Wanda Winne
Child Care Provider, N.E. Portland
Child care providers swarmed the capitol, and brought the kids they care for.
They packed hearing rooms to make their voice heard. Senator Avel Gordly (D
- Portland) was moved by the level of member involvement. She stopped the
hearing, inviting two of Our members' children up to the dais to join the Senators
while they listened to the testi mony of child care providers.
The Committee approved the collective bargaining measure, and the full
legislature passed the bill with bi-partisan support. Our members successfully
fought to improve the day care program. Oregon was one of the worst states
in the country in terms of affordable and accessible child care. Because of our
members' efforts, we now are ahead of most states when it comes to affordable
day care for low-wage working parents.
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