Dignity, May 01, 2012, Image 1

Bargaining Update
After 15 months of bargaining, we've
made a ton a progress in a historic
contract! Here are some flash points
on the road to win a fair contract.
February 2011: Bargaining Begins! Prior
to negotiations, members throughout the
state filled out hundreds of bargaining
surveys to provide crucial input on
contract priorities and elected co-workers
to serve on the bargaining team.
May 2011: Rally for a Better Way for
Oregon. Members identify millions
of dollars in savings for the State aS
alternatives to cuts to the services of
vulnerable Oregonians. Thousands
of members from Ontario to Medford
descend on Salem to advocate for
necessary services.
June 2011: Personal Support Workers
Join our Union. Personal Support
Workers who care for people with
developmental disabilities and mental
health conditions vote overwhelmingly
to join our Union, collect bargaining
surveys, elect additional bargaining team
members, and join homecare contract
negotiations already underway.
November 2011-January 2012:
Members Estalate Bargaining Campaign.
After months of bargaining, the State is
still proposing to eliminate health care for
thousands of fjOmecare workers without
critical movement on important issues
like program consistency for caregivers of
people with developmental disabilities.
Over 1,000 homecare workers call the
Governor urging him to take action, put
up lawn signs, attend the Governor's
speaking engagements, and testify at
the Oregon Home Care Commission to
advocate for our cause.
February 2012: Political Action Saves the
Day. Members participate in the first-
ever Developmental Disabilities focused
lobby day. Homecare workers join with
allies like AARP for a massive lobby day
continued on page 11