Dignity, June 01, 2019, Image 7

DIGNITY
"I decided to dedicate my life to public services and I knew I
wasn’t going to make as much as in the private sector, but it was
worth it to me for the people of Oregon I get to help,” says Alicia,
a DHS worker.
=RVST
“I’m just starting my career, and the idea that my retirement could
just disappear might force me into the private sector because I
don’t make a lot here. That’s why I’m here today, because I really
believe in this union and the people of Oregon.”
"It’s about respect...whether its an ODOT employee
who wants to know why the Legislature is attacking
his benefits, or a homecare worker who wants to
know why they are paid late, or a university employee
who wants to know why they are raising tuition and
laying off coworkers - it all comes back to respect,
to feeling valued. When you are on your own it often
feels like you can’t get respect. That’s the beauty of
our union. With 72,000 people at your back, you can
demand respect!”
¡Atfíia'
Melissa Unger, SEIU 503 Executive Director
The PERS legislation, which includes a 1% to 2.5% reduction in
retirement benefits, is being considered by the State Senate this
week.
«Morgui
Homecare and personal support workers are also bargaining their
contract this year, one that will govern the pay, benefits, and
working conditions for 30,000 care providers who work directly
in their client’s homes. Because care providers are so essential to
long-term care of Oregon’s seniors and people with disabilities,
many care consumers have stepped forward to support our
bargaining campaign.
No hay
. hogares o país.
lugares de trab ) . ^^aridad con *
Permanecemos ^'^^lembros de todas
Sanies, reWdos,^^
razas, reiigi°neS^
y valoramos
and
“I show support for my caregivers because those ladies go
above and beyond, more than you could imagine for all of us,”
says Margie Forgoso, a client who receives support from state
homecare workers. “I support them in every step they are taking
in this union.”
One of the key issues we are pushing forward on this year is a
retirement plan for care providers, something we desperately
need. Together we have won major victories on wages and
healthcare benefits, but many homecare workers still struggle to
save and plan for a secure retirement.
“I recently joined the union because I feel the members do need
a fair contract this year and I am here to support that,” says new
homecare worker Rebecca Leonard.
Now workers around the state are building on this momentum
as contract negotiations heat up. With actions in worksites and
communities around the state, we are demanding an end to
stagnant wages and for state officials to address real problems
that impact every member of our union.
SEIU
WIIL