Look How Far We've Come
Improving Services and Raising Standards
Welcome to SEIU Local 503, OPEU - the
Homecare Workers' Union. By joining
together, we are achieving what we
cannot accomplish alone.
1997: Union homecare workers
go to the State Capitol and win
legislation raising care providers'
pay $2.00 on average by 1999.
workers write, call and deliver
over 6000 postcards to legislators.
Winter 2002: Homecare
workers help elect Governor Ted
Kulongoski and other pro-worker
legislators.
2003: After 17 months of
bargaining, Homecare workers
settle their first Homecare
Contract!!
April 2004: For the first time
Summer 2001: Funding to
Spring 2000:
Union spousal caregivers go to
Salem, tell their stories to the
legislature's Emergency Board
and to the media. The result?
The Spousal Care Program is
reinstated.
SDSD is restored. Homecare
Commission is funded - HB 3816
is passed. Gov. Kitzhaber signs
August 8, 2001.
2005: Second Contract adds
paid time off, a homecare training
program, dental and vision
coverage.
Summer 2000: Homecare
workers and allies gather
120,000 signatures to put
Measure 99 (creation of the
Homecare Commission and
collective bargaining rights for
homecare workers) on the ballot.
2007: Third Contract brings the
passes in every county in Oregon.
Fall 2001: Homecare workers
file for the biggest union
election in Oregon's history.
Spring 2001: Funding for
Winter 2001: Homecare
Senior and Disabled Services
(SDSD) threatened. Homecare
workers vote by 92% in favor
of having a union.
November 2000: Measure 99
ever, homecare workers have
employer-paid health care and
workers' comp coverage.
hourly pay rate of homecare
workers to $10.20. It also sets out
the rules for a new, on-line
computer registry, which will
make it easier for consumer/
employers who need homecare
to locate providers who meet
their needs.
Spring 2002: Homecare
workers begin bargaining
their first contract.
Page!
Homecare Workers New Employee Orientation Guide