Bargaining continues of course. While the DAS coalition moves forward with a tentative agreement, the rest of the bargaining units continue to fight hard battles.

The first update from the Union came out on August 4^th:  read more »

Absolutely. 503 is one of the better locals in SEIU, but I see reform as an ongoing process, something that must never end. The news doesn't get better. There's only one person that can keep your union on track. You. That is you, if you are a member. Staff cannot do it. They have a job description. Keeping the union on track is not part of it. Our elected leaders cannot do it. We are supposed to be a bottom up organization. That means that you are directing them. So, the responsibility for keeping our union on the straight and narrow is yours... and mine.  read more »

Why are we downplaying the DAS Bargaining Conference? Yes, it's been 8 months of bargaining. Yes, it was very tough. So again I ask, why are we downplaying this very important next step in finalizing a contract for State agency workers?

There was a lot more hoopla last contract. I wasn't nearly as involved then, but I still remember hearing about the bargaining conference. I remember that I could have gone if I so chose.  read more »

The DAS Bargaining Conference is coming up very soon! It will be held Saturday, August 15^th, 2009 at the Holiday Inn at the Portland Airport. (The address is 8439 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97220).

The conference runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Everyone is welcome. The Union only covers expenses for  bargaining delegates, officers, and a few others. Please refer to the attached Registration Form for more information.  read more »

If you are part of the DAS coalition, do you plan to vote "yes" to ratify the contract?

The big news today is the announcement that the DAS bargaining teams have reached a tentative agreement. The following arrived by e-mail just before 3:00 AM this morning.

Dear SEIU member:

After eight months of negotiations, we have reached a tentative agreement with the State on a new two-year contract.

   read more »