Forestry Statewide on for January 9th

Our next Statewide Local meeting is on track for Saturday, January 9th at SEIU 503 Headquarters in Salem from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. A call-in time from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. is available for those who cannot make it in person.  The phone number is available from your Leadership or Mike Bray our SEIU 503 staff organizer.  Please register at the following link so enough food can be ordered for our lunch:


http://seiu503.seiu.org/page/s/forestry-local-629-statewide-meeting

Items on the agenda include our leadership election timeline, state of our Local and agenda items for upcoming Labor/ Management meetings.

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Forestry Statewide Winter Meeting, January 9, 2016

Our next Statewide Meeting will be January 9, 2016 starting at 10:00 am at SEIU 503 Headquarters in Salem.

The agenda is still being developed, and interest is currently being sought from the membership. Please forward your ideas to any of your Forestry Leadership or our SEIU 503 Statewide coordinator, Mike Bray.

Awareness items are our Forestry elections for President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and a key ring with our new Forestry Local logo is now available.

A Thank You From SEIU 503's Board of Directors

This is the season of thanks and I was reminded again of the hard and appreciated work you did this spring, summer and fall suppressing wildfires in Oregon.  Before I could speak, at the Board meeting on November 14, a thanks and enthusiastic agreement was offered recognizing ODF's firefighting and support staff during wildfire season 2015.  They knew as Oregonians what the conditions were and how their communities and homes were in harms way when the temperatures went up and winds blew.  That is why at the Board meeting with many items on the agenda, there was a hearty thank you that I wanted to pass along.

A Happy and Safe Thanksgiving to all, and I hope the new negotiated holiday, the day after Thanksgiving, will bring a little more joy into your life.

Membership, Training, Elections and Fairness

For our Union fairness is an important concept both in bargaining and treatment in the workplace. But opening and closing of recruitments, selection of the individual, assignment of work duties and location of that work are generally within the Management's Rights part of the Contract.  Management gets to make these decisions without Union input or oversight, but it still doesn't feel good when the perceived fair process of competitive interviews is sidestepped.  That brings me to membership, training and elections.

Fairness like justice isn’t always just given it has to be maintained, and sometimes fought for (Veteran’s Day comes to mind) and one of the best ways to do that is to join our Union.  There is currently a membership drive going on and many of you may be receiving a call, or perhaps a home visit asking that you move from Fairshare to Member.  Consider it, there is both a personal and group value to becoming a member, it helps in bargaining and to your work, respect beyond being a professional.

For those who want to go further, SEIU 503 offers Contract Enforcement Training.  These trainings are open to all members and cover the contract environment, creative problem solving and the grievance process.  Two sessions in November are planned, 13-14 in Salem and 20-21 in Portland.  Other sessions are also scheduled around the State and mileage and lodging are paid for those who need to travel.  Contact your Organizer or visit the SEIU 503 website to register.

One of the benefits of membership is the opportunity to run for our Local’s leadership positions and select your representatives by voting.  As a leader of of our Forestry Local you not only will work with the top leadership of the Department but also be one of the very few Union leaders who represent forestry employees.  The election timeline for the next two year term (2016-18) is; nominations open on February 1, 2016; nominations close on February 26, 2016; ballots will be mailed out March 29, 2016; and must be received by April 22, 2016. Our Union and benefits it brings is only as good as those joining, learning and leading it.

"Change, that's our world"

State Forester Doug Decker spoke at the State Forests Conference/ meeting and opened with what was one of the meetings themes "change, that's our world".  Other words of the day were, jestingly, "golden opportunity" and "prior approval".  But there was a lot of truth in all of those catch phrases as the baby boomers retire and a State Forest Management plan is developed.

One cominality for the Oregon Dept. of Forestry and our Union is leadership and leadership development.

Leadership to navigate changes, leaders to fill promotional opportunities and those to lead in the workplace.  There is a "golden opportunity" for leaders and those who want to become one.

The Department has more leadership development programs than most, seek them out, and if accepted study hard.  Our Union also has leadership positons avialable, and the front line is the workplace Steward.  In October 2014, the Forestry Local clarifed the steps to becoming a Steward and those steps can be found here in our Local's ammended by-laws:  http://forestry629.blogspot.com/2014/11/forestry-statewide-meeting-dalles.html
Being a Steward will help develop your leadership skills setting and running worksite meetings, solving problems and when necessary representing your co-workers.  There is also training available like the Contract Enforcement classes listed on the SEIU 503 website:  http://www.seiu503.org

Forestry Local leadership elections will also be in early 2016, "change, that's our world".

Forestry Statewide - Minutes from October 10, 2015 Meeting

The Forestry Local had its fall meeting in Prineville on October 10, 2015, starting about 0900 and finishing about 1330.

From 0900 to 1000 members were invited to call in for a "virtual town hall", and were invited to stay on the line for the remainder of  the meeting.

President's Message: Dave Wells encouraged the leadership to continue developing member involvement and also notified that he will not be running for President of the Local in 2016.

Local Business: The financial status of the Local, required leadership disclosure statements and special General Council vote increasing the Retiree Local's annual dues were discussed.

Contract Updates: Recent changes to the SEIU 503/ DAS contract were discussed.  These changes included an increase in the boot reimbursement, temporary employees employed as FICCs will be paid for their rest and lunch breaks and letters of intent to clarify the rest and rotation period and compensation for tree fallers.  The contract will be available on-line in November and in print form in early 2016.  Joint DAS/ SEIU 503 contract information sessions are scheduled in October and SEIU 503 contract enforcement trainings are being held in November in Salem and at other times around Oregon.  More information is here: 

https://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fseiu503.seiu.org%2Fpage%2Fs%2Fnovember-13-14-contract-enforcement-salem&ust=1444574887680000&usg=AFQjCNHsQrA_phryrRfOt9TAsX15eYKkBQ

Membership:  SEIU 503 will be holding a membership drive in October and November.  The effort will include worksite and possible home visits and phone calls.  There are many ways to join, using the paper form and the new online form which is available here:  http://seiu503signup.org/  Membership means more and that is most often seen in our contracts and workplace respect.  If you are not a member and unsure of how to join contact any of your elected leadership or Mike Bray our Local's SEIU 503 organizer.

Revenue Reform:  Mike Bray presented SEIU 503's proposal to raise revenue for Oregon programs.  A signature gathering program is beginning and will be concluded July 2016.

Local Elections: Current Local officers were appointed as the nominating committee and charged with finding candidates for President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and General Council alternates.  The election is likely to be in January 2016 to meet officer installation prior to General Council in August 3-6, 2016.

Labor/ Management: L/M agenda items were fielded in preparation of agenda development Monday, October 12th.  The next meeting is October 15th.  Agenda items identified included developing definitions for rest and rotation and rest and recovery, how the new holiday following Thanksgiving will be accounted and the tree faller committee.

Local Logo Items:  The Local will purchase pens and key fobs for distribution to increase our Local's visibility in the workplace and community.

Next Meeting: Our next statewide meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 9th in Salem.

Forestry Local Statewide Meeting, October 10th

The Forestry Local of SEIU 503 is holding it's Summer/ Fall Statewide meeting on October 10th from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the Stafford Inn, Prineville.  For those unable to attend in person there will be a call in number available for the 9:00am to 10:00am portion of the meeting.  Contact Dave Wells or Mike Bray, SEIU Staff Organizer for the phone number.

The agenda is still being developed but will include a financial report, updates on current re-class requests, and review of the fire season.  Please contact any of your elected leadership or Mike Bray to add an agenda item.

Mileage and lodging (for those traveling more than 75 miles) will be available according to SEIU 503's Administrative Policy and Procedures.  Contact SEIU if you need lodging.

Forestry Local 629 Member Meeting (call-in hour from 9AM-10AM) Stafford Inn 1773 NE 3rd St Prineville, OR

WhenSat, October 10, 9am – 2pm

WhereStafford Inn, 1773 NE 3rd St, Prineville, OR 97754, United States (map)

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SEIU 503 Exective Board Recogintion and Thank You to ODF Firefighters

SEIU 503's Executive Board prepared this thank you for all of ODF's firefighters and supporting staff recognizing their extraordinary contributions during this unparalleled fire season.  I know the thoughts are from the heart and recognition sincere, please accept their congratulations recognizing the hard work and long hours you have given to make Oregon the special place that it is.

Dave Wells

*****************************************************

August 28, 2015

Dave Wells, President Oregon Dept of Forestry

Brandon Ferguson,  Vice President Oregon Dept of Forestry

James Neuman, Secretary Oregon Dept of Forestry

Dear Dave, Brandon and James:

This has been one of the most – if not the most – dangerous fire seasons in recent memory due to the long periods of extreme heat and little or no moisture. It has created incredible risk for many Oregon Department of Forestry members who day-in and day-out must deal with extremely volatile conditions in our forests in controlling fires of all sizes and intensity to protect Oregonians lives, properties and our treasured forest lands. Other ODF members have stepped up to competently assume duties that are needed in support of those on fire protection/suppression duty.

We can’t begin to express the admiration and gratitude due our ODF members for your commitment to service in this dangerous but necessary mission, whether you work the long hours over long uninterrupted periods on the fire lines, or take on the unfamiliar but necessary tasks in support of those on the fire lines.

We are proud to have you as members of SEIU 503, OPEU, as you serve all Oregonians in such dedicated and selfless duty.

In unity,

SEIU Local 503, OPEU, Board of Directors Executive Committee

Rob Sisk            Heather Conroy          Rebecca Sandoval                           

President           Executive Director      Secretary-Treasurer                      

Mike Scott          Linda Burgin                          Rhonda Morgan

Vice-President     Immediate Past-President      Human Services Sector Director                     

Shaun Notdurft                                          Greg Ledbetter

Private Non-Profit Sector Director               Retiree Sublocal Director

 

Statewide Forestry Meeting, October 10th in Central Oregon

Please save October 10th for our next Statewide Forestry Local meeting to be held in Central Oregon.  Many think Fall is the best time to visit this part of the State, and hopefully a good agenda that will seal the deal and you will make plans to attend.

If you have agenda items that you would like to see discussed please forward them to any of the Locals officers or Mike Bray our SEIU 503 Staff Organizer.

Final details are being worked out but as with other meetings, mileage, and lodging for those traveling more than 75 miles to attend will be paid for from our Local's account.

Stay Sharp, Remembering the Words of Nancy Orr

Stay Sharp, said Nancy Orr, Oregon's State Fire Marshall, when she addressed Oregon's Incident Management Team at our annual meeting many years ago.  Stay Sharp.

I think she talked about looking crisp and having your engine clean, something that you could be proud of.  That is important, but it has come to mean more to me, and that is always doing the best job you can do.  It's the edge, not of risk, but that little slice of satisfaction of a job well done. Stay Sharp.

I can't help think about the recent wildfire fatalities in California and Washington, and know many of my fellow employees are somehow effected.  That silent prayer, a "Thank You Firefighter" on a cardboard box that means just a little bit more now.  With seven more weeks of fire ahead, how to push on and get up at O' dark thirty for the briefing and the assignment ahead.  For me it will be taking a moment to remember those who I care about and care about me, think about LCES and to Stay Sharp.

Security Package Delivered

Your Bargaining Delegates met July 18th and recommended approval of the Tentative Agreement reached between our Bargaining Team and the State of Oregon by membership vote.  Ballots will be available beginning July 22nd at face to face Ratification Meetings or by mail, and must be received by close of business August 17th to be counted.

Heather Conroy, SEIU 503 Executive Director described the role of members and overall bargaining concept as "we can organize, we can galvanize.........we won't take cuts" and of the agreement added "proud of the contract, worked hard to meet expectations".   The TA was recommended to the membership by an overwhelming "yes" vote.

Some of TA details are listed below, with a more complete list available at the Ratification Meetings or SEIU 503 website.

Four year agreement with an opening in 2017 to re-negotiate cost of living adjustments, insurance, differentials and selective salary increases.

Cost of living adjustments (salary increase) of 1.48% effective December 1, 2015 and 2.75% effective December 1, 2016.

Insurance options that are up to a 99% employer/ 1% employee split depending on the plan chosen.

The day after Thanksgiving was added as holiday, there is no effect on other holidays or the Governor's Leave day.

Employees can now cash out up to 300 hours of accrued vacation leave upon separation from State service.

Volunteer firefighters can now use accrued leave, other than sick leave, to respond to emergency situations.

Telecommuting requests will be responded to within 30 days, and if denied the reason will be specified in writing.

The "employee" PERS contribution currently made by the employer will become the employee's responsibility beginning November 1, 2016.  Salary rates will be increased by 6.95% at the same time as an offset. Contributions will be made "pre-tax".

Boot reimbursement will now be $230 bi-annually for permanent employees or $115 yearly for seasonal employees.

The State will explore whether it is possible to do pre-tax deductions for qualifying cycling costs.

Welcome New and Continuing Forestry Local 629 Members

I would like to welcome the many new members to Forestry Local 629.  Your membership does make a difference when it comes to bargaining and having a voice in the workplace or on the fireline.  An immediate benifit of membership is that you have the opportunity to vote wether to accept or reject the tentative agreement negotiated on our behalf by Union bargaining team.  Details about the agreement can be seen here:  http://www.seiu503.org/2015/07/state-workers-reach-contract-settlement/

Another benifit is being able to join in the conversation about how our Local is run. This Wednesday, July 15th there will be a conference call to share what is going on at the leadership level and listen to concerns from the membership.  One topic will be how to become a Steward with the Forestry Local.  The call is planned from 7:00 to 8:00 pm and a toll free conference call number can be obtained from Dave Wells, Local President or Mike Bray, SEIU 503 Staff Organizer.

I would like to hear from you, and be safe.

Forestry Tentative Agreement Reached, June 24

A tentative agreement was reached between the State of Oregon and ODOT Coalition on June 24th about 5:00 am the morning. This conculded bargaining that began February 17th.

Contract improvemnents for Forestry employees included an increase in the boot reimbursement from $220 to $230 per biennium for permanent employees and $110 to $115 per year for seasonal employees.

Incident management rest and roatation policy will be developed with a Letter of Intent providing a framework and timeline.

Tree falling criteria and usage between agencies will be studied by a group of Management and Represented employees with a Letter of Intent.

Temporary employees working as Forest Inmate Crew Coordinators will be paid for their breaks and lunch when they cannot be relieved from thier duties.

Next steps include reaching a Tentative Agreement on the SEIU 503 and State of Oregon Master Agreement and a Bargaining Conference scheduled for Saturday, July 18th.

The Bargaining Conference will be Saturday, July 18th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City.  Registration is available at the SEIU 503 website.

Grilling and Negotiations at Forestry June 23rd

Please come and show your support for your bargaining team and pick up a grilled burger at the same time on June 23rd starting at 5:30 pm on ODF's Salem Campus.  SEIU 503 Staff and the bargining team will be the hosts in this prelude for the last scheduled meeting between representatives for the ODOT Coalition and the State of Oregon. On Tuesday June 9th the Union received a whopper package of proposals from the State that spoke to every item where at Tentative Agreement had not been reached.  On the 23rd it will your Unions's opportunity to either affirm or offer changes to the State's proposals.

Another way to participate is at the Forestry conference call on Wednesday, June 17th from 7-8 pm.  To get the call in number contact Mike Bray, SEIU Forestry Organizer or Dave Wells.

Packing for What's Ahead

Special weather statements and drought will be our companions as we head into this first weekend in June, and I want you to know that your Union is there also.  Like those "free" amenities in a motel in case you forgot something your Union has got you covered.  As a result of negotiations the Department will provide employees with a clean sleeping bag, tent and sleeping pad, just ask.  If you are required to work more than two hours past your shift and not able to leave the job site, a meal will be provided.  You also have Weingarten Rights, meaning that you have the right to request Union representation during an investigatory interview when you think that it may result in disciplinary action.

I have just finished packing my fire bag and as the Nomex shirts and pants went in so did thoughts for the safe return of the wildland firefighters who will be heading out to protect and suppress wildfires on Oregon's Forests.  As you pack your bags please take a moment to reflect on the importance of the wildland fire assignment and your own safe return.

State Rejects All Forestry Local's Differential Proposals

Glenn West, the State's negotiation agent, cordially but firmly said no to the Forestry Local's differential proposals on Tuesday evening, May 12th.  The differential proposals had been in the State's hand since March 24th when they were presented to the State from Forestry Local bargaining delegates and we had been waiting for some reply.  A differential is additional pay for work performed or exposure to hazards beyond normal job duties.

The differentials that have been proposed by the Forestry Local include:

Recognizing the forestry employees who are duty stationed at correctional facilities with a 10% pay differential.
Acknowledging firefighters who also are EMT's with a 5% pay differential.
Providing a 5% pay differential to those forestry employees who are also professional engineers.
Assigning a 5% differential to Operations Section personnel working on Type 1 or 2 ICS Incidents.

The next ODOT Coalition bargaining meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26 beginning at 5:00pm in the Tillamook Room of ODF's Salem Campus.  All members are invited to attend.

Agreement Reached on Temporary FICC Work Schedules

On Tuesday, April 28th a tentative agreement was reached on work schedules for temporary Forest Inmate Crew Coordinators.  It recognized that while supervising and directing the work of inmates there is not a time when you can take a break from your work.  If these rest periods cannot be taken then  the employee shall be allowed compensation at the rate of time and one half as provided in Article 32T-Overtime of the Contract.  This agreement now treats temporary employees the same as permanent employees with similar work schedules.

The next ODOT Coalition Bargining meeting will be May 12th in the Oregon Department of Forestry Salem Campus' Tillamook Room beginning at 5:00 pm.  Interested Forestry employees are invited to attend.

Hot Topics and Bargaining at Forestry Statewide

Hot topics and bargaining were on the Forestry Local 629's agenda for it's  Spring statewide meeting  held April 11th in Salem.  The meeting opened with a President's message recognizing the past two wildfire seasons and looking into what may be another challenging one.  Safety was emphasized and the importance of returning home.

There was a round table discussion of what should be presented at Seasonal Firefighter orientations, and what has not worked in the past.  A flyer will be prepared by our staff orgainizer, Mike Bray to highlight parts of our Contact that a firefighter would need to know about like boot reimbursements, working on the 4th of July, rest and recovery, adjusting work schedules, and the end of the season.  Included also will be who to contact for more information.  It was emphasized that there should be an effort to resolve problems at the lowest possible level, solutions developed there have the potential of meeting all parties needs and are certainly the most timely.

Current bargaining proposals were reviewed, receiving additional input from more than your bargaining delegates.  The rest and recovery proposal was the most discussed, noting that it always seems to be in flux and that there were no set guidelines.  Instances where firefighters had worked 14 days straight and then reassigned to another fire were cited.  There is also concern about the Work Capacity Test and "senior care issues".

Hot topics from the field included the smoking policy and its application, informing members where they can go for help, rest and recovery after a fire assignment and that there is no incident management business handbook.

the SEIU 503 Committee to Protect Injured Workers has been inactive for awhile and our Local will seek its re-activation or see if there are other Union committees that can advocate for the workers injured on the job.  Jim Neuman will prepare a draft letter.

The next meetings will be conference calls on May 13th and June 17th both at 7:00 pm to discuss bargaining issues. All members are encouraged to call in and the number will be available from Mike Bray or Dave Wells.  The next Statewide is tentatively set for October 10th in Sisters  or another Central Oregon location.

All Proposals Across the Table

At Tuesday, March 24th's bargaining meeting in ODF's Tillamook Room, State and Union representatives shared the last of our proposals.  This was the last day to do so and no other proposals will be accepted by either side.  Now bargaining begins about the merit of these proposals and interest in persuing thier inclusion in the Contract as an Article or Letter of Agreement.  The next scheduled bargaining meeting is Tuesday, March 31st starting at 5:00 pm in ODF's Tillamook Room located on the Salem Campus.

Forestry specific proposals were made in Article 26, Differential Pay.

Forestry Emergency Medical Training (EMT) Recognition. Employees assigned to firefighting duty who possess and EMT license, shall be paid a differential of five percent (5%) while performing fire line duties.

Forestry Correctional Facility/ Inmate Differential.  Forestry empoyees duty stationed at correctional facilities or assigned to direct the work of inmates shall be paid a ten (10%) differential above their base rate of pay for all hours worked during these assignments.

Fireline Operations Differential.  Employees assigned to Incident Command System Type 1 or Type 2 incidents working within the Operations Section shall be paid a differential for five percent (5%) above their base pay for all hours worked while assigned to the incident.

An employee who possesses and maintains a professional engineer license in civil engineering or forest engineering or a professional land surveyor's license as specified by the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineers and Land Surveyors (OSBEELS) which are directly related to their work assignments as described in their Job Description or as assigned shall recieve a differential of five percent (5%) above their base pay.  Employees whose work requirements do not require those professional licenses to perform thier work requirements are still eligible to be paid th five percent (5%) differential.  Employees in Section 3 Special Qualifications pay (h) and (i) are not eligible for this five (5%) pay increase.

Statewide Meeting and Bargaining Dates

Save Saturday, April 11th for our next Statewide Forestry Local 629 meeting.  We will be meeting at SEIU 503 headquarters in Salem located on Commercial Street from 10am to 3pm.  Tentative agenda items include developing a strategy to move our bargaining proposals, Local 629 business and union updates.  For more information contact any of your Local officers or Mike Bray our SEIU 503 organizer.

One way of advancing our bargaining proposals is to become a member and that has been made easier with this online Membership Application:  http://seiu503signup.org/

If you want to see bargaining in action come to ODF's Administration building on the Salem campus on Tuesday, March 17th at 5:00 pm.  Bargaining proposals have been prepared and will be "handed" across the table.

Forestry Home to ODOT Coalition Bargaining

ODF is hosting bargaining for the ODOT Coalition this year in the Tillamook Room of the Administration Building on the Salem Campus.  Confirmed dates in March are 3, 17 and 31 and perhaps 24.  We will meet beginning at 5:00 pm for dinner and a work session with bargaining beginning usually around 6:00 pm.  Members are invited to see what is happening, and for dinner.

Bargaining Begins, Next Dates Set

Bargaining began for sublocals of the ODOT Coalition (of which Forestry is a part) and the State of Oregon last night, February 3rd, in Salem.  Employee interests were represented by Brandon Ferguson and Jim Neuman.  According to Neuman an opening statement from the Coalition was read and in traditional form a tentative agreement was reached on one item, this time, removal of the State Fair from the bargaining agreement.

The remainder of the evening was used to review Letters of Agreement and set dates for a Coalition work meeting and next bargaining sessions.

A ODOT Coalition bargaining work session is set for Saturday, February 21 starting at 10:00 am at SEIU 503's Salem Headquarters.  For more information about this meeting and what will be discussed contact Dave Wells @ 503-801-8468

The next bargaining dates for the Coaliton and State will be February 17th, March 3rd, 17th, (24th if needed), and 31st, April 14th and 28th, and May 12th.  All meetings will be in Salem, possibility at Oregon Department of Forestry Headquarters and will begin at 5:00 pm.  Members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Forestry Statewide Meets at Bargaining Kick-Off

The Forestry Local held its Winter meeting in conjunction with our Bargaining Kick-Off on Sunday, January 25th at the DoubleTree Lloyd Center.  On the agenda were our regular business items and deciding who would present our coalition bargaining proposals at our first bargaining session on Tuesday, February 3rd.

For the presidents message I reminded everyone that during bargaining we will be representing Forestry employees  and outcomes should seek to solve problems and leave our members with hope.

Decisions made at our meeting include:

Our treasurer position is currently vacant and elections to select a new one will be made at our next Statewide meeting.

Purchasing aluminum water bottles was approved as a promotional item.  Distribution is anticipated in March or April.

A cell phone paid for by the Local will be acquired for Brandon's use.

To aid communication within the Local, the preparation of a listserv is being investigated to distribute e-mails.  If you are interested in getting on the list contact any of your Local's officers or your Organizer.

The Local's leadership will continue to build our membership, recruit Stewards and develop Contract Action Teams (CATS) to support contract negotiations.

Next Statewide meeting will be April 11 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in Salem at a location to be determined.

Forestry Statewide Meeting, Sunday January 25th

The Forestry Local will be holding it's next Statewide Meeting on Sunday, January 25th from 8 to 10 am at the Double Tree near Portland's Lloyd Center.  We will be meeting in the Mt Hood room and are providing a call in option.  For the call in number contact me at (503) 801-8468 or our SEIU 503 organizer Mike Bray at (503) 408-4090.

An Agency of Choice, Firefighting Positions Open

First a thank you for the additional day of leave granted many employees of the Department of Forestry in recongintion of the last two very extended forest fire seasons. This action along with many others continue Forestry's recognition as being an "Agency of Choice" for the public services provided and commitment to the working guidelines for all employees.

The Oregon Department of Forestry has 46 different employment opportunities for seasonal, full time work within the forest firefighting program at differnent locations throughout Oregon.  This is your opportunity to see what it is like to work for an Agency of Choice and be part of an exceptional firefighting team.  More information is available at www.oregonjobs.org

Forestry Local Statewide Meeting, Sunday January 25th

The next Forestry Local statewide meeting will be Sunday morning from 8:00 to 10:00 am January 25th in Portland.  Our meeting will be held just before the SEIU Bargaining Kickoff held the same day.  Agenda items will likley include bargaining concepts developed to date.

For more information contact any of your Local officers or Mike Bray our staff SEIU 503 orgainizer.