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.