Almost Unanimous in Coos Bay

Avamere Home Is 29th to Join SEIU 503

Nearly every eligible employee -- 30 of 34 -- at Avamere Rehabilitation at Coos Bay has signed a card designating SEIU 503 as the bargaining unit for workers there, it the 29th nursing facility in Oregon to the union.

Oregon State Rep. Arnie Roblan counted the cards May 18. That culminated a busy week in which early supporters of the union in the workforce, member organizers from other SEIU-represented nursing homes and union staffers discussed the prospect with workers at the home, which is still often referred in Coos Bay by its previous name, Hearthside.

Those Avamere workers pictured celebrating their new union status are Bessie Anthieny, Colette Souza, Patricia Green, Natasha Makela, Sarah Fedrau (rear) and Kim Thom. Bargaining for a first contract is expected to start shortly.

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