Back to Basics

503 DAS Bargainers Reject State Proposal

SEIU 503 members sought out supervisors at worksites across Oregon in the weeks since the last bargaining session to let management know that the state’s latest proposal is as outrageous as it is unacceptable. Pictured here is a group from DHS Winema.

Members of SEIU 503’s DAS bargaining team formally rejected a state proposal they deemed outrageous and “went back to basics” in negotiations March 9-10, starting on non-economic issues.
“Our bargaining team went back to the basics in our latest meetings Monday and Tuesday in the aftermath of the collapse of early settlement talks with the state,” they said in a message emailed to members.

“This more traditional approach means it is likely consideration of  core economic issues such as step increases, furloughs and health care will be deferred while we address non-economic issues.

“Management continues to propose a complete wage freeze — no cost of living or step increases for the biennium; elimination of the 10th step, 26 furlough days (15 unpaid holidays and an additional 11 scheduled unpaid days off) and a provision to reopen the contract next year, allowing the state to demand further cuts to pay and benefits.

“Over the last two weeks members have spoken loudly through worksite actions – emailing agency heads and organizing delegations to managers to send the message that the state’s proposal is outrageous.  This week our bargaining team sent that same message at the bargaining table by formally rejecting the state’s proposal.

“Our bargaining team has proposed maintaining our health care benefits and preserve our step increases – including the 10th step. Our team recognizes that in these economic times shared and fair sacrifices will be required. We proposed 64 hours on unpaid furloughs that may be scheduled by workers similar to vacation leave or used in lieu of sick leave.

“Additionally, we made proposals to bring transparency and accountability to contracting out, expanding the scope of the labor-management relationship to include addressing such issues as delivery of quality services and reducing energy emissions.

“Now that we have reverted back to traditional bargaining the next several bargaining sessions will focus on many non-economic issues that are important to us. We must continue to raise our voices in our worksites to ensure that management does not mistake the slower pace of bargaining for apathy or even resignation.”

The next bargaining sessions are scheduled for March 23-24 in Salem.

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