PARRY CENTER WORKERS' WIN HUGE VICTORY FOR ALL WORKERS!

Colleen Sullivan and Sara Saffir, Parry Center strikers.  "We're glad to be getting back to the kids we care for," says Colleen Sullivan, who works directly with children at Parry Center.    "This was a long, hard fight but is a sweet victory for kids and workers at Parry Center," said Colleen.

Striking workers at Parry Center reached a tentative contract agreement with Trillium Family Services after a 59-day strike. The tentative agreement is a huge victory for the labor movement. Striking Parry Center workers standing together have protected their voice at work and services for their clients. Heartiest Congratulations go to all 90 strikers on their major victory for their clients, their voice and work and the labor movement! Workers will vote to ratify the agreement by Jan 31, 2005.

              
This victory is also a huge win for workers everywhere — particularly in Multnomah County. Due to the struggle of these workers, » Multnomah County Commissioners passed a resolution prohibiting any contractor doing business with the county from engaging in anti-union activities. These workers have paved the way for others in the county to join a union without threat of employer interference.

Appreciation to all supporters!
Strikers would like to extend their appreciation to all who supported them, including elected officials, community groups, members of the labor movement, faith-based leaders and the public at large. At issue was high turnaround caused by low pay and the impact on kids.
"Staying together throughout this strike created a bond that will mean better care for the kids. Community support was great," explains Sara Saffir, a Child and Adolescent Treatment Specialist.
"Cars honking support for us at the picket line, food donations and support from people who walked the line with us helped enormously to keep spirits up."
Leslie Frane, Executive Director of SEIU LOCAL 503, OPEU, stated, "This is a huge victory for the entire labor movement. Workers standing together have protected their voice at work and their ability to provide services to their clients.