Use Your Union Power!
One of the benefits of being in AFSCME is the collective power behind our political work. As part of this work, our members occasionally have the opportunity to engage directly with legislators! The next chance to do so will be during our virtual AFSCME Lobby Day on Monday, Feb. 21.
The pandemic has sharpened our union’s political focus during this special session on the following legislative priorities:
Providing Essential-Worker Pay for Low-Wage Workers: The Essential Worker Pay Bill will provide a one-time payment for workers who held high-risk jobs from April to December 2020 and are below a certain pay threshold. These payments will honor workers for their service and provide a bit of help during this difficult time.
Establishing Statewide Labor-Harmony Agreements for Behavioral Health: Oregon AFSCME helped pass a Multnomah County labor-harmony agreement so that behavioral-health employers cannot interfere in organizing campaigns. We are now fighting for statewide protections so that behavioral-health workers have full freedom to organize and client services aren’t disrupted by anti-union tactics.
Passing the Child Care Investment Act: Every child-care provider should be paid in a way that reflects the essential work they do, and every Oregon family deserves access to high-quality, affordable, culturally relevant child care. Oregon AFSCME is a leading supporter of this act, which will increase state payments to providers and fund grants to help them expand their programs and serve more families.
Addressing the Staffing Crisis at the Oregon State Hospital: We’ll push for the state to allocate more money to hire additional OSH staff in order to improve patient care, reduce violence against staffers and make OSH a place where people can safely work and recover.
Read the complete details of Oregon AFSCME’s legislative priorities here.
AFSCME Lobby Day will be held Monday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Morning and afternoon shifts are available — you can choose one or both. Register here. (Registration closes on Friday, Feb. 18, at 5:30 p.m.) If you want to participate in Lobby Day but are scheduled to work that day, email Jen Laverdure, chair of our political-action committee, about how to be reimbursed for your lost time.