2026-2027 SEIU Full Draft Blackline is out! This document highlights the changes from the previous contract to the current contract.
- Note: The new language regarding the payroll transition to bi-weekly pay for all employees starts on page 209.
- Note: Updates to uniform policy (Article 122.3E), lists the new job classifications that will receive the full ($325) uniform allowance. As well as increased uniform items for seasonal employees and clarifying language for exceptions for an additional or substitute uniform items for all employees.
March Labor Management Committee updates
- Safety: Employees who have already taken the Tactical Communications Training are encouraged to provide feedback about how the training went and how it has been used in the field. Provide examples of its use to Amanda.MCKENZIE@odfw.oregon.gov. Employees who are interested in taking the training should work with their managers to schedule trainings in their area. More information about the training can be found on the Inside Safety Page.
- Employee Engagement Survey Results: Participation overall was similar to last year, but there was a significant increase in responses from seasonal employees which was a goal leading up to the survey. Overall satisfaction remained high this year with 77% of employees rating either a 4 or 5 (out of 5) on satisfaction with their agency as a place of work. Regarding preference in communication style, a majority chose email, with in-person and hybrid tied for second. The LMC is reviewing responses from the comment section now and will be discussing top themes, and ways forward, at the next meeting.
- Updated Uniform Policy is coming soon! Updates include new, higher, reimbursement amounts, new positions that are included as of 2026, and a new section that clarifies use of the Uniform Reimbursement Exception Form to request an exception for an additional or substitute uniform item. This can be used to purchase clothing for your job that is not already provided by the project (Section 5 in Article 122.3E mentioned above).
Director visits to field offices
- Debbie Colbert visited two field offices last month and is planning more in 2026. Feedback from both visits was very positive, with both the director and staff appreciative of the opportunity to engage in casual conversation about topics that are important to them.
Sub-local elections: You should have received a ballot at an email that SEIU 503 has on file. Ballots are due 3/24/2026. It's ok to write in someone you think fits in the position, they will get a chance to accept/not accept after the election closes
Other topics
- Health Insurance-Providence’s decision to contract out the administration of their health plan to Collective Health as well as the very recent news that they will no longer be a carrier for PEBB in 2027. Please continue to flag issues around care directly to PEBB staff because they are closely monitoring your concerns about Providence and raising them directly with the company. Your health and the health of your family must be centered during this time. Whether you are having providers asking you to pay them up front or being billed for services you shouldn't have to pay, to having issues with your prescriptions or making sure your provider is recognizing your medical authorizations - any of those specific issues should be flagged to PEBB for troubleshooting - pebb.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov. We have reached out to one of the attorneys that led on the Workday class action suit to see if they would be willing to take on a class action suit around this. We will share further information once we have it.
- Oregon Public Pension Climate- Investing Progress Report Webinar: Our retirement security is one of the most important things we fight for together and we want to make sure your pension is working as hard as you do. Join us for a webinar on Tuesday, March 31, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM (Pacific). Register here for the event. Questions? Contant, Mike Powers, at powersm@seiu503.org.
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In Unity,
ODFW Sub-Local 109 Leadership
