Here’s the latest from ODFW Sub-Local 109/SEIU 503. Also available for viewing at local109.seiu503.org. We heard from some members that email works well to communicate monthly updates. We will still have noon conference calls but will be every few months and when needed. You can contact Leadership anytime if you have questions on what your union is working on or would like to schedule a worksite in-person meeting.
2022 Highlights:
- COLA was negotiated to start early Aug 1, 2022, instead of December 1, 2022. Because we have a collective bargaining agreement, Labor was able to negotiate an earlier date due to higher than expected inflation.
- Telework agreements were negotiated for those who could work remotely. Telework does not require 100 percent of the duties be remote work. There is a hybrid option that allows a mix of work from home and office.
Recent Labor Management Committee news:
- Agency is looking for ways to provide more affordable housing for seasonal staff that would help with recruitment and retention. Do you have any suggestions for this topic? Please provide them to us and we’ll make sure they get forwarded to the committee that will be providing the recommendations.
- Difficult client language. The agency is partnering with other natural resource agencies to understand safety issues that people who work with public. This is part because more safety language around this topic was added in 2021-2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Some good things to know about:
- Paid Leave Oregon- This is a statewide program that starts January 2023 for all workers in Oregon. Employees will pay .6% of their earnings while employer will pay .4%. Workers will be able to start using this leave September 2023. It can be used for illness and care for family member for up to 12 weeks per year. Workers will not have to exhaust vacation leave to use this time.
- College Scholarships- Current and retired members of participating unions, their spouses and their dependent children are eligible. There are two options. Unionplus.org and SEIU 503. UnionPlus.org deadline is January 2023. SEIU 503 application deadline is February 2023.
- Bargaining for the 2023-25 contract has started and will go until mid-June or when both sides come to an agreement. Both sides typically meet twice a month until May, then it goes weekly or as needed until an agreement is reached. Be sure to check ODFW Sub-Local 109 and SEIU 503 website for the latest information. 2023 Bargaining Priorities: Strong wage increases, Workplace Safety, Reasonable workloads, Expanded remote work protections, Improving our discrimination language so that ALL state workers are respected
Fishing for Facts:
- What is Central Table Bargaining? The Central Table negotiates with Department of Administrative Services (DAS) over major statewide issues like wages, benefits and policies that impact all agencies.
- What is Coalition Table Bargaining? Coalition tables bargain over agency-specific workplace conditions and policies. ODFW is part of the ODOT Coalition (ODFW, ODF, Parks, ODOT, DOA, WRD, DMV, OWEB, DGMI, Aviation). ODFW Local 109 has 4 bargaining delegates at the table. Visit Local 109’s website to see who they are.
- What is Special Day of Leave (sometimes called Governor’s Day)? This is 8 hours of leave that can be used once per calendar year. It must be taken in a single block of time. For years this could only be used Thanksgiving-New Years. Each contract negotiation more time was added when it could be used, eventually getting to where it is today.
Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season!
