July 18, 2024

Meeting Introduction:

• Steve welcomed everyone and thanked them for joining the call. He encouraged participants to turn their cameras on to create a sense of community, though it was not mandatory.

Union History Highlight:

• Steve shared a historical moment from 2017 when SEIU members effectively opposed over 40 legislative bills that aimed to cut retirement and health care benefits. This historical context was provided to inspire and remind members of our union's ability to make significant impacts.

Heat Illness Prevention:

• Steve highlighted the crucial importance of adhering to heat illness prevention guidelines, especially during the hot summer months. He emphasized that workers should take extra breaks, stay hydrated, and work in shaded areas to avoid heat exhaustion and related illnesses. He encouraged members to report any issues or violations of these guidelines.

Meeting with Director Debbie Colbert:

• Chris Rodriguez recapped the meeting he and Steve recently had with Debbie Colbert, the director of ODFW. The meeting focused on the concerns of our union, especially regarding the prolonged investigations involving union stewards and employees. Colbert was receptive and understanding of their concerns, and it was a productive dialogue aimed at improving the process and reducing investigation times.

Hatchery Closures:

• Kacie Welch addressed rumors about potential hatchery closures. Despite budgetary constraints, he reassured members that there is strong support for keeping the hatcheries operational. Both the agency and external stakeholders recognize the importance of hatcheries, and efforts are being made to secure their future.

Budget Reductions:

• Steve detailed the agency’s efforts to manage an $8 million budget shortfall. He stressed the need for strong advocacy to secure additional funding and prevent cuts to essential positions and programs. Steve mentioned our union's proactive approach, which includes working with political strategists and engaging with legislators to highlight the critical nature of their work and the potential negative impacts of budget cuts on employees and the services they provide.

Call to Action:

• Steve urged members whose jobs are at risk due to budget cuts to share their personal stories with legislators. This storytelling is aimed at demonstrating the real-life impact of budget decisions on employees and their families, thereby humanizing the budget discussions and decisions.
• He encouraged all union members to get actively involved in advocacy efforts. Steve highlighted the importance of leveraging the relationships our union has built with legislators to push for favorable outcomes. He reiterated that member involvement is crucial to our union’s success in protecting jobs and securing necessary funding.

The meeting emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by our union, the importance of member involvement, and the proactive steps being taken to address workplace conditions and budgetary issues. It also highlighted our union’s historical successes as a motivational tool for current advocacy efforts.