Workers Memorial Day Statement from President Lisa Gourley

Today we honor those individuals that have lost their lives trying to live the American Dream. For far too long working people have died trying to put food on the tables for their families. It has never been acceptable yet much of our society has been complacent. Not one life is ok to lose. Over the last year, the reality of workers’ risks and struggles has been driven home... Read More

Conference 2021 to Be Held Virtually, June 24-26

OSEA’s Board of Directors has voted to hold Conference 2021 remotely for the safety of delegates and staff. “I am disappointed — as I know many of our members will be — to go another year without gathering with our OSEA family,” said President Lisa Gourley. “But as education workers, we know how to adapt and find solutions, which is why I know we can... Read More

Know your rights: health and safety equity for school employees

This customizable poster can help members deal with safety concerns during the pandemic.  Read More

Take Action: Tell Your Senator to Support SB 496

Senate Bill (SB) 496 would remove the unfair “reasonable assurance” requirement for unemployment benefits for food service, early childhood and early intervention workers. The just passed out of committee unanimously! Now, it’s time to keep our momentum going — contact your state senator to tell them how important it is for school employees to have equal... Read More

Gov. Brown Orders Schools to Operate In-Person

Today Gov. Kate Brown is announcing that she will take executive action to ensure all public schools provide universal access to in-person instruction, either fully on-site or through a hybrid model. Schools will be required to reopen by the week of March 29 for students in grades K-5 and by the week of April 19 for students in grades 6-12, with some narrow exceptions. The governor... Read More

Educators Now Eligible for Free COVID-19 Vaccines

As of Jan. 25, Oregon education workers — including K-12 staff and early education workers — can begin getting free COVID-19 vaccinations. Read more about vaccines for education workers and find other COVID-19 news and resources on OSEA’s coronavirus website.  Read More

ODE’s Public Health Metrics No Longer Mandatory

COVID-19 Metrics for Returning to In-Person Instruction No Longer Mandatory Oregon will no longer enforce Oregon’s public health metrics for safely returning to in-person instruction after Jan. 1. The current restrictions on reopening schools will become ‘advisory,’ and the governor has expressed a hope that schools statewide will offer in-person instruction by... Read More

Labor Groups Win COVID-19 Protections from Oregon OSHA

For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, Oregon workers have clear, enforceable and consistent workplace protections from COVID-19. The Oregon Occupational Health and Safety Administration filed the final version of its Emergency Temporary Standard to protect workers from infectious diseases last week. Oregon workers and labor groups have fought for months to make OSHA... Read More

Wildfire Resources

Our hearts are with all Oregonians who have been impacted by the fires. OSEA is doing all we can to support members in need during this difficult time. We have compiled resources for those in need and those seeking to help.  Read More

First Guidance on Reopening Schools From ODE

Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has released their first guidance for reopening schools in the fall. While acknowledging that COVID-19 will still pose a risk, the guidance emphasizes that in-person education should be a priority whenever possible. Schools will need to work through challenges to find ways to safely reopen for the 2020-21 school year. Here’s what education... Read More