Advocating for our rights

Across Oregon, the novel coronavirus outbreak has created a public health emergency that is affecting the membership and represented employees of the Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA), as well as our families, schools and communities. During this unprecedented time we are working with state and local governments, school districts and our chapters to protect the health,... Read More

Congratulations to Gresham-Barlow Chapter 8 a Strong Tentative Agreement!

Gresham-Barlow Chapter 8 and their school district reached a tentative agreement on a July 1, 2020-June 30, 2023 contract. The agreement includes a $2.50 per hour wage increase in year 1; $1.00 in year 2, and another $0.75 cents in year 3. Additionally, the current step 12 and 13 will be doubled to 4 percent each (increased from 2 percent). Other gains include a three-year increase... Read More

One Month Since Leadership Summit III, OSEA Chapters Are Energized to Organize

In January, chapter leaders and organizers gathered in Portland for OSEA’s Leadership Summit III. The two-day event offered chapters an opportunity to delve into the provisions of House Bill (HB) 2016, a new Oregon law that makes the most significant changes to public sector union rights in decades. Two changes from HB 2016 have the potential to boost organizing in OSEA chapters.... Read More

Classified School Employees Week, March 2-6

Cooking, cleaning, fixing, typing, driving, scheduling and supporting students… classified school employees do it all! From the time they get on the bus in the morning to when they head home at the end of the day, students are surrounded by caring classified professionals who keep them safe and help them learn. Now, it’s time to thank the employees who keep schools running. Classified... Read More

Introducing the Worksite Organizer Incentive Program

OSEA launched a new Worksite Organizer (WSO) Incentive Program at Leadership Summit III, with cash prizes for WSOs and new members. The WSO Incentive Program comes as Oregon enacts House Bill (HB) 2016, which gives union representatives new rights and obligations to meet with new hires in their bargaining unit. WSOs now have unprecedented opportunities to share the benefits of... Read More

Submit Resolutions to Amend the OSEA Constitution by Feb. 1

Submit Resolutions to Amend the OSEA Constitution by Feb. 1 By Resolutions/Constitution Committee In accordance with the OSEA Constitution, your Resolutions/ Constitution Committee has been charged with informing and assisting members in the governance of their association. Our Constitution is determined by established law and member action. All OSEA members are entitled, even invited,... Read More

Summit Will Prepare OSEA Chapters for New Rights and Regulations Under HB 2016

A new law is radically reshaping communications between OSEA chapters and employers after it went into effect Jan. 1, 2020. House Bill (HB) 2016 makes changes to the Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act (PECBA) to give public sector unions more rights and responsibilities to ensure all bargaining unit members understand their contract rights and representation. Districts and... Read More

OSEA Lifetime Member Bonnie Luisi Brings Classified Perspective to OEBB Board

Bonnie Luisi, ROSE chair and Lifetime Member of OSEA, was appointed to the Oregon Educators Benefit Board in October. Luisi will draw on decades of experience as a classified educator, union leader and school board member to make decisions that improve health coverage and care for Oregon’s educators. OEBB provides benefit plans to most of the K-12 school districts, education... Read More

AFL-CIO Candidate Training Program Will Prepare Union Members to Run for Local Office

Have you ever thought about running for city council, school board, or another elected office? OSEA members who are interested in bringing a pro-worker platform to local government can learn how to run a successful campaign by participating in Path to Power training program. The Oregon AFL-CIO will host a series of two-day Path to Power candidate trainings around the state to prepare... Read More

School Custodians and Maintenance Workers Will Be Eligible for Unemployment Benefits

Unlike any other type of worker in Oregon, school employees are not allowed to collect unemployment insurance (UI) benefits when laid off for breaks or summer vacation, if they have ‘reasonable assurance’ of a return to work at the end of the break. Until recently, this was true even for employees who typically work year-round, such as custodians and maintenance workers. That... Read More