Hello Friends,
Yesterday, The Young Democrats of Oregon joined Representative Marty Wilde and DNC Member Matt Keating in Eugene for a House Party! Thank you Matt & Marty for hosting this house party for the Young Democrats.
The past few weeks, the Young Democrats of Oregon have spent a lot of time discussing some recent events in our state. Specifically, we have multiple unions who are currently in tense and important contract negotiations. Today, we wanted to share with you a brief overview of which unions who are facing potential strikes, why and how you can help.
1. UFCW Local 555: UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers) did a study in their Fred Meyers stores and found that because of the two different types of work schedules at Fred Meyers, 2/3 of women who worked there were placed in the lower paying schedule. Women are currently making $1.31 per hour less than men who work there. Women over the age of 60 were making $2.25 per hour less than men over the age of 60. UFCW proposed some solutions that were rejected by Fred Meyers. The Portland-area workers, Central Oregon and SW Washington have all voted to strike as of August 26th. How can you help? Boycott Fred Meyers (as authorized and suggested by UFCW 555), and sign this petition: Tell Albertsons, Fred Meyer, and Safeway to Pay their Workers Enough to Survive and Thrive
2. SEIU Local 503: Part of the workers that SEIU (Service Employees International Union) includes service workers at Oregon's Public Universities. After negotiations with universities, SEIU Local 503 claims that what they learned through it was "insulting". They cited the cost of living allowances were extremely low, there was a lack for long-term university employees and a proposal was on the table to raise the price of meals for dining-service employees from $1 to $3. SEIU is aiming to get a 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) in October of 2019 and 3.25% in October of 2020 as well as 32 personal leave hours per year. How can you help? Make a statement on social media expressing your support for university workers! Call your local University President and tell them to settle a fair contract. Here are some numbers for our local University Presidents:
- Eugene, University of Oregon: Michael Schill 541-346-3036
- Corvallis, Oregon State University: Edward Ray 541-737-4133
- Portland, Portland State University: Stephen Pearcy 503-725-4419
- Monmouth, Western Oregon Univeristy: Rex Fuller 503-838-8888
- Portland, Lewis & Clark College: Wim Wiewel 503-768-7680
- Portland, Reed College: Audrey Bilger 503-777-7500
- Ashland, Southern Oregon University: Linda Schott 541-552-6111
- Newberg, George Fox University: Robin Baker 503-538-8383
- Portland, University of Portland: Mark Poorman 503-943-7101
- Salem, Willamette University: Stephen Thorsett 503-370-6209
- La Grande, Eastern Oregon University: Tom Insko 541-962-3512
- Portland, Concordia University: Johnnie Driessner 503-288-9371
- Portland, Multnomah University: Craig Williford 503-251-5350
- Eugene, Northwest Christian University: Joseph Womack 541-684-7241
- Forest Grove, Pacific University: Lesley Hallick 503-352-2123
3. AFSCME 88: Two years ago, a majority of on-call and temp. workers in Multnomah County filed to be part of AFSCME local 88. By state law, this should be enough to get the County to bargain with the union but instead they are being stalled with court battles. How can you help? Call the County Chair and encourage them to sit down and bargain with AFSCME 88 for the on-call and temp. workers before October 10th (the day of the court hearing) - Deboarah Kafoury 503-988-3308 or email at [email protected]. Here is a draft of a statement you could send to the Chair given to us by AFSCME Local 88:
"Dear Chair Kafoury,
Though you like to cite values of equity and inclusion, and make bold statements about the need for an economy that works for everyone, the administration you oversee is actively denying a voice to precariously employed workers, on whom the County depends every day. We are writing you as workers, unionists, and community members to demand that Multnomah County recognize on-call and temporary workers as part of AFSCME Local 88 and bargain accordingly."
If any of these unions end up striking over these issues, the Young Democrats of Oregon are prepared to support these unions on the strike lines as well as deliver warm meals and coffee to the strikers.
Please stand with our unions, with our workers who are constantly working for us.
In Solidarity,
Emily Mooney
Chair of the Young Democrats of Oregon
Young Democrats of Oregon
232 NE 9th Ave
Portland, OR 97232
United States
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