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On the latest episode of Stronger Together, the SEIU Local 503 podcast, we delve into the world of politics by interviewing two SEIU endorsed candidates. With a big election coming up next month, we wanted to bring you conversations with two political candidates that have been endorsed by our local. Our CAPE Board, which is made up of union members, interview candidates running for office to see if they will take on issues that are important to public employees. This is part of how a democratic union approaches our political process and it gives us an opportunity to raise the voices of union members about the important issues that affect our state and country. In this episode, our Political Director, Andrea Cooper, will be first interviewing Deb Patterson, a candidate for Oregon Senate District 10. Deb has been a community leader in Oregon for years as a pastor and healthcare administrator, and she is also a proud homecare worker and SEIU 503 member. Andrea Cooper will also be interviewing Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, who has been a progressive voice for Oregonians for years. He will be discussing the important national issues that public employees face, the importance of this year’s local election, and why we need bold solutions to confront income inequality.

On the latest episode of Stronger Together, a Podcast from SEIU Local 503, we talk all things stewarding! We start by talking with Micki Varney, our local’s Chief Steward who will discuss the details for stewarding in our public sector shops. Then we speak with our staff attorney Jared Franz about arbitration and how to have the strongest possible shop. Finally we talk with Joy’e Willman about the steward program for care providers and how we have found a unique way to get workers involved in contract enforcement. We will be getting into the weeds, so stay tuned and find out more about why stewards are so important and what it takes to be a leader in your workplace! Below you can follow our podcast feed on Soundcloud, and listen to new episodes here as they are released. We will also share new episodes online when they come out, and you can also subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, Podbean. We also encourage you to sign up for a steward training, which are now offered remotely and from the comfort of your home! We offer steward training for public services, nursing homes, and homecare workers, so find the one that is right for you and get registered!

The State of Oregon is the largest employer in Oregon, and the recent budget forecast is grim. In this special episode of Stronger Together, we bring to you a recent Q&A session that our union did with state employees answering some of the most important questions we have fo the coming several months.

On the latest episode of Stronger Together, the SEIU Local 503 podcast, we talk about the upcoming Oregon political primary! We start with the SEIU Local 503 Political Director Andrea Cooper’s interview with Cayle Tern, who serves on 503’s CAPE Board. CAPE is the member committee that interviews political candidates and then recommends endorsements to the local’s executive board. Tern talks about their experience with CAPE and why union members should get involved in politics. Next she interviews Secretary of State candidate Shemia Fagan, who has been a close ally of SEIU 503 and has fought hard for the issues that are important to our members. Fagan talks about her political journey, why she cares so deeply about worker rights, and what will distinguish her in the role. Finally, Cooper interviews Rob Fullmer, and SEIU Local 503 member and candidate for State Legislature for District 36 in Portland. Fullmer talks about how he first became active in our union, how the Labor Candidates School prepared him to run for office, and how he hopes to confront issues if he gets into office. Remember to “Like” and share the podcast, and cast your ballot in the primary by May 19th!

As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, we spoke with two frontline workers who are addressing some of our most pressing needs in Oregon. We start by talking with Irene Hunt, a homecare worker who has spoken out about the lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and how continuing to provide direct care to her clients is both crucial and risky in the current climate. We then talk with Adam Lane who works for the Oregon Employment Department, which is processing hundreds of thousands of unemployment claims around the Coronavirus layoffs. He discusses problems occurring at the department, which may be putting many of these public employees at risk.

Over the last few weeks we’ve seen a public health crisis unfold that’s unlike anything in our life times. The impact that COVID-19 has on daily life is already significant, and the impact it will have on our Union is just starting to come into focus. On this episode of "Stronger Together" we’ve got Melissa Unger and Andrea Cooper for SEIU 503 to talk about how our union and our state is responding. We talk about what we are fighting for, how these changes are affecting Oregonians, and what is coming next.

In a special News Roundup episode, we discuss some of the big issues that are currently happening with SEIU 503 members. This includes: *How to be prepared for Covid-19. *What we are calling on employers to do to protect our safety. *What is at stake with the Republican shut-down of our legislature. *Jackson County Employees may head out on strike. *A reminder to vote in your sublocal elections!

On this episode of Stronger Together, the official podcast from your union, SEIU Local 503, we look at the costly Republican walkout and what it means for SEIU members. We speak with our political director, Andrea Cooper, about why the Republicans have broken quorum and the capitol and what is at stake in this legislative session. We also hear from child welfare worker Kelly Paluso, who will talk about how this walkout could affect our foster care system and the families it supports. We will close with some clips from our February 25th rally at the Capitol, and hear what some other SEIU 503 members think about this walkout. Remember to visit NoMoreCostlyWalkouts.com to learn more about what this GOP walkout means for Oregon.

On our inaugural episode of Stronger Together, the official podcast of SEIU Local 503, we hear from our Executive Director Melissa Unger about our vision is for the next five years as a union. Next, we hear from Adam Napier, a leader at the Portland Public Schools who led his coworkers to a massive contract victory last month. Finally, we will talk with Steve Demarest, the president of SEIU Local 503, about what started his career as a union activist and what is happening with our union elections in advance of General Council.