Stronger Together: A Podcast from SEIU Local 503

Politics Episode with Senator Jeff Merkley and Candidate Deb Patterson

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.

Stronger Together: The Steward Episode! (Episode 7)

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!

Understanding the State Budget Crisis: A Special Episode of Stronger Together

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.