Earlier today I received yet another call from a home care worker named Sue, who had been victimized like many others by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
To her utter dismay, Sue discovered that SEIU 503 — Oregon’s largest government employee union — had been deducting money from her paychecks without her consent, even after she had opted out. This breach of trust left her feeling violated and disheartened.
Home care workers play a vital role in this state, providing essential care and support to the elderly and disabled in the comfort of their homes. Their selfless dedication ensures that vulnerable individuals can maintain their independence and dignity while receiving the care they deserve.
For far too long, however, they have endured abuse and indifference from the very union whose uncritical support they’re supposedly buying with their dues dollars.
Not surprisingly, more and more people like Sue are demonstrating their displeasure by exercising their constitutional right to opt out of union membership and dues. Or at least trying to.
More than 1,250 have successfully parted ways with SEIU 503 in the past year alone. This substantial increase marks a turning point in the movement, and it is only the beginning.
Sue’s story isn’t unique. The trend of abuse is spreading, impacting many home care workers and government employees across Oregon.
These dedicated individuals, many of whom have put their own lives and careers on hold while they care for a loved one, now feel unsupported and taken advantage of, leading to historic shortages of home care workers in our state.
Regrettably, the situation isn’t expected to improve under the leadership of Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. During her 2022 campaign, Kotek received substantial donations from the SEIU, raising concerns about her commitment to address these issues.
Calls for legal action are just the beginning. It’s time to stand up for workers’ rights and demand accountability and transparency within government and unions alike.
Taking action will shed light on the issue and put an end to such practices once and for all. Every worker deserves respect for their personal choices, and this includes their right to decide about union representation.
Together, we stand with these workers, determined to bring accountability back and ensure justice prevails. If you’re a home care worker, school employee, or public worker still paying union dues, act now and join thousands of others who have opted out and send a powerful message to your union: enough is enough.
For more information, visit www.OptOutToday.com and stand in solidarity with those who have taken a stand for their rights.
