A spokesperson for the Service Employees International Union announced today that employees at five Oregon nursing home companies are prepared to go on strike to win new contracts. The existing agreement between SEIU Local 503 and both companies expires tonight.
“SEIU members stand ready to take any necessary action, including a strike, to resolve the contract,” said an announcement distributed by SEIU. “With negotiations progressing slowly and the contract expiring at midnight, union members will notify management of their intention to take public action at workplaces across the state.”
The five companies operate dozens of facilities across the state: Avamere, EmpRes, Volare, Sapphire and Caldera Care.
SEIU has reached a tentative agreement with another long-term care provider, publicly traded PACS Group, on a new contract that includes a nearly $2 raise starting Oct. 1.
As WW previously reported, nursing home shortages are widespread across the state, and federal officials are considering solutions to what is now a nationwide problem.
“Oregon's long-term care industry is in crisis,” the press release states. “High turnover and staffing shortages make it difficult for staff who remain on duty to provide a safe level of care to residents, especially the most vulnerable Oregonians who require 24/7 care. Masu.”
