A new law is radically reshaping communications between OSEA chapters and employers after it went into effect Jan. 1, 2020.
House Bill (HB) 2016 makes changes to the Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act (PECBA) to give public sector unions more rights and responsibilities to ensure all bargaining unit members understand their contract rights and representation. Districts and OSEA chapters are now required to meet new regulations covering everything from new employee orientations, paid time for union representatives, union use of facilities and employment information.
To help chapters adapt to the new regulations, OSEA has called a Leadership Summit focusing on HB 2016, to be held January 24 through25 in Portland. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the new law and develop strategies to use its provisions to strengthen their chapters.
Register for the Leadership Summit today! Call (800) 252-6732
“This is one of the biggest changes in labor relations and it will fundamentally alter the way OSEA communicates with bargaining unit members,” said Executive Director Rick Shidaker. “We are holding this summit because it is crucial for every OSEA chapter officer and worksite organizer to understand our new rights and responsibilities.”
“HB 2016 was a victory for public sector unions, but now it is up to us to use the law effectively and fairly for our members,” said Susan Miller, director of field operations. “We have new rights protecting our ability to inform members and nonmembers about their representation, which gives us an obligation to do that well in every chapter. Working with your field representatives, chapters should be bargaining this now.”
While previous summits have invited chapter officers to attend, this time, chapters are encouraged to send at least two worksite organizers. To ensure every chapter is able to participate, OSEA will cover all costs of attending, including lodging, meals, mileage and time release. “Sending worksite organizers and officers to this summit should be a top priority for every chapter,” said President Lisa Gourley. “This is an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen our chapters, but we can only do that if all chapter leaders understand what is at stake.”
Every OSEA chapter may send up to four people, including officers and worksite organizers, to attend.