Reassuring News for SEIU 49 Legacy members
Today, OHSU officially submitted their application to the Oregon Health Authority that starts the regulatory process to acquire Legacy Health.
SEIU and our labor partners at AFSCME, ONA, and AFT have been advocating for key priorities that were included in the application. As a result of our efforts, OHSU has guaranteed major protections for workers, an expanded workforce, a continued focus on quality patient care, and a commitment to racial equity. This is positive news for our members and means that SEIU, along with our labor partners, will support this acquisition as it unfolds.
OHSU has committed to the following if the acquisition of Legacy is approved:
Pay parity & maintenance of benefits:
No Legacy worker represented by SEIU, ONA, PNWHMA, OFNHP, or AFSCME will see a reduction in pay or benefits as a result of this consolidation. In fact, the agreement includes a commitment to raise payfor union Legacy workers if their job is paid higher at OHSU, this would happen within a year of the deal
No takeaways or reductions to benefits for Legacy workers represented by SEIU or the other unions for at least a year.
Job security and stability:
The reality is SEIU members at Legacy are in essential jobs that are needed in every hospital and healthcare setting. OHSU has committed to increase job security for Legacy employees if the acquisition is approved. Additionally, OHSU committed to no layoffs prior to the closing of this transaction at OHSU and no layoffs for 12 months after OHSU acquires Legacy. This means a commitment to a secure future.
Improved severance for Legacy employees if layoffs should occur between 12 and 24 months after OHSU takes over for union employees including six months of base pay, medical/dental insurance premiums paid for six months, and access to, recall, and training opportunities.
Union Security
All current union contracts will be honored by OHSU. SEIU members will have the right to bargain with OHSU shortly after the acquisition is approved. As a Union we can make sure we have a strong voice in any changes and we can propose improvements to pay and benefits.
The agreement between our Unions and OHSU also fosters collaborative relationships between unions and management, enabling frontline employees to fully participate in decisions that impact their work. To support this, we’ve secured paid time for union activities, including welcoming new employees, steward time, bargaining, communicating with co-workers, and educating about union benefits.
Equity and inclusion for all workers:
The creation of a workplace where every caregiver is treated with respect, dignity, and equity, for all empoyees; Black, Brown, Indigenous, white, Asian, and no matter what our gender or gender identity.
This agreement ensures that pay equity is enforced across all job classifications, so that every worker is compensated fairly.
A commitment to provide training for managers to prevent bias in hiring, evaluations, promotions, or discipline, ensuring that all workers have a fair and equal opportunity to succeed.
Transparency is key. We have ensured that unions will have access to diversity metrics across the health system, allowing us to monitor and address any disparities in hiring, compensation, promotions, and other key areas.
Supporting career growth and workforce development:
OHSU will provide $10 million annually in funding for SEIU and OHSU’s other labor partner education trusts— including our SEIU Education Fund—focused on workforce career development and training opportunities, to create quality jobs and culturally competent workforce expansion. Protecting our SEIU Education Fund means SEIU members continue to have our free and affordable education benefits to earn new licenses and move into higher paid jobs.
To address current staffing challenges, support for recruitment and training programs that will help develop the next generation of healthcare workers within our communities. This initiative is about building a strong, well-trained workforce that meets the needs of today and tomorrow.
Why is this agreement only with OHSU and not Legacy?
OHSU has filed with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to acquire Legacy Health Systems who have been looking for another system to acquire them. OHSU is very clear that legally until the acquisition is approved by OHA they are not a decision maker or in charge of Legacy, but we do look forward to working with them on implementing their commitments to union workers.
Our union has continued to reach out to Legacy to discuss the letter of agreement, but they have refused to respond.
How long will the process at the Oregon Health Authority take?
There is not a timeline for the process, the best guess is it will take several months.
We will keep you updated as this process continues. Getting firm agreements like this would not have been possible without the strength we have, united as SEIU at Legacy and across Oregon & SW Washington. Our powerful voices mean OHSU has been open and excited to have the conversation about how uniting with OHSU and Legacy caregivers will create a workforce of the future that provides the best quality patient care.
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