New PSO Organizational Goals

After months of discussions, the members of PSO-Oregon collectively voted to approve a series of goals to guide us as a staff union in both the short and long term. Among the goals:

- Promote union values internally and externally

- Promote partnerships with mutual respect and shared values among all levels of OEA membership, staff, and management

Our aspiration is to continue to follow our motto as "partners in advocacy" and work as role models in the causes of union values, public education, and championing the rights of OEA members.

For more on our goals and union values, visit www.oregonedstaff.org

Better Know Your PSO: Meg Krugel

Meg Krugel joined PSO to work as OEA’s new magazine Editor and Communications Consultant. Meg most recently worked in Seattle as an Assistant Editor for Colors NW, a magazine focusing on race and diversity issues. She grew up in Roseburg and graduated from the U.O. with a BA in Journalism and a minor in English. We now have another “DUCK” in the Center for Public Affairs Department – so watch out Beavers!

Meg and her spouse Tara currently make their home in Northeast Portland. In her spare time, Meg cooks, jogs, and creates Martha-inspired projects (we hope to sample the cooking soon!). Meg also plays the oboe and recently joined a community band. She is eager to form a PSO band with UniServ Consultant and folk singer John Lorang. Welcome Meg!

Better Know Your PSO: Brett Nair

PSO is proud to welcome Brett Nair as another experienced and strong union supporter. His background makes him a natural for UniServ work and support of the union values that are so important to OEA. In the door, Brett brings with him a career that includes work for SEIU, CWA, and the American Federation of Musicians.

As Precinct Committee person, he is also a strong supporter of the Democratic Party. A former Californian, Brett’s move to Oregon ten years ago convinced him to call Oregon his home. In daylight, Brett joins the ranks of our fitter colleagues as an obsessed bicyclist and a true movie nut. Rumor is that he is prone to hang out in alleys and invoke a demonstration or two. His home buddies and roommates, Rosa and Speedy, don’t join in on bike rides or help with expenses, but are good listeners when called upon.

It’s All About Advocacy!

“Partners in Advocacy” is not just the PSO slogan - it is something PSO members put into action. This was demonstrated in recent months by a series of regional advocacy conferences for OEA members put together by PSO members from the Metro, Mid-Valley, and Coastal regions, with assistance from our ASO (Associated Staff Organization) colleagues.

The purpose of the regional conferences is to assist OEA members in developing skills in many different forms of advocacy. Bargaining is the backbone of a union and was a featured topic at all the conferences, with sessions on basic and advanced bargaining, organizing for bargaining, bargaining communications, and budget analysis.

Protection of contractual rights was also covered in basic and advanced advocacy sessions. Additional topics included dealing with programs of assistance, conflict resolution, leadership skills, and “Union 101”. By providing these types of training PSO members assist OEA members in building strong local associations

PSO & ASO End of Year Party a Hilarious Success

Last week on Thursday, December 11 over 90 people joined a party for PSO and ASO members at the Hayden's Island Grill in Tualatin. The celebration ran from 5:30pm to just after 10:00pm when the restaurant staff stopped just short of pulling the chairs out from under the last few stragglers.

The centerpiece of the event was a short speech by PSO-Oregon President Catherine Alexander followed by a video and photo montage of events from the last year. Then finally awards were handed out to PSO and ASO members in fun and appreciation of their hard work (watch video below):

Click To Play

Spirits were high, the dancing was fun (even if the music choices were a little slapdash), and it was a great way to wrap up a tough year and celebrate with partners and friends.

PSO looks forward to all the work of 2009 defending the rights of OEA members and helping champion the cause of public education in Oregon.

In Solidarity,
PSO-Oregon

Potential PSO & ASO Party Plan

There are potential plans for a PSO & ASO post-strike party to celebrate our solidarity and, well, just get rambunctious for a while. Likely sometime in early December. The PSO Organizing Committee will be meeting in mid-November to discuss this and debrief its own organizing efforts during the bargaining crisis and strike.

We will send out more information as details develop!

Coincidence?

September 30, 2008
PSO on strike, 'OEA Newsflash' comments on "these tough economic times".

October 13, 2008
PSO returns to work. Dow Jones Industrial Average rises 936 points.

Coincidence?

OEA Board Unaminously Approves TA with PSO

PSO and the OEA Board have ratified the tentative agreement for a new contract. PSO members can return to work on Monday, October 13. Two hours later, we have not received official word from Exec. Dir. Caruthers who left OEA HQ soon after the OEA Board vote, but word from the OEA members in attendance was that the vote to ratify was unanimous.

[Addendum: at 3:21 pm Caruthers officially notified PSO President Catherine Alexander that OEA ratified the agreement.]