OSEA-endorsed candidates win big

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

When election results came in last night, it was clear that Oregonians agreed with OSEA members when choosing candidates — all 26 OSEA-endorsed candidates for state offices won their primary elections. “This outcome sends a strong signal that education is a top priority, and support and respect for our union and its members is important if a candidate hopes to win election,” said Bonnie Luisi, OSEA president. Of OSEA’s 26 primary victories, seven were in hotly contested races. When the votes were counted, the winning candidates...

Ma’Lena Wirth named 2012 Employee of the Year

Friday, May 11, 2012

Ma’Lena Wirth thought OSEA President Bonnie Luisi was visiting Baker City on May 9 to give the last of her president’s conversations. She had no idea what the night had in store for her. Wirth was so busy fulfilling her duties as Baker Chapter 20 secretary that at first she didn’t see her superintendent, supervisor, friends and family filing into the Baker High School library. She was puzzling why they were there as Luisi announced to the audience that Wirth had been selected to be OSEA’s 2012 Employee of the Year. The title of OSEA Employee...

AFT Convention delegates announced

Monday, May 7, 2012

This July, 14 OSEA members—four automatic and 10 elected delegates positions—will fly to Motown to represent our union at the AFT Convention. The biennial AFT convention is the most important policymaking body of our parent union. Our delegates will play an important role in advancing OSEA’s priorities at the national level and making our collective voice heard in key policy and electoral issues. Delegates will represent OSEA in debate and decision-making on resolutions and constitutional and bylaw amendments, and will cast OSEA’s votes...

Our union, our voice, our vote: OSEA endorsements

Friday, May 4, 2012

OSEA searches for any candidate to serve in the Oregon Legislature — regardless of party — who will defend OSEA members, our schools and other issues important to us. OSEA has endorsed the following candidates because they will protect public education and those who provide it. No matter who you choose to vote for, please remember to cast your ballot! Election day is May 15. To make sure that your vote is counted, you should mail your ballot by May 10. After May 10, you can drop off your ballot at your county elections office, or at one of...

OSEA President

OSEA president not to seek reelection

OSEA President Bonnie Luisi announced on April 25 that she has decided not to seek reelection at Conference and will instead be retiring at the end of June. Luisi decided to take advantage of an early retirement clause in the contract recently ratified by her chapter in Hermiston. By retiring early, Luisi can continue receiving health insurance benefits until she is eligible for Medicare. “I have been putting a pencil to the figures for a couple of weeks now and, as a cancer... Read More

AFT PSRP Conference

PSRPs build quality and community

The following story about the 35th annual American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Paraprofessional and School-Related Personnel (PSRP) Conference, appeared in the April 27 issue of Inside AFT, an electronic newsletter for AFT leaders and activists: The power of education shone brightly... Read More

Members Today

OSEA helps demystify PERS

Close to 70 people armed with questions about the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) attended an OSEA-hosted presentation on April 17 at the Eugene School District Office. Jerry LeLack, OSEA’s PERS consultant, answered questions and walked attendees through an OSEA-produced... Read More

National News

Unions lobby for law to prohibit bullying

The following story appeared in the March 30 issue of Inside AFT, an electronic newsletter for American Federation of Teachers (AFT) leaders and activists: When it comes to bullying in schools, paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (classified employees) are in a unique position.... Read More

Chapters in Action

Parkrose agreement ratified in landslide

OSEA Chapter 44 ratified a tentative agreement with the Parkrose School District on Friday, March 2, with 94 percent of members voting yes. OSEA President Bonnie Luisi was present for the voting and later praised all involved for their efforts in negotiating the contract. “They... Read More