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OSEA, A Member’s Union
The Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) was founded in 1938 when a small group of school janitors joined together to form an “association” to promote their trade and provide job-related training. Today, OSEA is a member-controlled and directed Union that reflects the character and spirit of its members, who individually and collectively are responsible for its identity and success.
OSEA represents over 20,000 educational employees working in Oregon school districts, community colleges, education service districts, Head Start agencies, libraries, and park and recreation districts. As one of the largest labor unions in Oregon, and with the second largest membership of educational staff, OSEA is a recognized leader within the state’s labor and education community.
OSEA Members
The membership of the Oregon School Employees Association consists of secretaries; special education, instructional, and library assistants; custodians; maintenance workers; groundskeepers; bus drivers; couriers; food service workers; nurses; teachers; physical and occupational therapists; interpreters (deaf, hearing impaired, ESL); vision specialists; campus security; braillists; reproduction specialists; computer technicians; ABE instructors; and district office staff, such as bookkeepers and payroll and accounting clerks. In addition to the diversity of workers represented today, OSEA has also expanded its mission and goals from those of an “association” to those of a fully developed “labor Union.”
Offices
The OSEA State Headquarters is located in Salem. OSEA also has eight field offices located in Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon, Eugene, North Coast, Hermiston, Portland, South Coast, and Southern Oregon. These offices are the work location for over 40 professional OSEA staff dedicated to meeting the needs of Chapters and the membership.
Resources
OSEA resources are used to develop and implement statewide programs, events, and activities; assist Chapters and members with contract negotiations, contract administration, and internal and external organizing; and create/distribute member communications. OSEA also develops/presents job and Union-related trainings/workshops and promotes and protects the interests of members in the political, legislative, and public policy arena through education, political action, and lobbying.
National Affiliations
OSEA joined AFT, becoming Local 6732, on February 12, 2008. The affiliation brings to culmination a long standing working relationship between the two organizations. OSEA is also a founding member of the American Association of Classified School Employees (AACSE).
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