Help SEIU Leader Member Overcome Medical Hardships

Hello SEIU siblings,

I am requesting help while I am on medical leave. I have had a total of 5 surgeries since March 2024.

As of March 2024, I was officially demoted in a form of retaliation from my former manager for filing a complaint against him when he informed me that he wanted and needed “a traditional secretary at his beck and call and only available to him.” He also denied my ADA accommodations per my team of neurologists.

In March, I also ended up with 3 emergency surgeries in less than 36 hours. One for my kidney (as I am at stage 3 of chronic kidney disease), my gallbladder, and my intestines.

I lost a total of $1400 NET pay due to my demotion. My language differential was also removed after 20 years in a form of retaliation.

My state agency denied my request for FMLA/OFLA. I was also denied per my union contract Hardship Leave and Short Term Disability. My Union steward had to fight for HR to admit that this is part of my compensation benefits. Oregon Paid Leave has not answered any questions or emails via Francis.

On July 8, 2024, I had surgeries number 4 & 5. I was just informed on Friday, July 26, 2024, by Standard Insurance, that I will only be paid $25. I have been on Leave Without Pay since 7/10/24.

I am the ONLY one working, as my husband is in the middle of his full disability application with Social Security Office. Due to my health conditions, I did not renew my Farm Labor Contractor’s License. This is how I was supplementing my family’s income with my small business. I will not be renewing as I am in the middle of closing my business after 24 years.

I will be returning to work on 8/5/25.

I will have bills coming out on 8/1 on automatic payments, and due to the reduction in pay and with two kids in school still. I need to pay monthly bills, buy school supplies, school clothes, and food.

I have not been able to make Tamales to sell or sell jewelry as I have been recovering. I have reached out to SEIU 503 for financial assistance, and was told to ask on 8/12/24 as there is no funding left for July, and if approved, it would be only $500.

I have a STEP 3 meeting for my several grievances on 8/8/24 against my former manager and against HR as the director denied my Weingarten rights 3x. My union steward has been working hard fighting for me even with all the obstacles that HR is giving us.

September payday should be almost a complete pay since I will only be missing two days.

Thank you in advance.

Paula Peña

Sub-Local 581 Treasurer, CAT Team Lead, General Council Delegate, Co-Chair Indigenous Peoples Caucus, Co-Chair of International Indigenous People’s Caucus, Co-Chair, Women of Color Caucus, Region 1 Director &

Civil & Human Rights Committee,

Local 581 SEIU 503 OPEU

“Education makes us a white man’s equal, the lack of it will make us his victim.” Joe Medicine Crow