Our Movement
We are a community that cares. We are therapists, case managers, peers, support staff and allies, all motivated by a shared mission to help our clients heal.
Addressing Oregon’s mental and behavioral health crisis means supporting the behavioral health workers who are critical to the health and well-being of our communities. But with growing caseloads, stagnant pay and poor outcomes for our clients, one thing is clear: the behavioral health industry isn’t going to change unless care providers stand up and fight for better care.
We’re coming together as a movement to form a union so we can change our working conditions and provide the best possible care for our clients.
Formerly known in Oregon as the Solidarity Alliance of Social Services (SASS), United We Heal Oregon continues SASS’ mission with a new name, but the same drive and determination.
The Union Difference
Fair wages and benefits: Union members are more likely to have higher wages, paid sick days, affordable health insurance and retirement benefits. For most union members, their union job means they can afford stable housing and provide for their kids.
A stronger workforce: Union membership is associated with higher productivity, lower employee turnover, improved workplace communication and a better-trained workforce.
Equity and empowerment: Unions have made a difference in helping to close the wage gap over the last 40 years. By giving workers a united voice, women and people of color who are union members make higher wages and have more job security than their nonunion counterparts.
We aspire to a system that is more than just a revolving door: one that treats clients with respect and dignity, puts people’s needs ahead of billing targets, and creates real pathways to recovery and lifelong health.
