09/04/2024
To Nursing Homes Workers.
Vote For Ibrahim Coulibaly For SEIU 503 President
I am writing to you not just as a candidate for SEIU 503 President but as someone who has walked in your shoes. When I first arrived in this country, I chose to work as a homecare worker while attending English as a Second Language classes. Caring for the elderly is a deeply rooted tradition in my culture, and it is a role I hold in the highest regard. It was an honor for me to begin my career here by caring for those who needed it most, driven by the same values and dedication that I know each of you brings to your work every day.
I began by volunteering over 20 hours a week for more than eight months, and during that time, I learned the true meaning of compassion, patience, and resilience. I have provided care to clients in their homes and worked at Avamere and Riverbend Hospital in Eugene. In these roles, I witnessed firsthand the incredible challenges faced by caregivers—the long hours, the emotional toll, and the physical demands that often go unnoticed. I also saw the undeniable impact that our union has on the lives of those who work so hard to care for others.
The work you do is nothing short of heroic, yet I know that too often, your pay and working conditions do not reflect the critical role you play in our community. You deserve to be paid a living wage, to retire with dignity, and to receive your pay on time, without exception. You deserve to work in environments that are safe, where your well-being is prioritized just as much as that of the people you care for.
I am running for SEIU 503 President because I believe in fighting for the respect, recognition, and resources that nursing home workers like you deserve. I understand the challenges you face because I have faced them too. I want to be your voice, your advocate, and your ally in our union’s leadership.
Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive union that truly represents the needs of every worker. I ask for your support, not just for me, but for a future where every nursing home worker is valued and empowered.
Thank you for the care you provide every day and for considering my candidacy. I would be honored to stand with you and fight for the future we all deserve.
In solidarity,
Ibrahim Coulibaly
Candidate for SEIU 503 President
Lead Senior Civil Rights Investigator, Bureau of Labor and Industries.
President of the Sub-Local SEIU 839 Bureau of Labor and Industries
Member of the Code of Conduct Committee
Member of the Finance Committee