Hundreds of Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) workers are taking a stand against the agency’s leadership. The Oregon AFSCME Local 1246, representing approximately 650 employees in the Stabilization and Crisis Unit, has initiated a vote of no confidence against ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht.
The union’s decision comes amid growing concerns about the agency’s management and direction. Workers have raised numerous issues, including:
* Staff Shortages and Overwork: Employees are facing burnout due to excessive workloads and mandatory overtime.
* Wage and Benefit Cuts: The agency’s proposed budget cuts threaten workers’ livelihoods and the quality of care provided.
* Closure of Group Homes: The decision to shutter two group homes in Lebanon and Portland has raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable Oregonians.
The union believes that Pakseresht’s leadership has failed to address these critical issues, leading to a decline in morale and a compromise in the quality of care.
“These closures could have been avoided if leadership had taken action when concerns were first raised,” said Christina Sydenstricker-Brown, president of Local 1264 and a group home worker.
The ODHS Stabilization and Crisis Unit has experienced a significant increase in costs over the past decade. Overtime expenses have soared from $3.6 million in 2014 to $14.6 million in 2024. Additionally, the cost per resident has surged from $40,000 per month in 2016 to over $103,000 per month. As a result, the unit is projected to exceed its current budget by $20.5 million.
Amidst these financial challenges, the agency plans to close two group homes in Lebanon and Portland. This decision has sparked further discontent among workers, who believe it could have been avoided with better management and financial planning. The union argues that leadership has failed to address ongoing concerns about staffing shortages, excessive workloads, and inadequate resources.
The vote of no confidence against Director Pakseresht is a clear indication of the growing frustration among frontline workers. The union hopes that this action will compel the agency to prioritize the needs of both staff and residents.
While the vote of no confidence is symbolic, it sends a powerful message to the agency and the public about the deep-seated dissatisfaction among frontline workers. The union hopes that this action will prompt the agency to address the concerns of its employees and prioritize the well-being of the vulnerable individuals they serve.
