Unions want Kotek to fire HHS director

By News Update
In: Uncategorized
Sunday February 23, 2025

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

Governor Kotek is in a tough position as unions in Oregon call for Director Fariborz Pakseresht be fired by the governor. According to an article from OPB, SEIU and AFSCME sent a letter to Kotek following complaints about compensation, staffing shortages, and a vote of no confidence in the director. Currently, Kotek’s office has not commented on if they will fire the director.

This situation could pose a challenge for Kotek, given that SEIU and AFSCME endorsed her run for governor in 2022. Along with their endorsement, both unions contributed substantial funds to Kotek’s campaign. In ORESTAR, Friends of Tina Kotek (PAC ID: 4792) received $250,000 from SEIU Local 49 COPE Fund (PAC ID: 4213). Meanwhile, Oregon AFSCME Council 75 donated $51,000, and AFSCME International (an out-of-state contributor) contributed $350,000 during the 2022 governor’s race.

Could this create a rift between the Governor and the unions who provided significant support to her? We will have to wait and see.

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