I was first hired to OHSU in 1996 as a temp limited duration employee. I then became a full time employee of the medical transcription department. Unfortunately during this time frame I experienced what a phasing out of a department looked like. I was powerless to do anything about it and didn’t even know my own rights. In 1999 I moved to Southern Oregon to attend college at Southern Oregon University and worked at Rogue Valley Medical center in the lab. There I did phlebotomy, ICD-9 diagnostic coding, specimen processing and registration. This experience really taught me the real difference between a union and non-union job. I learned the difference between having benefits and good pay and not. Having sick time and not. Once I moved back to Portland I was quick to reapply at OHSU. I was hired into ITG department. I am currently working in Family practice department at Richmond Clinic. I know what it looks like to work on campus and off. I’ve experienced direct patient contact and department work. All total I’ve worked at OHSU for 12 years. Before I could work I volunteered at both Portland Adventist Hospital and Portland Providence. I have a long history of volunteerism and patient care. Since coming back to OHSU I got involved in our local union and have been getting further involved. I just graduated from the University Of Oregon's Union-Leadership Education and Research Development Certification Program (ULEAD) see photo to the right.
 Picture above: Jaimie wearing red organized Local 328 volunteer night at the Oregon Food bank.
 Lobbying in Salem 2009 |
Banner image: Petition signing event Jaimie helped organize  Press Conference Below -Left: Gardner, labor commissioner and U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, congressman hear from OHSU worker Jaimie Sorenson.] photo from NW Labor press  August 2009 Five AFSCME members to graduate from University of Oregon's ULEAD program.  Below: AFSCME International Leadership Conference Jaimie with Bill Lucy International Secretary-Treasure  |
