SEIU Picket Threat Puts Kibosh on Planned Parenthood Gala

By NIGEL JAQUISS

Planned Parenthood of the Columbia Willamette has abruptly cancelled its annual fundraising dinner, which was scheduled for Saturday, May 12.

The $250-per-plate event fell victim to a threatened picket line. Last August, Planned Parenthood's 179 clinical workers voted to become part of Service Employees Union Local 49. Since November, the organization and SEIU have been trying to agree upon a contract. Frustrated with the pace of negotiations, SEIU let Planned Parenthood and many of its patrons know they planned an action for Saturday night. That was an effective move, given that many of the metro area's elected officials and their top supporters planned to be at the event, which this year had a "Roman Holiday" theme.

As WW reported in its print edition today, Gov. John Kitzhaber cancelled his plans to attend when he heard about the picket and after the paper went to press, Planned Parenthood CEO David Greenberg threw in the towel.

Here's the email Greenberg sent out last night canceling the event:

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