Marin County, CA - Home Care workers in Marin County voted unanimously, 100%, to ratify a new contract that protects wages - regardless of any reduction in state or federal funding - and healthcare despite the faltering economy.
The agreement was negotiated by the member-elected bargaining team. To secure the new contract, the home care providers worked together to engage the community and lobby the Board of Supervisors to protect the program that is essential to the independence of seniors and the disabled throughout the county. Following the vote by home care workers, the contract goes to the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Governing Board for approval.
"In the midst of the worst state cuts in memory, this agreement protects our current wage and benefit levels, even if the state attempts more cuts. And the contract even gives us the possibility of getting more healthcare coverage for more members," said Constance J. Barker, a Marin County Home Care worker who cares for three seniors who have rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and vision and hearing loss.
The contract comes after the workers union, SEIU United Healthcare Workers - West, stopped an attempt by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to cut state payments for wages by $2 an hour. Members showed up in force at locations across the county to express their support for this contract.
The one-year contract will protect hourly wages at $11.55 - regardless of any reduction in state or federal funding - and maintain health benefits. It covers the 1,200 workers in Marin County, including the cities of Corte Madera, Mill Valley, Novato, and San Rafael, among others.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Contact: Adriana Surfas, 510.869.2246, asurfas@seiu-uhw.org
SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West (SEIU-UHW) is the largest hospital and healthcare union in the western United States with more than 150,000 members. We unite every type of healthcare worker with a mission to achieve high-quality healthcare for all. SEIU-UHW is part of the 2.1 million-member Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the nation's fastest-growing union. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org.
Source: SEIU-UHW
