Home Care Providers Win a Temporary Restraining Order to Stop the County of Fresno from Implementing Cuts that Would Harm Seniors and People with Disabilities and Cost the County $33 Million in Matching Funds
OAKLAND - Just days before Fresno County was going to implement a drastic wage cut for home care providers, caregivers and consumers won an important victory as part of their ongoing legal battle to protect the frail seniors and disabled people who rely on the program. Fresno County workers in the program currently make $10.25/hour. They have been negotiating a contract with the County for over a year, but rather than continue to negotiate, the County Board of Supervisors voted to implement a "last, best and final" offer that lowers their hourly rate to $8 and eliminates health benefits for many workers.
"My family is barely making ends meet as it is on my wages. If the County cuts my wages I won't be able to afford to take care of my client anymore, and he would end up in a nursing home--miserable, and costing the state more. These cuts don't make any sense," says Fresno home care provider Natasha Garcia.
Last week, Fresno County mailed notices to the more than 12,000 caregivers providing vital services to some of the County's most vulnerable citizens, informing them that their wages and benefits would be cut in July. But caregivers and home care consumers swiftly objected, and a federal judge hearing the case today put a stop to the cut by issuing a temporary restraining order (TRO).
The County is facing a budget shortfall, and claims the cuts will save $5 million. However, the program generates matching funds from the State and Federal governments, and the cuts would ultimately cost the County $33 million.
"Fresno County is hurting for money, I understand. But cutting our program will actually cost the County money. And that isn't even taking into account the impact on the families, seniors and disabled folks like me that rely on the program," says Charles Holloway. "I'm glad the law is on our side and the court recognized just how damaging these cuts would be to our communities."
Earlier this year, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) consumers and providers successfully prevented the state's attempt to cut IHSS provider wages by $2 hour. Based on the legal arguments U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken enjoined the State from implementing the state budget law requiring the $2 per-hour reduction in the State's maximum contribution towards IHSS wages. Despite this ruling, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors is trying to implement an unlawful cut to IHSS providers' wages and benefits.
The TRO is part of a class action lawsuit filed last year by seniors and people with disabilities who receive care in order to remain safely in their homes and by providers who care for them.
"You can't balance the budget by hurting the state's most vulnerable citizens," said Dave Regan, Trustee of SEIU-United Healthcare Workers. "We are pleased that the wage cuts have been stopped and we're confident that the court will continue to recognize that this program is essential for a healthy and fair California."
Contact: Adriana Surfas, 510-869-2246
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 2.2 million-member Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the nation's fastest-growing union. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org.
Source: SEIU-UHW