With strong member support, UDW has been able to protect the wages of Santa Barbara County homecare providers at the current level of $10 per hour.  UDW members voted overwhelmingly in May to ratify a one-year contract extension that will maintain the $10 wage level; the County Board of Supervisors approved the contract on June 11.

The county had informed UDW in March that it intended to roll back IHSS homecare provider wages to $8 an hour, effective May 1, 2010.  UDW worked diligently to reverse this decision. We met with county officials as soon as possible and highlighted the importance of the collective bargaining agreement.

In addition, State Assemblymember Pedro Nava and Marilyn Valenzuela, Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Tri-Counties Central Labor Council, wrote strong letters supporting UDW’s position of protecting IHSS wages.  They reminded the Board of Supervisors of the importance of the IHSS program and the negative consequences that may result with wage reductions in Santa Barbara County for providers and consumers.

Although Santa Barbara County, like many others across the state and across the country, is faced with significant financial challenges, the Board of Supervisors voted in favor of maintaining wages at $10 per hour.

We will continue to build relationships with county officials and communicate the importance of homecare. However, given the current economic situation, successfully working with the county to maintain our wages is a major victory for UDW members and the people for whom we care.