Meetings and rallies were held regularly, with our activists coming out every Tuesday to the Board of Supervisors office in Orange County during negotiations for the new contract.  The contract was finally ratified in November 2005, and workers received a wage increase of 40 cents, effective December 1st, 2005.

Read More on this story, detailing how home care providers and UDW/AFSCME worked together and pressured the BOS for a new contract.

View the contract that we worked so hard for, on
the UDW Orange County Pages where you
can also find more news and information
about activities in your county.

During the negotiations home care workers spoke out and fought for their rights, rallying outside the County Supervisors office (above) and filling the chambers during public meetings (left).

“Orange County Supervisors have an easy decision to make. They can continue leaving money on the table, or they can improve the lives of thousands of residents, strengthen local businesses and grow the tax base,” said Thuy Pham, a county home care provider.“ With so much financial uncertainty in Orange County’s past, it’s time to make a solid investment in Orange County’s future with a good home care contract.”

In preparation for ending the administratorship and developing local leadership in every county represented by UDW, Flora Walker (our UDW AFSCME Administrator) has appointed three committees.

• The Statewide Advisory Board
• UDW Convention Committee
• UDW Constitutional Review Committee

These teams are composed primarily of home care workers and will help to organize for UDW elections and the complete transition to a worker-driven union – “by the people, for the people and of the people!”

The UDW Convention Committee will be planning our next Constitutional Convention.  This will be the first convention held since UDW was placed under administratorship, and will be part of the transition to new UDW leadership elected by the members.

The UDW Constitutional Committee is presently in the process of reviewing the UDW constitution   This team of home care workers and UDW staff has consulted with lawyers from both AFSCME and NUHHCE in preparation for a revision of our constitution.  The proposed revision will bring our constitution up to date and provide a better framework for the unique needs of UDW and home care workers.

While the function and busy agendas of these committees can not allow for member participation at the meetings, UDW home care workers are invited to attend and observe. All members are then free to give input through contacting their local Advisory Board members.

For more information on when and where meetings take place, contact UDW Headquarters at 1-800-621-5016

Tuesday, June 27, UDW members from all over the State gathered in Sacramento to speak at a rally for home care workers and to testify at hearings in the Capitol.  Key bills sponsored by UDW were being heard.

Left, Carrie Young activist from Merced County and member of the new UDW Advisory Board speaks on the steps of the Capitol building.  Carrie later testified in the Senate Human Services Committee on our direct deposit bill for home care workers.
Check out our legislative updates

Home care workers and their clients gather in solidarity outside the Capitol building in Sacramento, preparing to speak with their legislators.

These community leaders and activists traveled all the way from their homes in Merced, Stanislaus, Placer and other California counties, to speak on the behalf of home care workers throughout the State.