Kern county is proudly represented by United Domestic Workers of America (UDW/AFSCME)

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UDW in Kern County

Introduction to your UDW elected E-Board and Chapter representatives for Kern County Chapter Chairperson - Margarita Jaramillo Chapter Secretary Treasurer - Evelyn Lopez Chapter Vice-Chair - Teresa Swick Chapter Executive Board Member - Cecilia Lozano Chapter Executive Board Member -Candi Perry UDW Kern Chapter Chair Margarita Jaramillo I began my organizing skills in the late sixties and early seventies as a Vista volunteer for my community. During this time I attended Antioch School of Law in Washington D.C. and helped with my input to open a legal aid office and a community center for our barrio (our community). As part of my education and following my strong belief in community, I joined in many activities in the Chicano movement. During that era I also participated in City Workers strikes and attended many Chicano Communications Training Program Workshops for producing newsletters, posters, leaflets, letter writing campaigns and some photography. In the community center (Centro de la Familia) opened in our barrio, I helped with administrative hearings at welfare and Social Security offices. In the Legal Aid office I was given hands on training in becoming a paralegal offering free services for completing divorces and establishing files on immigration to obtain needed documentation to help immigrants receive legal status. I worked alongside my older sister Concha Lopez to establish the Chicano Welfare Rights Organization; an organization established under the National Welfare Rights Organization. The organization was begun to interpret laws and regulations on welfare reform and provide these to our organizations as defense techniques in welfare hearings. I have also participated in many Cesar Chavez rallies throughout the years and have always believed in his ideals and his vision of better working conditions and wages -- for all labor groups not only farm workers. I'm currently providing in home support services for my 49 year old nephew who has cerebral palsy. My nephew Richard has lived with me for over 40 years, so he is like my own son. I do everything for him, from cutting his toenails to preparing his meals; changing his bed linens daily and laundering his clothing because of his incontinence. Richard can do very little except feed himself (with some spills!) I love him dearly and will now do anything it takes to make sure he is comfortable and safe. He will probably outlive me and my mission will be that he continues to be comfortable and have a decent kind of life. This is one of the many reasons I became involved with UDW. It is only by working together that we can ensure the safety of our clients, as well the continuation and improvement of the IHSS program for the future. I have a lot views regarding this Union. I feel I have one of the best leaders in my county. Dante Harrison, UDW Regional Coordinator has opened my eyes to many things. He has inspired me to see a big vision of the Union – what is possible if we work together. I hope all of us can unite and make this vision come true. As a representative on your E-Board, I will be able to bring together everything I have learned and use all my skills toward helping other home care providers and their clients. My commitment to this union will be to make a difference by obtaining the wages and benefits we deserve. Thank you for giving me this opportunity! Margarita Jaramillo Kern Chapter Chair   Kern Ratifies New Contract for Home Care Providers Vote counters below, tally up a victory at 99.5% "YES" for the new contract. From left: Victoria Robinson, Cecilia Lozano, Jessie Guardado, Van Jewell, Rosie Estudillo, Eddie Pearl Page   Activists Network with Local Community Kern members and UDW staff attended a Central Labor Council lunch and met with community leaders including County Supervisor Michael Rubio.  These events make us visible and develop relationships that help us negotiate for better wages and benefits because elected officials are aware of our work and how important it is in the community. Left to right Alex Lopez UDW member; Margarita Jaramillo Chapter Chair Kern; ,Michael Rubio County Supervisor  for District 5; Dante Harrison UDW Regional Director for Kern; Sonya Lopez UDW Kern Organizer; Teresa Swick Chapter Vice-Chair Kern Right, Kern Chapter Chair Margarita Jaramillo holds up UDW banner in local César Chávez day celebration and parade. UDW members and activists attended festivities in honor of Chávez held on March 30 in the city of Delano.   Above, UDW members join together with United Farm Workers in César Chávez march. Left, The UDW tent was setup at the César Chávez event. Left to right, sitting   Cecilia Lozano (Chapter E- Board member) Teresa Swick (Chapter Vice Chair) standing Sonya Lopez (UDW Kern Organizer) Rudy Lopez (UDW Merced Organizer) Margarita Jaramillo (Chapter Chair)

Negotiations, History

• July 2007: New Contract ratified (voted on) with a 99% "YES!" Wages will be increased by 12.5%, to $9.00 per hour effective September 1 2007. (Increases are subject to the state’s continued funding at current levels and the state’s implementation schedule). Health insurance was also increased at the funding level of 9% which equates to approximately $240,000 per year to insure additional eligible home care providers in Kern County .
• February - May  2007: On February 1st the bargaining committee submitted their first proposal which included substantial wage increases, as well as increased funding for health care and other improvements for home care providers in Kern County. 
• January 2007:  Kern County members organized to form a bargaining committee for their next negotiations.
• February 15, 2005: Workers Ratify First Kern County Contract! The first Kern contract included an 18 percent wage increase, health benefits, and the establishment of a labor management committee.
• March 2003: Kern County IHSS workers authorized United Domestic Workers to represent them, through a representation election. This means that a majority (over 50%) of the home care workers who voted, said "yes" they want to be represented by UDW in collective bargaining for better wages and health benefits.
  

Wages and Benefits

• The latest contract negotiated by UDW was approved and details will be posted on this site as soon as they are available.
  
• UDW negotiated a contract effective July 1, 2007 that brought home care providers wages to $9.00 per hour effective September 1 2007.  (Increases are subject to the state’s continued funding at current levels and the state’s implementation schedule). Health insurance was also increased at the funding level of 9% which equates to approximately $240,000 per year to insure additional eligible home care providers in Kern County.
  
• Prior to UDW representation wages were $6.75 per hour, with no medical benefits.

Home Care Provider Registry for Kern County

The In Home Support Services Public Authority has established a Registry Service for home care workers and clients under the IHSS program in Kern. By registering with their data-base, you can:

• Find new clients, if you are a provider.
• Get a list of available, screened providers if you are a client that needs a worker.
• Register to become an IHSS Home Care Provider for the first time.
• Say what type of client you want and be matched with your requirements.
• Get training for yourself and for your client.

Background checks are done on providers who join the registry.
To get more information, contact:

Kern County Public Authority For IHSS
http://www.co.kern.ca.us/aas/ihss_pubauth.asp
5357 Truxtun Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93309

Phone: 661/868-1000
Fax: 661/868-0921

Medical Benefits Package for Kern County

Prior to UDW representation, Kern County did not provide health insurance or other health benefits for home care providers. UDW negotiated health benefits in the first contract, and the new contract will provide increased funding for health benefits. The United Domestic Workers of America will provide health benefits for those who are eligible. Eligibility for health insurance is defined as those home care workers who work a minimum 75 hours per month for a three month period. Premium co-pay is $10.00 per month and will be deducted from workers’ checks on a monthly basis.

IHSS District Offices for Kern County

Contacting IHSS:
Kern County IHSS Public Authority
5357 Truxtun Ave
Bakersfield , CA 93309

Phone: 661/868-1000

If you can not resolve an issue after a good faith effort, call your union representative for help.

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PROBLEMS OR ISSUES WITH TIME CARDS
Phone: 661/868-1000

Also see Payroll and Timecards for IHSS

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APPLICATIONS TO BE AN INDEPENDENT PROVIDER (HOME CARE WORKER) in Kern County may be found in English and Spanish at the In Home Support Services PA website ("Information for Prospective Providers)
http://www.co.kern.ca.us/aas/ihss_pubauth.asp#prospective

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IHSS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

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Local (Regional) Meetings
for Kern County

 

United Domestic Workers Regional Meetings
In the continuation of our efforts to communicate one-on-one with homecare workers, United Domestic Workers holds regional meetings several times a year. Locations for meetings vary within the county, so that members in all regions will have a chance to attend a local meeting.

It is important to the UDW leadership that we keep you well informed on the status of the state budget and other issues that affect your work as an IHSS homecare provider. As founders of the UDW, we appreciate and thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at meetings!

Next UDW Kern Regional Meeting(s)

UDW House Meetings
You can also host a "House Meeting" in your own home, or put together a meeting at your local church or community center. UDW will help you, and it is a great way to get to know other workers and clients in your area. Contact Regional Director for Kern

IHSS Advisory Committee Meetings
http://www.co.kern.ca.us/aas/ihss_pubauth.asp

This is not a UDW (union) meeting. The IHSS Advisory Committee is a committee that is appointed by the Board of Supervisors, and includes IHSS home care providers (and clients - when possible). Its purpose is to provide ongoing advice and recommendations regarding IHSS to the Board of Supervisors, the Department of Social Services, and the IHSS Public Authority. UDW posts information about these meetings, because home care workers and clients can give their input to the IHSS program through communications with this governing body.

Meetings are open to the public. Times and dates are usually posted at the County Courthouse prior to the meeting. For more information call:

Kern County Public Authority for IHSS: 661/868-1000

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Kern County Board of Supervisors
http://www.co.kern.ca.us/bos/

Your County Board of Supervisors are the authorities who ultimately decide whether home care workers get pay increases and benefits. As taxpayers and voters, we elect members of the board, and they are therefore accountable to us. When home care workers appear at the Board of Supervisor meetings, we talk to the Board about the importance of our work, and let them know that we want them to represent us with their decisions.

The Board of Supervisors hold public meetings, during which anyone is allowed to speak. During negotiations it's important for home care providers to attend these meetings and speak before the board. Even if you are not comfortable speaking, your presence is crucial and shows political interest and influence. Bring your client(s) and family members. There is power in numbers. UDW can let you know when it is best to attend. Contact UDW Regional Supervisor for Kern

Meetings of the Board of Supervisors are held in the Board Chambers on the First Floor of the Kern County Administrative Center, 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California, every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

These meetings are open to the public. Speakers must limit their comments to two minutes. The exact agenda may be read at their website or you may phone the Clerk of the Board for more information: 661/868-3585

You can also call, write, or email your Board of Supervisors to let them know you are aware of their decisions and you are concerned about home care workers.

Write:
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 5th floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301

Call: 661/868-3601

Or go to the website for individual e-mail addresses for each supervisor, as well as determining which supervisor represents your particular district in the County.

 

How to Get Involved

Your union can not represent you without your involvement! We need your voices to be heard, and we need your help in communicating with others in your community.

If we are in negotiations in your county for better wages and benefits, the best thing you can do is to come join us at the public Board of Supervisors meetings. We try to fill the room with as many workers as possible so that they know we have a voice in the political process. To find out more contact your UDW Regional Office. If you can not come in person, you may also call or write your local Board of Supervisors.

You can also get involved by joining UDW committees and other volunteer positions to help home care workers and their clients:

• Becoming a Steward (communicating with your local neighborhood groups and individuals to let them know about important issues and meetings, etc).
• Bargaining Committee (contract negotiations)
• Labor Management Committee (LMC); communicating with IHSS Public Authority, and helping to address issues between home care workers and IHSS administration, that are not covered by the contract.
• Volunteer for local "phone-banking" campaigns, where you speak to other members and let them know about upcoming events or meetings.
• Host a "House Meeting" in your own home, or put together a meeting at your local church or community center.

For more information, contact Regional Office for Kern