Merced County is proudly represented by United Domestic Workers of America (UDW/AFSCME)

Quick Links for Merced County Pages:

UDW in Merced County

Updates for Merced County

Local Chapter Officers Installed for Merced County

UDW Executive Director Doug Moore (right) swears in (left to right) Rudy Lopez - Chapter Chair; Silvia Salas - Chapter Secretary Treasurer Carrie Young
February 20, 2008; Merced County held Installation Ceremonies for their new Chapter Officers.  Members in Merced have direct representation at UDW headquarters through their chapter officers.   The Merced chapter chair (Rudy Lopez) sits at the E-Board along with chairs from each UDW county.  Members can reach Merced chapter officers at the Merced UDW Office John Carlisle city councilman presented UDW Chapter Chair Rudy Lopez and United Domestic Workers with a certificate from the city of Merced honoring the occasion.	Left to right: Doug Moore UDW Executive Director, John Carlisle city Councilman, Rudy Lopez UDW Chapter Chair.
UDW is beginning a network of individuals who understand the interests of IHSS workers and their clients.  We are connecting with local leaders and letting them know about the care provider's role in our community and how important it is. The organization of local care providers, community leaders, and IHSS clients will help keep the IHSS program visible and strong. Come join us! Get Involved!	Noah Lor city councilman, Nancy Redding Public Authority director, Harriot Lawlor AFSCME, John Carlisle city councilman

August 2007, Merced team celebrates new contract -- Ratified by an overwhelming 98% "yes!" --
UDW negotiations and ballot counting team, celebrating the new contract.  "Green shirts" from left; Andrea Vidales; Jennifer Garcia; Kathy Santos (holding cake); Dianne Mejia-Green (holding ballots); Jorden Mathis; Agnew Mathis.  UDW staff Carrie Young (bottom right), Lin Chrivia and Bobby Benoit (upper left) -- Debbie Owens is between Lin Chrivia and Kathy Santos.  GO TEAM!!
Agnew Mathis bringing in ballots for the Merced vote count. Agnew was joined by his son Jorden (above) who helped the whole team.	Counting Ballots -- Due to all the hard work of volunteer member-organizers going door to door, UDW staff, and the Member Call Center "getting out the word" to Merced home care providers, the number of members responding to the ratification vote was 2 and 1/2 times greater than with mail alone.
The UDW team did a great job of negotiating and getting more members involved in the voting process. Activists in Merced were recognized for their contributions with certificates of appreciation. Left to right; Sylvia S. Salas; Diana Mejia-Green; Debbie Owens; Jua Saeteurn; Carrie Young.  Also not present were Rudy Lopez and Debra Dumm, who were given certificates of appreciation for their hard work and contribution to the Merced team. UDW/AFSCME staff Lin Chrivia and Jackie Galliano with Merced activists Agnew Mathis, Kathy Santos, and Jennifer Garcia.
Bargaining Team members from left: Carrie Young, Rudy Lopez, Jua Saetuern, Debbie Owens, Diane Mejia-Green, Debra Dumm
On April 26 your Merced  Bargaining Team began negotiations for higher wages and benefits for all IHSS Independent Providers in Merced County. Right - lead negotiator, Curt Ostrander "at the table" with Merced bargaining team members. See details and negotiation update below

Bargaining Team discusses strategy, before meeting with Management (County) for negotiations. From left; Curt Ostrander, Rudy Lopez, Jua Saetuern, Sylvia Sianz, Debra Dumm, Carrie Young.

Your UDW Bargaining Team was made up from a group of volunteer home care workers and UDW staff, lead by UDW/AFSCME negotiator Curt Ostrander. These dedicated people are working hard to get raises for all home care workers in Merced County.

UDW Merced Bargaining Team Members:

Carrie Young Jua Saetuern Rudy Lopez Debra Dumm Debbie Owens Diane Mejia-Green Pamela Biagas Sylvia Sianz

Negotiations

• August 11 2007: The new Merced Contract negotiated by your UDW Bargaining Team was ratified (voted on) and passed by an overwhelming majority of 98%. The contract included wage raises to $8.50 on *July 1, 2007 and $9.00 on January 1, 2008 as well as positive health benefits (see below).  
  *this date is depending on the implementation date of the new wages by the State of California
• April - June, 2007: Your UDW Bargaining Team began negotiating with Management (the County) on April 26, 2007. To date we have met with Management four times and have been making progress in these negotiations. On Thursday, June 14, 2007 , your UDW Bargaining Team met again with Management to discuss Independent Providers' issues. The issues your bargaining team are making progress on are; wages, expanding health benefit eligibility to introduce more Providers to health benefits and to enhance health & safety and training programs. At this latest bargaining session, Management presented an economic proposal that increases Providers' wages. Your bargaining team is in the process of developing a counter proposal to Management's offer. Your bargaining team will be presenting its counter offer to Management at our next bargaining session scheduled for Wednesday, June 27, 2007 .
• September 2005: After two years of negotiations for our historic first contract with the Merced County Public Authority, your bargaining committee, comprised of home care workers, negotiated A NEW WAGE INCREASE AND BENEFITS:
• March 2005: Home Care Worker Rally at Merced County Board of Supervisors Meeting to demand a Union contract.
• August 2003: UDW began negotiations for a first time contract with the County of Merced, to increase wages and provide health care coverage.
• June 2003: Merced 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

• 2007 UDW contract; on *October 1, 2007 wages will be $8.50 per hour
  and on July 1, 2008 will be raised to $9.00 per hour.  Medical benefits are listed in more detail below.
  * Date is depending on the implementation date of the new wages by the State of California
• Prior to union representation by UDW, wages were $6.95 per hour, with no medical benefits.
• It is still important to contact your Merced County Board of Supervisors to let them know the importance of your job and that as a voting member of the County, you want them to represent you with their decisions.

Home Care Provider Registry for Merced County

The In Home Support Services Public Authority has established a Registry Service for home care workers and clients under the IHSS program in Merced County. 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:

Merced County Public Authority For IHSS
PO Box 112
Merced , CA 95341

Phone: 209/ 383-9504
Fax: 209/725-3836

Website:
http://web.co.merced.ca.us/aaa/ihsspublicauth.html

Medical Benefits Package for Merced County

The 2007 UDW contract includes health insurance benefits as follows:

There will be an enrollment cap of 416 health benefits slots for eligible providers. Eligibility for this contract year began at an average of 90 hours per month The cap or number of maximum number of providers who can be enrolled will be adjusted annually based on the amount of funds available. In January 2008 if the cap is not met, the eligibility hours will be reduced to anaverage of 85 hours per month In January 2009 if 90% of the cap is not met, the eligibility hours will be reduced to anaverage of 80 hours per month. The County will provide the maximum amount of funds ($.60 per hour for every hour worked by Merced Home Care Providers) for the health care plan. Information on health benefits will be sent to you from the Public Authority when you have met the eligibility requirements. Additional Benefits. The Public Authority has agreed to explore the implementation of a procedure for the distribution of safety equipment to providers which may include items such as safety gloves. This procedure will be on an as needed basis and with fiscal constraints.

 

IHSS District Offices for Merced County

Contacting IHSS:
2777 N Hwy 59
Merced 95348

Phone: 209/722-1738

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: 209/722-1738

Also see Payroll and Timecards for IHSS

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IHSS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

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Local (Regional) Meetings
for Merced County

United Domestic Workers Regional Meetings
In the continuation of our efforts to communicate one-on-one with homecare workers, United Domestic Workers holds union 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 Merced 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 Merced

IHSS Advisory Committee Meetings
Meetings are open to the public.

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.

Meeting times and dates are usually posted at the County Courthouse prior to the meeting. For more information call:

Merced County Public Authority for IHSS: 209/722-1738

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Merced County Board of Supervisors
http://web.co.merced.ca.us/bos/index.html

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, Merced County

Speakers during the public sessions must limit their comments (usually to two, or three minutes - depending on the county). The meeting schedule and agenda for the Merced County Board of Supervisors is available at the BOS website (above) as well as minutes of previous meetings.

The Board meets on scheduled Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in the Board Chambers on the third floor of 2222 M Street, Merced.

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.

There are five districts in Merced County, each with its own supervisor. Each Supervisor has his or her own email address, office, and phone number. It is therefore best to go to their website (above) , where you can get all their individual data as well as determining which one 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 UDW, Merced