Quick Links for Orange County Pages:

Union State Headquarters: UDW State Headquarters

News & Updates for Orange County

Orange County UDW Activist Ly Nguyen Recognized for Community Leadership

UDW congratulates Ly Nguyen for receiving four – YES 4 – recognitions for her outstanding commitment and dedication to labor and working families, demonstrating exemplary service to our community and serving as a role model to community leaders.  Ly was given A California Legislature Assembly and Senate Certificate of Recognition from State Assemblyman Jose Solorio and State Senate Lou Correa as well as a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez for being the Orange County Delegate of the Month! Ly has supported care providers and their clients through her work with UDW and as a community activist for many years. She has served on UDW negotiation committees, winning better wages and benefits for all UDW providers in both Orange and Riverside counties. Ly has also gone to Sacramento to represent homecare providers on a statewide level, and has been instrumental in getting the issues of the Vietnamese community heard and addressed. Ly, you make us all proud! Thank you for making UDW bigger, better and stronger!

Orange County Area Informational Meeting
-- FORMING A STRONG COMMUNITY --

October 8th meeting in Westminster breaks records with 106 attendees!

Ly Nguyen speaks with providers and clients, helping to facilitate one of the largest meetings we have ever had. The strength of UDW lies in the involvement of our members, and Orange County members are stepping up, networking, and taking action!

Providers learned about UDW's actions in Sacramento and across the state to fight recent budget cuts; how local and federal representatives play a big part in IHSS funding, and about the PEOPLE program that can ensure providers get better representation.

Bringing Providers Together for Strength & Solidarity!

Orange County Providers Active in Protesting Cuts

Throughout the California budget crisis, Orange County homecare providers and their clients have been gathering to raise public awareness and protest the budget cuts that are devastating IHSS.

On September 30th, about 35 UDW activists from Orange and Riverside counties joined with others from AFSCME Council 36 to protest the governor's budget cuts at the Century Plaza in Los Angeles. UDW member Teresa Garrieo de Cuin (Orange county UDW Chapter Vice-Chair) was interviewed by Spanish News Channel 62.

Now that Governor Schwarzenegger is approaching lame-duck status, he's touring the state trying to write his own script for a Hollywood ending to his legacy. But Arnold has failed California 's children, failed our seniors and failed middle class families.

If you take off his makeup and look past the special effects you can see the real Arnold:

• Arnold Schwarzenegger has taken more contributions from corporate special interests than any politician in California history, breaking his own campaign promises

Arnold has rewarded his big corporate donors with some of the biggest corporate handouts and tax breaks in California history

Arnold has balanced the budget on the backs of seniors, people with disabilities, school children and middle class families.

Arnold's Legacy = Total Failure
Take Action: Make your voice heard

YOUR ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS

Chapter Chairperson - Christine Nguyen
Chapter Secretary Treasurer - Elizabeth Arenales
Chapter Vice-Chair - Teresa Garrieo de Cuin
Chapter Executive Board Member - Thuan Trieu
Chapter Executive Board Member - Stacy Hoa Tuoi Dang

Orange County Providers Win New Contract

Home care providers demonstrating during negotiations, to let County Supervisors know
their jobs and their client's safety is worth more

Press Release

Press Conference and Rally
	Protesters chanted "be fair to those who care" outside the Orange County Board of Supervisors office on Tuesday. Doug Moore (Deputy Administrator of UDW), community activist Rev Minh-Hanh Nguyn, and home care provider Diane Wood addressed the press about stalled negotiations in Orange County. Later that day Chris Long (UDW Secretary Treasurer elect) spoke directly to County Supervisors in public session.
"We feel that In Home Supportive Services are part of the solution to this country's health care crises.  Keeping our elderly and frail citizens out of institutions is both humane and cost effective.  Supporting Orange County providers with a living wage will actually bring federal and state funding in to the County where those dollars will be spent with local businesses.  We think Orange County residents and tax payers agree and we want the Supervisors to represent all the people of this community."

The Time is Now - meet with your Orange County Supervisors

Between negotiations is the time to develop a relationship with your representatives.  Each Supervisor in Orange County is elected and serves particular districts within the county.  When you visit with him or her at their office and talk with them about your work as a care provider, it helps to put a face on the issue of home care without the pressure of negotiations.  It is also a good time to write your supervisor.  Below is the list of Orange County Supervisors.  Ask for help from your local UDW office in contacting them if you need help:

Making Our Voices Heard! At membership meetings home care workers network with each other and with their union. This is a great way for workers to find out about what UDW does to represent us, meet UDW leaders, voice our concerns, and demand accountability from our government representatives. It is also how members break the isolation of working at home, and meet others who can share ideas on how to address some of the issues causing stress that are common to home care workers.

Negotiations History

Our next formal negotiations with the county for wages will be 2010. Orange has historically been a very tough county to negotiate with and in the past has not respected the value of homecare providers' contribution to the community. It is very important that the County Supervisors (who set the wages for home care providers) get to know real homecare providers, and understand what they do. NOW is the time to develop relationships and visibility with the Supervisors so that they will know us better BEFORE we begin our next negotiations. Contact your local UDW office to help represent yourself as well as other providers & clients..

• April 2008: After lengthy negotiations, many protests and rallies held on the steps of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, as well as visibility with local community organizations and in the press, an agreement was finally reached for a new contract. The contract was overwhelmingly approved (ratified through a vote) by Orange County home care providers.
• Prior to UDW representation, wages were $7.11 per hour, with no medical benefits.
• In August of 2002, Orange County home care workers gained representation by UDW, and began the bargaining process for better wages and benefits.
• In August 2003, after much hard work on the part of UDW and your bargaining committee (made up of volunteer home care workers), a first time contract was ratified (approved - by the County, and by Orange County workers).
• The first contract included a wage increase to $8.00 per hour, medical benefits for home care workers, and a "Re-opener" (the right to negotiate additional wage increases anytime during this contract if there is increased IHSS funding at the state or federal level). View Summary of First Contract
• June 27, 2004 UDW and Orange county began negotiating the second contract.
• August 17, 2004 Negotiations Update: Workers and staff attended the Board of Supervisors meeting in which we received the most insulting offer - minimum wage. According to Orange County Director Cynthia Hanna, the offer takes us back at least 5 years. The minimum wage offer was truly a break of faith because UDW settled for $8 per hour last year (after one year of negotiations). During last year's negotiations, both parties understood the $8 wage was a starting point UDW could build our contract. Clearly, the County has not lived up to their end of the deal. Orange County workers and UDW staff will resume attendance at the BOS meetings this coming Tuesday with workers and clients pointing out the shame of such a ridiculous offer. The Board will meet on Sept. 21 in closed session regarding UDW's contract and continue negotiations on Sept. 24.
• November 2004: We are still working to bring a resolution to negotiations. Contact your Orange Regional Director to find out how you may make your voice heard in support of workers for a new contract.
• September 2005: Bargaining Unit pushes hard to get County agreement (see Press Release above).  Many times UDW and workers had to petition and lobby the Orange County Board of Supervisors to convince them of the value of home care work.
• December 1, 2005: An agreement is finally reached through arbitration, and wages are increased to $8.40 per hour.  See contract: Memorandum of Understanding (pdf file)

Wages and Benefits

• On July 1, 2008 wages were raised to $8.90 per hour.
• Effective July 1, 2009, provider hourly rate will increase from $8.90 to $9.30 per hour. This is a 10.7% increase in wages over the life of this contract!
• HEALTH BENEFITS. All providers with authorized hours of 80 or more per month will be entitled to participate in a county-paid, comprehensive health benefits, which include health insurance, dental and vision benefits.

Home Care Provider Registry for Orange County

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

Orange County IHSS Public Authority
1505 East Warner Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Phone: 714/480-6446
Fax: 714/480-6336
e-mail: PublicAuthority@ssa.ocgov.com
Website: http://www.ocgov.com/publicauth/registry.asp

Medical Benefits Package for Orange County

All workers with authorized hours of 80 or more per month will be entitled to participate in a county-paid, comprehensive health insurance plan, which includes:

• Hospitalization
• Medical office visits
• Annual physicals
• Prescription drug coverage
• Emergency care
• Dental &/or Vision (depending on cost)
  

The County will provide sixty cents ($.60) for every hour of service under this contract for health insurance. A joint Union-County trust fund will find the best plan with the lowest charge for doctor visits, prescriptions, etc.

For more information, contact your UDW Regional Office

IHSS District Offices for Orange County

Contacting IHSS:

In Orange County, all inquiries are generally directed through the same phone number, listed below. They will usually have the social worker come to your home. To make an application to become part of the IHSS program (as either a worker or a client), if you are already part of the program and need to talk with someone about your hours, or for problems or issues with time cards, call the number below. To find a new client or worker, call the Registry.

Phone: 714/ 825-3000


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

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IHSS PUBLIC AUTHORITY
The IHSS Public Authority (PA) is the legal entity established as the "Employer of Record" for individual IHSS workers. The PA is established according to law, for the purposes of collective bargaining over wages, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. The PA also administers other aspects of the IHSS program such as the registry (referral service for providers and clients), training and assistance for home care workers, some aspects of payroll, etc.

Contact:

Orange County IHSS Public Authority
1505 East Warner Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Phone: 714/480-6446
Fax: 714/480-6336
e-mail: PublicAuthority@ssa.ocgov.com
Website:http://www.ocgov.com/publicauth/about_us.asp

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PROBLEMS OR ISSUES WITH TIME CARDS
Phone: 714/ 825-3000

Also see Payroll and Timecards for IHSS

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IHSS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

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CENTRAL INTAKE SCREENING UNIT

Phone: 714/ 825-3000

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Local (Regional) Meetings
for Orange 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 Orange County Regional Meeting(s)

UDW Retiree Meeting
Wed., Jan. 19 2005: Members attended the first retiree meeting and discussed their issues, including President Bush's SSI plan, mentoring children, delivering meals to homebound people, volunteering, English language classes, and nutrition. Attendees included: Shirley Adams, Ernie and Irene Betuzzi, Hermelinda Orozco, Carol Smith, Kirby Smith, and Barbie Talbert. UDW staff Ruby Spann, Art Lujan, and Jovan Agee also attended.

For more information: UDW Retiree Chapter

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 Orange County

IHSS Advisory Committee Meetings

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.

The Advisory Committee meets monthly to discuss issues and concerns related to the delivery of In-Home Supportive Services. Meetings are open to the general Public and are held the third (3 rd ) Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM at:

1505 East Warner
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Complete details may be found at the Orange County PA Website: http://www.ocgov.com/publicauth/advisory.asp

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Orange County Board of Supervisors
http://www.ocgov.com/supervisors/supervisors.asp

Your County Board of Supervisors are the authorities who ultimately decide whether home care workers get pay increases and benefits. 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. As taxpayers and voters, we elect members of the board, and they are therefore accountable to us.

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 your UDW Regional Supervisor for Orange County

The Board of Supervisors meets Tuesdays:
Board Hearing Room, First Floor
10 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Complete meeting schedule may be found online at: http://www.ocgov.com/supervisors/agenda/supervisorsmeeting04.asp
These meetings are open to the public. Speakers during the public sessions must fill out a registration card and limit their comments (two, or three minutes - depending on the county).

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: to address above.

Call or e-mail:
Each Supervisor in the County often has his or her own email address, office, and phone number. It is therefore best to go to their Website , 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 Regional Office for Orange County