Over the course of 2004, your San Diego County UDW Bargaining Committee negotiated a new contract with the San Diego County Public Authority. This contract was ratified (approved) December 13th, 2004 , with a 98% yes vote.. The following is a summary of the contract the Bargaining Committee negotiated. This contract will be in effect until January 31st, 2008 at which time we will renegotiate new terms.

RECOGNITION. The County recognizes United Domestic Workers of America as the exclusive representative of home care workers employed by the IHSS Public Authority.

WAGES. The wages for home care workers in San Diego County will increase from $8.50/hour to $9.00/hour effective February 1st, 2005 , and to $9.25/hour effective February 1st, 2007.

REOPENER. If during the term of the contract the State of California takes over administration of IHSS in San Diego County, the Union can return to the bargaining table to negotiate directly with the State.

HEALTH INSURANCE. A maximum of 3,000 workers (chosen on a first come-first serve basis) with authorized hours of 80 or more per month will be entitled to participate in a comprehensive health insurance plan, which will include:

The County has agreed to increase its contribution from $180 a month to $215 a month for each eligible employee toward the cost of this plan. The plan has been developed and selected by a joint County-Union task force, whose assignment was to get the best possible plan with the lowest possible charge for doctor visits, prescriptions, etc. Enrollment information will be provided to you, through the mail.

DENTAL INSURANCE. A maximum of 1,000 workers in 2005, and 1,500 workers starting in 2006 (chosen on a first come-first serve basis) with authorized hours of 80 or more per month will be entitled to participate in a comprehensive dental insurance plan. The County has agreed to pay $15 a month for each eligible employee toward the cost of this plan. The plan will be developed and selected by a joint County-Union task force, whose assignment is to get the best possible plan with the lowest possible charge for dentist visits, major dental work, etc. Enrollment information will be provided to you, through the mail.

DIRECT DEPOSIT. Under a new State law passed in 2004, the Public Authority and the Union will work together toward a direct deposit system, so workers’ paychecks can be deposited directly into their bank accounts on payday, without delay.

GRIEVANCE. There is a procedure for resolving the complaints of workers who believe that the Public Authority has violated the Union contract. The procedure includes a series of steps, leading, if necessary, to formal, binding arbitration.

LABOR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. A committee of union workers and Public Authority representatives will meet regularly to work cooperatively to solve problems and make new improvements in client care and the in-home services program in San Diego County.

NO STRIKE/NO LOCKOUT. The Union and the Public Authority agree that there will be no strikes and no lockouts during the life of the contract and during negotiations for its renewal.

PUBLIC AUTHORITY RIGHTS. The Public Authority is recognized as an agency legally independent of the County of San Diego and, unless otherwise specified in this contract, retains the exclusive right to determine the methods, means and personnel by which its operations are to be conducted.

AGENCY SHOP. Under an “Agency Shop” agreement, all workers, with certain exceptions, must become members of the Union or pay Union dues. It takes a lot of work, a lot of money, a lot of time and a lot of dedication on the part of Union members and Union staff to gain IHSS improvements and negotiate a Union contract with pay raises, health insurance and other benefits. The Bargaining Council members believe that everybody who enjoys the pay raises, health insurance, and other benefits should share in the cost of supporting the union.

The law does allow certain exceptions. People who choose not to become union members cannot participate in the running of the Union, including voting on union contracts; however, they still must pay dues and fees. Even workers who choose not to support the Union’s charitable, political and organizing activities, must still pay their “fair share” of the Union’s expenses in representing them.

UDW members believe it is not fair for anyone to get a free ride at the expense of others and that no one should be able to enjoy the benefits of union representation, union contract negotiations, union wages and union benefits without paying their fair share.

AL108/SD1105RevC