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Stanislaus county is proudly represented by United Domestic Workers of America
(UDW/AFSCME)
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Quick Links for Stanislaus County pages:
UDW in Stanislaus
Updates for Stanislaus County
Introduction
to your UDW elected E-Board and
Chapter representative for Stanislaus County
Chapter Chairperson - Roxann Chakos
Chapter Secretary Treasurer - Terry Foster
Chapter Vice-Chair - Samuel Jordan
Chapter Executive Board Member - Cheryl Endres
Chapter Executive Board Member - Marie L. Armstrong
 UDW
Stanislaus Chapter Chair
Roxann Chakos
I have been an IHSS home care provider since 2004, and because of my
hands-on experience I really do understand the many demands and responsibilites
involved in being a home care provider. It is because of my work as a
provider, as well as my community involvement that I became motivated
to also become active with our union. I have been contributing to the
UDW as an activist and member for four years.
I was part of the negotiating team of 2007 that won our present contract,
where I was excited and inspired to work with other members and UDW staff
on this important process. Bargaining with the county also meant that
I attended County Board of Supervisors meetings and as I learned more
about our work I also began attending Labor Council meetings in our county.
There are many pieces that must fit together if we want IHSS to remain
stable and improve with time. Because the IHSS program is funded through
the state and federal government as well as the county, what happens
in Sacramento is very important to our members. It is crucial that we
stay visible and speak out about budget cuts that would reduce our wages
and our client's safety. I have helped to do this by attending legislative
rallies in Sacramento.
I am a “No Child Left Behind” activist as well, and have always believed
in the power of education and community organizing.
My vision is to teach and empower home care workers about their rights.
To demand respect at many levels; a decent wage is very important because
it is a fundamental recognition that the work we do is extremely important
in our communities. Good medical benefits are also especially significant
in our work – who can take care of our clients if we are sick? It is
often not possible to take days off when someone depends on us for everything.
I want to resolve sky-rocketing medical costs through retaining the benefits
and reducing the waiting list in our county.
I believe we have the power to do all this and more, through working
together. I want to thank you for your support in electing me as your
Chapter Chair, and invite you to contact me with your ideas.
Your Union Member in Arms
Roxann Chakos
Stanislaus County Chair
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Stanislaus Chapter Executive Board Sworn In
Stanislaus County held Installation Ceremonies for their new Chapter Officers. Members
in Stanislaus county have direct representation at UDW headquarters through
their chapter officers. The Stanislaus chapter chair (Roxann Chakos)
sits at the E-Board along with chairs from each UDW county. Members can
reach Stanislaus chapter officers at the
Stanislaus UDW Office
UDW Executive Director Doug Moore (left)
swears in (left to right)
Chapter Executive Board Member- Cheryl Endres-Bianchi;
Chapter Executive Board Member - Marie Armstrong;
Chapter
Vice Chair- Samuel Jordan;
Chapter Secretary-Treasurer- Terry Foster;
Chapter Chairperson- Roxann Chakos
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UDW is beginning a network of people who understand
the interests of IHSS workers and their clients.
We are teaching volunteer member-providers how they can help other
home care providers and their clients by working with UDW, sharing
information, and getting to know one another as well as their community
leaders.
Right and below- volunteer members are recognized by UDW for their
hard work and many contributions.
The organization of local care providers, community leaders, and IHSS
clients will help keep the IHSS program visible and strong.
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Roberta Ferraro-Foster was recently appointed
by her District County Supervisor to the
Stanislaus County IHSS Advisory Board where
she will help report to the County Supervisors about the program and how to make
it better.
Yea Roberta! |
 Stanislaus
activist Henry Dill not only sits on the Labor Management Committee for
UDW but was part of the bargaining team that negotiated raises for all
Stanislaus home care providers.
Henry also goes to all the union meetings, rallies in Sacramento, and
turns out for the local Board of Supervisor's meetings so that the County
will get to know care providers and what they do.
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Mary Escamilla attends Sacramento rallies; participates in
union events and Board Of Supervisors meetings, helps with
phone banking.
Thank You Mary! |
Lawana Gadberry sits on the Labor Management Committee and takes
all the minutes - she also attends Sacramento Rally's, participates in
union events, & BOS meetings
You Go Girl!
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Come join us! Get Involved!
Stanislaus
succeeds in Negotiating a new contract with substantial raises and
positive health benefits
Ratified by 98%; this vote represented an overwhelming
acceptance
by the home care providers of Stanislaus.
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Ronald Halseth brings in ballots for the completion of the ratification
process,
August 11 2007.
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Tasha Anderson, sorting the numerous ballots;
this count represented increased voter participation and a resounding
acceptance of the new contract.
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After all the ballots were counted, the "Home Team" was recognized
for all their hard work in Stanislaus. Bottom row left to right:
Pamela Cooper; Tasha Anderson; Kenneth Klein; top row left to right:
Santiago Villegas; Lin Chrivia; Maria S. DeArana; Richard xSanders;
Ronald Halseth; Kim Nevel; Bobby Benoit.
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Negotiations
On August 11, 2007 the new 3 year contract negotiated by your UDW
Bargaining Committee was approved by ratification (vote) of 98%. This
overwhelming approval came after months of hard negotiating with the
county. The
process included research and communication presented in the
"At No Cost" document below. Thanks go out to the "Home Team"
and all UDW support staff that helped this happen.
Stanislaus 2007 Negotiatins Committee
Curt Ostrander, Lead Negotiator, UDW/AFSCME
Jose E Astorga, Roxann Chakos, Henry D
Dill,
Samuel Jordan, Anita Magana, Claudia Parks, Steve Salais
Higher wages "At No Cost to County"
The County can provide higher wages for home
care workers "At No Cost" to the County |
"Will the County of Stanislaus take full advantage of available
$$$ to provide Home Care Workers respectable wages?"
On Tuesday,
September 26, 2006, your UDWA Bargaining Team submitted, a document titled “At
No Cost” to the Stanislaus County IHSS Public Authority.
This document illustrates how the County of Stanislaus can increase your
wages at no additional cost to the County. Providers presented the document
and explained to the Public Authority that the County can increase your pay
to the maximum allowable under state statute ($10.50/hr) without a cost to
the County as the County will get fully reimbursed from the State and Federal
Governments. Additionally, this document illustrates that this increase would
be an injection of dollars from the State and Federal Governments, and would
not only provide our clients with a more secure and stable care giver workforce,
but would also significantly benefit the County’s economy through economic
development. Furthermore, this document illustrates the importance of injecting
additional funds into the IHSS program, based upon the State’s reimbursement
rates, every tax dollar spent in the IHSS program saves approximately six
State tax dollars, in the State’s Long-Term Care System. Finally, as
the IHSS Program moves forward into this 21 st century, it has been projected
that this program will need to prepare itself to meet the challenge of the
upcoming Baby Boomer retirement explosion. Call your County Supervisor at (209)
525-6560 today
and tell them…
“Raising the wages of Providers is common sense and good public
policy.”
UDW is fighting to bring our members wages up to a respectful
level.
Lets all work together!
Stanislaus Negotiation History:
- August 11, 2007: A new 3 year contract has been negotiated and ratified
with a 98% approval vote by Stanislaus home care providers. The new
contract includes wage raises beginning at $8.84 per hour and rising to $9.11
in 2008, and $9.38 in 2009. View Summary
of Stanislaus Independent Provider Contract
- September 2006: Current contract was extended until negotiations
completed
- October 1, 2004: 2 year contract takes effect, which provided increased
wages and first time health care benefits for home care workers
under the In Home Support Services (IHSS) program.
- September 2004: As a result of intense negotiations and a lot of
hard work on the part of UDW, together with your local bargaining committee
(volunteer home care workers), the first contract ever negotiated in Stanislaus
was won and ratified (approved).
- July 13, 2004: the Board of Supervisors--at UDW's request--voted
unanimously to reject the staff's recommendation that negotiations
between Stanislaus County and UDW be declared at impasse. The county's
Bargaining Team recommended that the Supervisors give us only a 16¢ raise,
from $6.95 to $7.11 per hour, with no health insurance or any benefits.
We said no - 16¢ is not enough - and we won! The Board of
Supervisors ordered County staff to meet with UDW and go back to the bargaining
table to work out an agreement on wages and health benefits.
- June 2003: UDW and your Stanislaus bargaining team went to work
on negotiating the first contract with the county of Stanislaus.
- March 2003: Stanislaus 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..
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Wages and Benefits Under the Present Contract
- Prior to UDW representation, wages were $6.95 per hour, with no medical benefits.
- Under the present contract The wage for
homecare workers in Stanislaus County will be as follows:
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October 1, 2007* $8.84 per hour
October 1, 2008 $9.11 per hour
October 1, 2009 $9.38 per hour
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*Wages are subject to implementation according to the schedule of the state of
California
- Medical benefits are also available under the new contract.
For eligibility, home care workers must be authorized for, and work a minimum
of 75 hours a month. To learn more about this coverage, see below: Medical
Benefit Information.
- The new contract also includes orientation training and security checks
for some providers; see details
Home Care Provider Registry for Stanislaus County
The In Home Support Services Public Authority is establishing a Registry Service for home care workers and clients under the IHSS program in Stanislaus. 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.
To join the registry, or get more information, contact:
Stanislaus Public Authority For IHSS
PO Box 42
Modesto, CA 95353
Phone: 209/558-4881
Their website can provide additional information for registry requirements,
class schedules and more.
www.StanLink2Care.org
Medical Benefits Package for Stanislaus County
Eligibile providers
who work 75 hours or more per month for three consecutive months
will be entitled to participate in a comprehensive health insurance
plan which will include:
- Hospitalization Doctor visits Emergency Care
- Prescription drug coverage
Dental Insurance Vision.
A waiting
list is currently in effect for these benefits.
More information: www.StanLink2Care.org
Stanislaus Public Authority For IHSS
PO Box 42
Modesto, CA 95353
Phone: 209/558-4787
Fax: 209/558-4612
IHSS District Offices for Stanislaus County
Contacting IHSS:
To make and 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, contact Stanislaus IHSS:
Stanislaus IHSS/Adult Services
Phone: 209/ 558-2637
Their website can provide additional information for registry requirements,
class schedules and more.
www.StanLink2Care.org
Also see Payroll and Timecards for IHSS
If you can not resolve an issue after a good faith effort, call your union representative for help.
IHSS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Local (Regional) UDW Meetings
for Stanislaus 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 Stanislaus 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 UDW Regional Director for Stanislaus
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.
Meetings are open to the public, and are usually held at:
305 Downey Ave.
Modesto, CA
Meeting are customarily held the 2nd Friday of every month (holidays
excluded). Call the Advisory Committee secretary for more specific information:
209/558 3428
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors Public Meetings
http://www.co.stanislaus.ca.us/BOARD/board.htm
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 educate the Board about the importance of our work, and let them know that we feel they should 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 Stanislaus
The Stanislaus Board of Supervisors Meets every Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM:
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th Street, Suite 6500
Modesto, CA 95354
(Suite 6500 is the Board Chambers, located in the basement)
These meetings are open to the public. Speakers must fill out registration card and limit their comments to three minutes.
You can also call or write your Board of Supervisors to let them know you are aware of their decisions and you are concerned about home care workers.
Call: 209/525-6333
Write to address above.
Or:
Each Supervisor in the County 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
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:
- 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.
- Becoming a Steward (communicating with your local neighborhood groups and individuals to let them know about important issues and meetings, etc)
- 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
Stanislaus
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