English
UDW Homecare Providers Union
Stanislaus County Office
909 15th Street, Suite 6, Modesto, CA 95354
Toll Free (866) 307-7271 | Office (209) 526-5274 | Fax (209) 526-5284
email inquiries: unionheadquarters@udwa.org
YOUR UDW STANISLAUS ELECTED CHAPTER OFFICERS
Chapter Chairperson: Roxann Chakos
Chapter Secretary Treasurer: Astrid J. Zuniga
Chapter Vice-Chair: Open
Chapter Executive Board Member: Pamela Cooper
Chapter Executive Board Member: Cheryl Bianci
UDW Stanislaus Chapter Chair
Roxann Chakos
Roxann’s address to AFSCME Convention Aug 08
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
Stanislaus Chapter Secretary-Treasurer
Astrid J. Zuniga
I have been a provider and union member since 2008. I found out about the IHSS program through a VMRC worker for my autistic son and she asked if I was being paid for taking care of him. I knew nothing of this program at the time, so I enrolled him in the program and began to find out the ins and outs of the program and being involved with a union..
After my first chapter meeting I was inspired, something inside of me said to learn more and be involved! At that point I signed up for phone banking, then started attending hearings at the capitol and donating to the PEOPLE program. lt sparked a passionate drive in me to do the right thing and to be the voice for those that have none! So I started lobbying politicians and being more and more active; after all, this program is necessary — it is our right to be able to live in our homes and be cared for, if needed, by people we trust and feel comfortable with!
The way I see it, our elderly have earned it and it is our moral obligation to care for the disabled. I now care for my son who is a severe autistic with aggressive tendencies and I also care for my stepfather who is elderly and disabled.
I recently have become a part of the negotiations committee, where I will, along with other members, fight for your rights. I have also started attending CLC (central labor council) meetings as a delegate for the union and with your votes I was elected to be an AFSCME delegate and be one of those who represented the UDW union in Boston. While there I was able to learn a whole lot and bring back a boat load of knowledge and ideas that can help us as a local union to educate our community and get more people involved.
Whether you’re a veteran at being involved in a union or what some call a new waver (the younger generation) we all have to unite and become a strong, undivided force to be reckoned with! We need to let those politicians know that this program is vital on a local, statewide, and nationwide level. That this program not only saves the government money and keeps the economy flowing; it allows those with loved ones who need care to be cared for in a nurturing environment where they feel safe. It also allows individuals like me to care for my loved ones and still pay my bills and be a productive part of society!
As your chapter Secretary-treasurer, I hope to be a voice for you and your loved ones, but together we will continue the fight for equality. So please feel free to contact me or one of our other board members if you have any questions, concerns or ideas.
Thank you.
In Solidarity,
Astrid J. Zuniga
Stanislaus County Secretary-Treasurer
Stanislaus Chapter Executive Board Member
Cheryl Endres Bianchi
I have been a provider for 24 years and a UDW member for six years. I provide for my daughter, Ashley Enders, and love being her provider. I became a provider because I wanted to take care of my daughter at home. I feel like I can make a difference and that’s why I ran as a Stanislaus Chapter Executive Board Member.
My involvement with UDW consists of going to our State Capital and talking to decision makers about how UDW can make a difference. I inform them that we can be seen and heard as a strong union that will not back down but stand up for what we believe in. I also participate in Phone Banking which allows me to reach out to anyone who has questions or concerns.
Although being a provider does not pay a lot of money I still love doing what I’m doing. I believe that some day we will get the pay that we deserve. I feel as if I’m helping a lot and that the union is making headway. For the homecare providers in my county I would like to see us get the help we need such as pay raises and the continuing support needed for the people we take care of.
I would like to say to the members of UDW “Come out and get involved with us!” Write letters and participate in rallies. It’s very important that people and those in our communities help and stand with us so that we can get want we need.
I want members to know that I am here to help. I am 100% behind them and if I don’t have the answers I will do my best to guide them to someone who can.
We are the people with heart and soul and we can accomplish anything so let’s stand up as one and fight together!
Cheryl Endres Bianchi
Stanislaus Chapter Executive Board Member
Stanislaus Negotiation History:
- 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..
- June 2003: UDW and your Stanislaus bargaining team went to work on negotiating the first contract with the county of Stanislaus.
- 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
- 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).
- 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 2006: Current contract was extended until negotiations completed
- August 11, 2007: A new contract was 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.
Wages and Medical Benefits
Wages are $9.38 per hour, effective October 1, 2009 .
The current UDW contract includes health insurance benefits as follows:
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:
The new contract also includes orientation training and security checks for some providers:
- Hospitalization Doctor visits Emergency Care
- Prescription drug coverage
- Dental Insurance Vision.
A waiting list is currently in effect for these benefits.
More information: Stanislaus Public Authority’s website
Stanislaus Public Authority IHSS
305 Downey Avenue
Modesto, Ca 95354
Phone: 209/558-4787
Fax: 209/558-4612
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
Public Authority
305 Downey Avenue
Modesto, Ca 95354
Phone: 209/558-4881
Their website can provide additional information for registry requirements, class schedules and more.
www.StanLink2Care.org
IHSS Office 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
305 Downey Avenue
Modesto, Ca 95354
Phone: 209/558-4881
Their website can provide additional information for registry requirements, class schedules and more. www.StanLink2Care.org
PROBLEMS OR ISSUES WITH TIME CARDS
(This number is for Independent Providers, already with the program)
Phone: (209) 558-4787
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 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
Meetings are customarily held the 2nd Friday of every month (holidays excluded). Call the Advisory Committee secretary for more specific information:
Phone: 209/558 3428
Stanislaus County Labor Management Committee
In each county, UDW Homecare Providers Union and the In-Home Supportive Services Public Authorities (IHSS-PA) form a Labor Management Committee. These Labor Management Committees (LMC’s) have been established to provide homecare providers and management alike, an opportunity to work together to discover, discuss, and resolve issues/problems of mutual concern not covered by the Memorandum of Understanding (contract). The LMC will commonly explore and make recommendations about issues mutually identified that have impact on the working relationship between the UDWA, IHSS-PA, IHSS Home Care Providers, and IHSS Consumers.
Joining a Labor Management Committed in your county is a great way to get involved with your union. Contact the Stanislaus County Regional Office for more information.
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
http://www.co.stanislaus.ca.us/BOARD/board.htm
After the State sets the level of funding appropriated for IHSS, your County Board of Supervisors are the authorities who set pay levels and benefits in your county. UDW must negotiate with the County Supervisors, through their representatives, for your pay raises 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 UDW Stanislaus
The Stanislaus Board of Supervisors Meets every Tuesday morning at 9:00AM
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.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE ABLE TO VOTE ON ALL CONTRACTS AND IN UNION ELECTIONS
Paying dues does not make you a union member. To be a member you need to have signed a Membership Card. Signing a membership card does not mean you pay any additional money – it does give you membership rights and privileges. Take your power and send in a signed union card!
