UDW Homecare Providers Union
Stanislaus District Office
416 N. 9th Street #I
Modesto, CA  95350
Toll Free (866) 307-7271 | Office (209) 526-5274 | Fax (209) 526-5284
email inquiries: unionheadquarters@udwa.org

YOUR UDW STANISLAUS DISTRICT ELECTED OFFICERS

District Chai: Astrid J. Zuniga
District Recording Secretary: Terry Walker-Dampier

Stanislaus District Chair
Astrid 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 District District Chair

Stanislaus Recording Secretary
Terry Walker-Dampier

Terry Walker-Dampier was elected as the Recording Secretary for Stanislaus in April 2013.  Congratulations Terry!

Terry Walker-Dampiero s biography will be posted here.

Please check back!

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. The premium copayment will be $20.00 per month. Eligible providers 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

251 E. Hackett Rd. Modesto CA 95358
Phone: 209 558-1650
Fax: 209/558-2681

Mailing Address:
PO Box #42  Modesto, CA 95357

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
251 E. Hackett Rd. Modesto CA 95358
Phone: 209 558-1650
Fax: 209/558-2681

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 
251 E. Hackett Rd. Modesto CA 95358
Phone: 209 558-1650
Fax: 209/558-2681

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: 209 558-1650
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!