OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ --
What: Madera Homecare Workers March for Healthcare When: Nov. 23rd, 11:30 a.m. Where: March Begins at Social Services Building, 720 E. Yosemite March concludes in a 1:00 p.m. rally at 209 West Yosemite
On Tuesday, Nov. 23rd, Madera County homecare workers and homecare recipients will protest the County Supervisors’ refusal to grant them a living wage and healthcare benefits. Homecare workers and recipients will march from the Madera County Social Services building to the County Court House for a rally to demand the Board of Supervisors treat homecare workers with respect. This year, homecare workers lobbied to protect the Madera In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program from state budget cuts, saving the County thousands of dollars in the process. Despite this fact, the Board of Supervisors offered Madera homecare workers a mere $0.25 cent wage increase, and refuses to provide the workers with healthcare benefits.
Other counties have far surpassed Madera and made significant improvements to their homecare programs:
* Yolo County homecare workers earn $9.60 an hour with health and dental insurance and training pay. * San Joaquin homecare workers won a first contract with a pay raise and health and dental insurance. * Most California contracts provide for a $9.50 wage with health, dental and vision insurance, and other benefits.
In addition, as the wage increases and more people are attracted to the homecare profession, clients would also benefit from more providers on hand to give care when they need it.
“I love the work that I do, but I need to survive just like everybody else in Madera County,” said Sandy Stewart, a Madera homecare provider for the past five years. “All we’re looking for is a living wage and access to healthcare. I hope the county realizes that we need to provide these basic things to get more folks interested in working in homecare.”
With 100,000 members, SEIU 250 is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in the Western U.S. We represent every type of healthcare worker, including nursing, professional, technical, paramedic and service classifications. Our mission is to achieve high-quality healthcare for all.
Media Contact
Kathleen Miller 510-773-7102
SEIU 250
CONTACT: Kathleen Miller, +1-510-773-7102
Web site: http://www.seiu250.org/