ULTCW April 2011

SEIU United Long Term Care Workers

ULTCW Members Stand United
ULTCW
report
To Protect Worker Rights
On Monday, April 4th, which
marked the 43rd anniversary of
the assassination of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr., ULTCW members
throughout California gathered in their
communities to continue Dr. King’s
fight for worker rights and calling
for an end to the recent attacks
against public employees. While
members in San Benito, Watsonville
and other nearby counties came
together, members in Los Angeles
joined thousands at the First AME
church in South Los Angeles.
ULTCW President, Laphonza Butler,
addressed the crowd saying that
“The very soul of this country is at
stake. We must come together,
ensure that our voices are heard, and
Nursing Home Contract
fight for a fair economy that protects
worker rights.”
Prior to the April 4th activities,
ULTCW members have been fighting
for worker rights by participating in
a labor solidarity march on March
26th in Los Angeles that drew over
20,000 participants. Members also
joined 160 union members from
Southern California in a two-day
trip to Madison, Wisconsin to help
workers in their fight to keep their
collective bargaining rights, and represent California. As such a big
to avoid the Governor’s proposed state, we have the power to let the
severe budget cuts. government there know that it does
not have a right to cut programs,
“We are a part of the whole or jobs for 4,000 people,” said Luz
union community, and we wanted to Maria Castano.
Our In-Home Car
Working With ULTCW
• Compassionate
egivers Are:

• Flexible with
Introduces ArE yOu In nE
Negotiations Gear Up! Communities to • Pre-screened
your schedule
OF A qualified
Ed
• Meet all state
Find Solutions • Experienced Homecare
requirements
In-HOME
• Speak differe
Exchange
nt languages
CArEgIvEr?
if so, we’re here
to help.
The state budget
ULTCW
cuts in 2010 brought Connecting

with them Homean across

experienced
homecare prov
careExch ange.org with those in
iders
need
1-866-544-574
the board cut 2 to
I.H.S.S. hours of
3.6%. Although
these cuts were far
less than Governor
Schwarzenegger
Spring 2011 is an important time ULTCW hosted a series of
had threatened, for
for ULTCW nursing home members community forums this spring aimed
many of our members this cut most
as we’ll be renegotiating a majority at helping to solve the economic
likely translated into a 3.6% cut to
of our nursing home contracts. In crises that are gripping California.
(continued on page 3) (continued on page 6) (continued on page 7)
PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
Finding Our Solutions to the Crisis in Our Communities
By Laphonza Butler President, SEIU ULTCW
These arrows pretty much say it all. Californians are
hanging on by a thread. If it’s not due to uncertainty about their
paycheck, it’s about not having a job, or not a good one that
gives them the security they need. And if it’s not a concern
about health care and being able to pay for medication or take
care of an elder, it’s a concern about what’s happening with their
child’s education.
But the arrow that matters most is the
one that will take us out of this mess. The
one that points us in the right direction. The one that gets us
back on our journey to justice.
Over that past few months, we’ve identified a few things
that will put us on a better path.

Add to that, corporate First, we need to build on our

interests are moving an agenda vision for 2011-12 as highlighted in
re OMY
We AODAY’S ECO
that hits taxpayers coming and N our Annual Report, which calls for a
going. Take Wells Fargo for h e r e focus on Quality Jobs, Organizing
W T
example. We all know Wells Workers, Deepening Our
OUTSOURCING
Fargo right? Well, did you know America’s
CORPORATE
Leadership and Building Stronger
workers
PROFITS
they were broke? At least, they are losing
ground CEO PAY
Communities.
Electeds
said they were anyway. So broke EMPLOYMENT are going the
wrong way
REAL Corporations
that they needed over $36 billion WAGES are calling TAX CUTS Second, we use a number of
SECURITY the shots FOR THE RICH
that they got as part of the big ATTACKS ON immediate efforts to show what’s
PUBLIC SERVICES
bailout. Yes, they had their hands SCAPEGOATING possible. This includes preparing to
IMMIGRANTS
out despite the fact that profits for take action to support a California
the years 1998-2008 were $95.8 state budget that protects vital
billion. services, organizing in Los Angeles
County and increasing community
You’d think then that the workers at Wells Fargo make engagement. Throughout the state, we’ve hosted a series
good money, right? Ask them and they’ll tell you a different of discussions known as “Our Community in Crisis” forums
story behind their courteous smiles and where members and members of the
suits. The median Wells Fargo bank teller communities they live in have been able to
wage is $10.28 an hour. That’s right. The “But the arrow that talk directly about problems facing them in
tellers are hurting. So who’s getting all that matters most is the housing, jobs, education, healthcare, and
profit? Well, one person is the Chairman anti-immigration laws.
who was paid $26.6 million from 2007-08.
one that will take us
Imagine that. out of this mess. The Third, we provide some immediate
one that points us in relief for members through initiatives like
And that’s just one of many horror the Homecare Exchange, increased
stories “behind the arrows”.
the right direction. dental benefits, and resources for free
The one that gets tax services and foreclosure/mortgage
What’s worse is that at a time when us back on our assistance. We can also do in other
we need our elected officials to be fighting counties what our sisters and brothers
for working families, they continue to journey to justice.” in Los Angeles County did by working
give tax breaks to the wealthiest 1% that with the Board of Supervisors to lower
jeopardize the programs we rely on. For the threshold of hours necessary for
example, the programs that are at risk nationally of being cut health care from 80 to 77 a month. This act alone saved 2,000
cost an estimated $44 billion. Yet, extending the Bush-era tax providers from losing their health insurance.
cuts that benefit the wealthiest Americans costs the country
$42 billion in lost revenue – that’s more than enough money that We all know that these are difficult economic times both
could go towards retaining and protecting these vital programs nationally and locally. However, it’s through these tough times
and services. This is just one example of why it is necessary to that we must dig even deeper to find the true strength and
make sure that our elected officials hear from us, loud and clear. power that comes from being ULTCW and with that take action.

2

Valley Convalescent Hospital Workers
Fight To Have ULTCW
The ULTCW Organizing Department continues its
efforts to help workers win a voice on the job. In March,
workers at Valley Convalescent Hospital in Bakersfield
filed to form a union with 65% support. In the coming
days these workers will finally have the right to vote on
(continued from page 1)
Nursing Home Members Prepare For 2011 Negotiations
Valley Gardens Celebrates
Its First Contract!
The New Year brought with
it a first contract for the nursing
home workers at Valley Gardens
in Stockton, California. Workers
stood united to vote to join ULTCW
and have a voice on the job. They
are now celebrating, and enforcing,
their new contract. Congratulations to
everyone who not only fought hard to
win a voice on the job, but fought hard to
win their first contract.
Organizing to Raise Standards
forming a union. Congratulations to all the workers at
Valley Convalescent Hospital who have worked so hard
in taking the first step to winning a better and brighter
future!
January, leaders and activists representing more
than 40 nursing homes attended a meeting focused on
Creating Quality Jobs
building strength for our upcoming contract campaign.
As a result of the January meeting, our members
thought it would be helpful to form a Bargaining Strategy
Committee. The Committee held its first meeting in
February to discuss the best approach and strategies
required to win the strong contracts we deserve. The
Committee will also be reviewing our current contract
language and assisting in determining our priorities for
the bargaining table. Priorities will be largely based on
the results of the 2011 Contract Survey that was given
to members whose contracts will soon be negotiated.
A special thank you to all of our members who have
taken an active role in leading on the 2011 Contract
Campaign.
Mendocino Members
Score Major Win!
After nearly a year-and-a-half of hard work and
dedication by Mendocino ULTCW members, we
have ratified a contract that maintains I.H.S.S.
wages at their current levels. Prior to
the contract, Mendocino I.H.S.S.
workers were facing severe wage
cuts within the county due to state
and local budget issues. However,
we made our voices heard loud
and clear by standing united
as ULTCW and building
support among community
organizations and local
leaders!
3
 State Budget Outcome Still Unknown
In January, Governor Brown announced his proposed are now in jeopardy since Republicans have blocked
Creating Quality Jobs

budget for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. Focused on clos- the Special Election that would have allowed voters to
ing the $26 billion budget gap, the Governor proposed vote on the extension of taxes that are set to expire this
cuts to several programs including $486 million in cuts summer. The extension of these taxes was a key com-
to the I.H.S.S. program and ponent to minimizing the
a 10 percent cut to nursing cuts to long term care and
home funding provided by other programs. Without
the state’s Nursing Home the extension of the expiring
Quality Care Act (AB 1629). taxes, the Governor may be
Although it’s unclear if a cut forced to make extreme cuts
to AB 1629 funding would be in the May Revise budget to
felt by local nursing homes, make up for the shortfall that
we do know that the cuts would otherwise be filled by
to I.H.S.S. would be felt by the tax extension.
hundreds of thousands of se-
niors, people with disabilities While the Governor
and those who provide care. and state legislators con-
The Governor’s proposed tinue to grapple with filling
cuts to I.H.S.S. included the elimination of all domestic the $26 billion deficit, Congress is working to cut bil-
services for those recipients who receive care from a fam- lions of federal dollars that help fund state programs.
ily member or who live with their provider, an across the It’s all too clear that the fiscal issues facing California
board cut of 8.4% to all I.H.S.S. hours, and the need for a and the federal government are deeply connected
recipient to have a doctors’ certification in order to receive and that the root cause must be addressed in order
I.H.S.S. to for us to experience long-term progress not only
throughout the US, but in our state. That is why we
Once told of the proposed cuts, ULTCW and SEIU must all be committed to working with our brothers
California sought new funding solutions to help offset the and sisters in other unions throughout California and
cuts to homecare. As a result, the Governor revised his the nation in the Fight For A Fair Economy. Only by
cuts to the I.H.S.S. program to include only having to standing together will we be able to make the long-
have a health care provider certify the need for in-home lasting change necessary to move California, and our
care. Unfortunately, any solutions and budget revisions country, forward.

ULTCW
Wherever you are, easily get questions
Member
A ction
answered and learn how to be involved.
Call the ULTCW Member Action Center.
C enter
1-877-MY ULTCW
(698-5829)
ULTCW Supports The SB 411: Home Care Services Act
As members of ULTCW, we’ve requiring private home care agencies
worked hard to ensure that our se-
niors and people with disabilities re- SB 411: to be licensed by the Department of
Public Health and meet many of the

Home Care
ceive the highest level of quality care same criteria as the I.H.S.S. program.
available – whether through raising
standards in nursing homes, or
supporting legislation that reflects Services Act What can you do to help
pass Senate Bill 411 and ensure
the important work of our in-home that all home care agencies meet
caregivers. However, did you know the same standards as I.H.S.S.?
that the private home care industry is not held to these Simply send a letter of support to: Senator Curren
same standards? It’s true. However, Senate Bill 411 – D. Price, Jr. – State Capitol Rm. 2057 – Sacramento,
authored by Senator Curren Price, would change that by CA 95814.

Watch the mail for your new

ULTCW Membership Card! Lancaster Office
Show your ULTCW pride by showing off your new
card! That’s right, in the coming weeks full-fledge
members of ULTCW will be receiving their new ULTCW
Membership Card in the mail. This card replaces any
previous ULTCW membership cards you may have in
your wallet. Along with your new membership card,
you’ll also receive information on Union Plus – a free
program that provides our members with discounts
and services at no cost. We understand that these
are difficult financial times and that every dollar you
earn is being stretched
more than ever. It is our
hope that the services
offered through Union
Plus will help stretch
ULTCW is pleased to announce
that dollar even further. the opening of our new Lan-
caster officer located at 42257
If you’re currently an 6th West Street, Unit 301,
Agency-Fee payer and
would like the benefits of being a full-fledge ULTCW Lancaster, CA 93534!
member, please contact the Member Action Center at
1-877-MY ULTCW and tell them that you want to be a
member today!

COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

california calls
ULTCW is proud to spotlight our community
partner: California Calls (formerly the California Alliance).
California Calls is an independent alliance of 27
community-based organizations that are committed to
renewing the California Dream by reforming bad budget
policies and outdated tax laws. California Calls is based
in ten counties: Alameda, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles,
Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Clara,
Tulare and Ventura.
For more information about California Calls, please
visit their soon-to-be launched website at: www.
CaliforniaCalls.org.

5
 (continued from page 1)

Community in Crisis Forums Spark Fight for a Fair Economy

Building Stronger Communities

The ten “Our Community in Crisis” forums, which took

place at locations like schools, community centers and
union offices up and down the state, featured interactive
presentations, panel discussions and public testimony.
The immediate goals of the forums were to give attendees
an understanding of the root causes and present-day
symptoms of our economic crises, and to recruit folks
into a broad-based movement intended to combat those
crises.

The format of the forums varied in each city, but a

few elements were constant: Each meeting included a
presentation on the breadth of the crises facing California
– from home foreclosures to unemployment; from cuts to
public education to the elimination of social services.

A topic that drew much interest was the disparity of
family incomes between the top two percent of earners
in California, and the other 98 percent. To dramatize this
situation, presenters invited ten volunteers to sit in ten
chairs in front of the stage. Nine of them were then made
to get up and have to share three chairs, while the tenth
person sprawled comfortably over the remaining seven.
The point was: In our country right now, the super-rich
are consuming the vast majority of our collective wealth,
while everyone else has to squabble over the remainders.
The forums drew a wide variety of people that included
union members, community activists, and local residents.
They represented a demographic mix as diverse as that
of California itself: senior citizens and toddlers; various
ethnicities and languages, and economic incomes. In all,
over 2,000 people attended the forums.
Each forum also included Q&A sessions with panels
of experts and community leaders, who often put a local
focus on the economic crises. But the emotional core
of each forum came in the form of testimony by forum
attendees, who spoke passionately and intimately about
the problems that they are facing in their daily lives. There
was a grieving teenage daughter in San Bernardino whose
father was deported because of immigration issues. There
was a single mother in Long Beach who talked about
the challenges of providing food and clothing for her
nine children. There was the community college student
in Victorville who has been shut out of required classes
because of classroom overcrowding. Different places,
different issues, but through each, a unifying theme:
California is failing its citizens, and something needs to be
done – now.
As a first step, all attendees were asked to sign
support cards to signal their intent to join together – in and
take action on the variety of economic issues that
California is facing.

Our Community in Crisis

Home Foreclosures
Our Community
in Crisis Forum
isis
Our Community in Cr A Forum For
Coming TogeT
her And Findin
g SoluTionS

"We were at the epicenter • 1 in 45 US households

Our Community in Crisis

received a foreclosure notice
with
g on of …housing bubble,
the es?
What’s Goin Foreclosur
in 2010
andood we Joarebs? at the
Finding Gepicenter are ? • 25 percent of all mortgage Yes, there is a Crisis in Our Community, and I want to be a part of the
Healthc

of the fallout."
Education?
holders are underwater
Community Empowerment Alliance. Sign me up!
-- Stephen Levy, Center for Continuing
Study of the California Economy, quoted • In CA, one in every 200
in the LA Times homes was in foreclosure in NAME
2010
EMAIL
"Foreclosures keep • 1.2 million homes will be
popping up. This is far repossessed in 2011
ADDRESS

from over." CITY STATE

• Not a single big bank CEO
-- Hoss Ghitkammanee, Palmdale, CA has gone to jail as a result of
ZIP

To learn more and become part of the solution,

home owner, quoted in the LA Times the mortgage crisis
CELL PHONE HOME PHONE

i’m interested
ULTCW in learning more or doing something about: ULTCW
United Long Term Care
__ business professional development
__ unemployment/finding good jobs
__ education/improving our schools
__ fixing our broken immigration system
__ healthcare __ faith-based outreach Workers ®

visit www.ULTCW.org.
__ neighborhood beautification __ other _______________________

we
And what can
do about it?
Let’s join as
neighbors to
crisis and work
together to find
cause
understand the ions
solut
of the

Our
Our Community
Community in Crisis
Yes, there is a Crisis in Our Community, and I want to be a part of the
Community Empowerment Alliance. Sign me up!

When:
Where:
in Crisis Forum
NAME

EMAIL

6
information:
Contact for more
ADDRESS

Care Workers
CITY STATE
Term
, United Long
SEIU ULTCW
Sponsored by
ZIP
CELL PHONE HOME PHONE

i’m interested in learning more or doing something about: ULTCW

__ business professional development __ education/improving our schools
__ unemployment/finding good jobs __ fixing our broken immigration system
__ healthcare __ faith-based outreach
__ neighborhood beautification __ other _______________________
(continued from page 1)

Introducing…ULTCW’s Homecare Exchange

their paychecks – which we know is especially painful
during these difficult economic times.
re excH ange
Homeca
ion Form For
conSUmerS
DO yOu nEED
a
ULTCW

To help our home care members find the additional

applicat , or by calling:
1-866-544-5742)
reExchange.org
ion online at HomeCa

qualifiEd In-H
submit your applicat
(You can also

CaREgIvER? OmE
NAME

hours of work they need to make up that 3.6% cut or to ULTCW 家庭護理交流
EMAIL
消費者申請表
ADDRESS
格
STATE

maintain their health benefits, in March ULTCW launched

)
CITY
44-5742 提出申請

if so, we’re here

1-866-5
ange.org, 或致電:
HomeCareExch
(你也可以上網 ZIP

名字 CELL PHONE
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HOME PHONE

Do En El HoGa ______/_____
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CA 90057
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列出兩位緊急
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你使用什麼語

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協助的服務項
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Call our Hom e Exchange webs
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IN THE
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reExchange.org
Currently, the Homecare Exchange is available to
línea directa
Llame a nuestra
LY MAIL de cuidado
BUSINESS REP NO. 69415 LOS
ANGELES CA
del intercambio
en el hogar: 1-866-5
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en el sitio Web Long Term

those living in Los Angeles County with plans to expand

hogar: www.
6434
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1-866-544-5742
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UNITED LONG-TE
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2515 BEVERLY 25
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LOS ANGELES
"MATCHING QUALIFIED HOMECARE

the program to other ULTCW counties shortly.

PROVIDERS WITH THOSE IN NEED OF CARE.”

ext. 805)
(508-436-2543,
Software Inc.
from Citation
lyMailOnLine.com
Created by www.Rep

1 2
Here’s How the Homecare Exchange Works
STEP 1: Submit an STEP 2: We’ll search
application by phone, for a care recipient
mail or Internet. whose needs fit
your skills and work-

3
related preferences.

STEP 3: When we find a good match,

we’ll put you two in contact.

To apply, visit HomecareExchange.org and follow the

on-screen instructions. You may also request an
application by calling 1-866-544-5742.

Homecare Exchange – Connecting experienced

homecare providers with those in need!
7
 We Are ULTCW
At 180,000 members strong, our
ULTCW family is spread across
this great state with an incredible
diversity not just of cultures, but
locations. Whether you live on
a city block or a country road,
we are all connected.
Many Voices, One  Union

SOMOS ULTCW
Con 180,000 miembros fuertes, nuestra
familia de ULTCW está esparcida en
todo este gran estado con una increíble
diversidad no sólo de culturas, sino
de lugares también. Ya sea que usted
viva en una cuadra o en zonas rurales,
todos estamos conectados.
Muchas Voces, Un Sindicato
ultcw.org