Homecare Bargaining Update 7/31/09

Homecare Bargaining Update
 
On July 31, we made significant progress in bargaining.
 
Despite current threats to our health care, we are proud of progress we have made on most of remaining issues at the bargaining table, especially paid time off (PTO).  Previously the state proposed to increase the number of qualifying hours to receive PTO to 100 hours; last session they finally returned eligibility to 80 hours per month.  This is a huge victory for our members who earn the as few as four paid days off per year.
 
Unfortunately, the state continues to promote a health care proposal that would make health insurance unaffordable to many of us.  Under the state’s proposal, according to projected rate increases, in a couple of years some members could pay up to $200 per month to keep their health care coverage!  Ever since we formed our union, we have fought hard for health care so we can keep ourselves healthy to provide consistent, quality, safe, and healthy care for our clients.  We can’t afford to backtrack now.
 
We begin mediation on Friday, August 7th.  
 
Take Action:
1)      Continue to share updates with other homecare workers.  Activate your phone tree lists or if you live near a field office, sign up for the next round of phone banks scheduled on August 17, 18, and 19.
 
2)      Our campaign to build political power and increase CAPE contributions is gearing up.  Contact your organizer to arrange house visiting other homecare workers in your area.
 
3)      Collect health care stories from other homecare workers in your area:  How has having access to health care helped you be a better caregiver?  Could you afford to pay out of pocket close to one hundred or two hundred dollars to maintain your health insurance?  We hope to share compelling stories with the State’s bargaining team in upcoming mediation sessions.