San Francisco, CA – Home care workers of SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care union representing more than half a million caregivers across California, have ratified a new union contract after bargaining with Homebridge Homecare, a private sector long-term care agency.
The new contract covers over 400 workers in San Francisco who provide essential home care services to older adults and people with disabilities.
Improvements in the new three-year contract include: $1000 ratification bonuses for full-time workers in good standing, $500 ratification bonuses for part-time workers in good standing, improved contract language, and new variable rates for Homecare providers (HCPS).
“I am looking forward to seeing the contract go into effect. We were able to find solutions that benefited all care workers at Homebridge including more training,” said Jessica Rodriguez, Homebridge care worker and bargaining team member, “With the Union, we were able to raise our voices to make a real change in the workplace.”
One in four California residents will be over the age of 60 by 2040. As the number of older adults and people with disabilities who require care continues to grow, strong union contracts for long-term care workers raise standards in the industry and help attract more care workers to this workforce (and retain them).
Today’s announcement drew praise from SEIU Local 2015 leadership and marked a significant step forward in the Union’s statewide push for livable wages.
“Homebridge care workers bridge gaps in San Francisco’s long-term care system. If we don’t invest in care, more care workers will leave the industry, making the current care crisis worse.” said Arnulfo De La Cruz, President of SEIU Local 2015. “I’m inspired by the care workers who worked hard to make this victory possible. Thank you for your dedication to raising the standards of care for all care workers.”
SEIU Local 2015 bargains with counties and private sector long-term care agencies across California to win union contracts, secure better workplace protections, improve wages and benefits, and empower workers with a voice in the care they provide. These investments in working conditions will help strengthen the infrastructure of care to help attract and retain caregivers.
To learn more about SEIU Local 2015 visit www.SEIU2015.org or on social media @SEIU2015.