Thousands of long-term care workers across California mobilize in the spirit of John Lewis to protest Medicaid cuts and protect access to care, civil rights, and community safety
Los Angeles, CA – On the fifth anniversary of civil rights legend Congressman John Lewis’s passing, members of SEIU Local 2015—California’s largest labor union and the nation’s largest long-term care union—mobilized in communities across the state as part of the nationwide Good Trouble Lives On day of peaceful action. From Los Angeles to Monterey to Oakland, thousands of home care and nursing home workers gathered to honor Lewis’s legacy and stand up against rising threats to democracy, civil and human rights, and demand Congress invest in care and protect our communities.
These actions are a response to the “Big Betrayal Budget” and other Trump administration policies that slash Medicaid and vital public safety net programs. These cuts will close hospitals and nursing homes, gut home and community-based services, drive up healthcare costs, and strip coverage from up to 16 million people—all to give tax breaks to billionaires and fund a massive, unnecessary expansion of ICE.
SEIU Local 2015 organized and joined dozens of events across the state, including rallies, marches, and teach-ins. Union members called out the devastating consequences of the federal budget plan and shared their vision for a future where care is visible, valued, and funded.
“SEIU 2015 members will not stay silent while extremists try to destroy the very programs our families and neighbors depend on to survive,” said Arnulfo De La Cruz, President of SEIU Local 2015. “We’re proud to carry forward the legacy of Congressman John Lewis by organizing for a future where every person—regardless of race, immigration status, income, or zip code—can access high-quality, affordable, and dignified long-term care. Today our members spoke out to protect the future of care, defend democracy, and carry forward a legacy of peaceful protest and powerful community action.”
“It’s clear that the Trump administration does not value us or the work that we do,” said Alameda County home care provider Rosalba Castellanos. “They do not value us as immigrants contributing to the greatness of this country or as care providers ensuring the safety and wellbeing of seniors and people with disabilities. And they do not value us as workers trying to survive and provide for our families.”
SEIU 2015’s participation in Good Trouble Lives On reflects the union’s Justice Agenda, which harnesses the power of deep member engagement across workplaces and communities, empowering care workers to win better conditions for themselves, the people they care for, and the communities they serve. Through political participation and collective bargaining, SEIU 2015 members work together to raise standards, promote justice, and drive meaningful change in California.
“We may come from different countries, but we’re united by the care we give and the struggles we face,” said Patricia Santana, a Los Angeles County home care provider. “We care for the most vulnerable, and we stand in solidarity with our immigrant siblings. We have to show up and stand on the right side of history.”
“Good trouble means making ourselves visible and being out there on the streets for those who can’t be”, said Tonya York, a Santa Clara County care worker. “This budget bill threatens all of our communities, but we have the power to fight back and to set the standard for what comes next. It’s time for us to steel ourselves and rise up because we’re all we’ve got.”
The day of action also served as a launchpad for the union’s political engagement leading into 2026, with members pledging to hold every elected leader accountable who voted for the cuts—and to replace them with champions for care and working families.
“This is more than a protest, it’s a promise,” said De La Cruz. “We’ll continue to raise our voices and take peaceful, nonviolent action in our communities, at the ballot box, and in the homes and facilities where we provide care.” To learn more about SEIU Local 2015 visit www.SEIU2015.org or @SEIU2015 on social media.