Modesto, Walnut Creek, 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 Addus HomeCare, a private sector long-term care agency.
Addus employs care workers who provide essential home care services to older adults and people with disabilities. The new contract covers more than 150 workers affiliated with their Modesto and Walnut Creek locations.
Before this contract, employees made between $16.25 and $16.50 an hour regardless of their length of service. Now, workers receive at least $19.25 an hour at the Modesto branch and $20.25 at the Walnut Creek branch, with additional increases based on seniority.
Other improvements in the new two-year contract include: additional sick leave, two more paid holidays, and a one-time bonus determined by seniority.
“Before these increases, our wages were barely gas money and I thought about quitting because it just wasn’t worth it,” said Laureen Thompson, Addus homecare worker of 14 years and bargaining team member. “This new contract will help us keep up with the cost of living and the improved sick leave and holiday pay will help us provide better care.”
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.
“This contract brings us one step closer to ensuring all care workers are treated with the dignity and respect they need. As counties face an increasingly aging population and shortages of workers to care for them, we must continue to raise the standards of care for both recipients and providers,” said Arnulfo De La Cruz, President of SEIU Local 2015. “I’m moved by the dedication of our private agency care workers and allies who worked hard for this incredible victory. Together, we’re using our union power to improve working conditions for care workers and care recipients throughout California.”
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.