Labor-negotiated deal protects older Californians, people with disabilities

United Domestic Workers of America (UDW/AFSCME 3930), a union representing over 125,000 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers, today released the following statements after the California Legislature passed legislation providing two weeks of supplemental paid sick leave benefits to California’s workers through September 30, 2022. 

UDW Executive Director UDW said:

“Thanks to the advocacy of organized labor representing frontline workers, California’s long-term care system is stronger today and better prepared to handle the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. By passing an extension of supplemental sick leave for California’s workers, the State Legislature has ensured that essential workers like IHSS providers will be able to protect their clients and their own families if they have been exposed or infected with COVID-19. We are pleased the state has heeded our advocacy on behalf of home care workers.”

UDW Statewide President Editha Adams, an IHSS caregiver for her adult daughter, said:

“As caregivers, we work tirelessly to ensure our clients are safe and comfortable and that their needs are met. But, because we are paid so little, we are often unable to meet our own needs. Extending pandemic sick leave gives home care providers a safety net in the unfortunate event we are impacted by the virus and allows us to focus on what we do best: protecting the older residents and people with disabilities in our communities.”