Merced caregivers want pay raise to more than minimum wage

The union representing 2,100 workers who provide home care assistance to low-income Merced County residents is pressing for a new contract that would boost their pay to more than minimum wage and guarantee them health coverage.

Leaders of the local United Domestic Workers union protested before last week’s county Board of Supervisors meeting and then spoke during the body’s public comment period.

“A minimum wage increase is not an increase for home health care providers,” said Crystal Mendes, a resident of Hilmar.

Caregivers represented by the San Diego-based union provide services to low-income Merced County residents who may be disabled, blind or over the age of 65. Their work includes house cleaning, meal preparation, laundry and grocery shopping, among other responsibilities. The caregivers work for In-Home Supportive Services, a state-run program that operates in all 58 counties. The service is an alternative to out-of-home care such as a nursing home or board-and-care facilities.

The local branch of United Domestic Workers has been in negotiations with Merced County since October. Its last contract expired Dec. 31, 2015.

Union members earn $10 per hour. Representatives hope to secure a three-year contract that provides a 50-cent raise in the first year and a 35-cent raise each consecutive year, along with vision and dental benefits. Members also would like a spending allotment to buy medical supplies for their clients, said Margitte Kristjansson, a communications manager with the union.

Currently, members do not receive health, vision or dental coverage.

Before California’s minimum wage increased to $10, UDW caregivers made $9.50 per hour, Kristjansson said.

Merced County spokesman Mike North said the county is negotiating wages with the union, the members of which will be subject to a minimum wage increase of $5 by 2020. “Out of respect for the negotiations process, I won’t divulge any details,” North said.

Mike Loza, the union’s regional coordinator, said in an interview with the Sun-Star that there has been movement across the bargaining table, but not a lot. He expects the county’s final proposal on the wage increase this month.

“We’re encouraged by that but not to the point where we can say we’re close to a settlement,” Loza said.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 5:45 PM with the headline "Merced caregivers want pay raise to more than minimum wage."