This year, we showed California—and the country—what happens when care workers stand together. From protecting our overtime, twice, to defending Medicaid, from fighting back against representatives who side with billionaires instead of working families through Prop 50, to winning a new family child care contract, we did that!We should be extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished!
That’s why we talked with members from around the state about what these victories mean to them—and why they believe fighting for care is worth it.
“Overtime cuts would have reduced my income by over $1,200 per month and taken away vital hours of care for my son, Manny. Fighting cuts to our programs is a matter of life and death for care workers and the people we care for— and that’s why we’ll keep fighting! We’ve spent decades fighting tooth and nail to make sure our time, skill, and careers are respected because care work is real work, and real work deserves fair pay.”
— Astrid Zuniga, IHSS provider, UDW Statewide President
“My son relies on many of the programs that were being threatened, and I know firsthand how much they mean to families like mine. Medicaid funds so much — from IHSS to Meals on Wheels to programs that help kids with disabilities — and cutting it would devastate our communities. We have to keep fighting together, because keeping people in their homes and cared for isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s what makes our communities stronger.”
— Ryan Hoggatt, IHSS provider, Stanislaus County
“Our previous contracts have brought stability and real progress. This year, we had to defend those hard-won benefits, and we didn’t back down! We showed up by the thousands in Sacramento and all around the state and made our contract happen, because when we fight united, we win! Together, we protected our health care, training, and retirement funds. But we have to keep pushing to be paid the true cost of care so providers can finally stop subsidizing the state’s child care system!”
— Yolanda Thomas, Contra Costa County provider
“We deserve leaders who fight for home care and child care, not billionaires. Prop 50 gives us the power to vote out the leaders who failed us this year, and I know that together with my union family, we’ll keep advocating for each other, our families, and our communities!”
— Cynthia Williams, IHSS provider, Orange County
We have to keep showing up for each other, lifting each other up, and bringing the same energy into the 2026 election to elect leaders who will fight for care workers, our clients, our families, and our communities. Let’s continue to stand tall and united and keep on fighting for the respect and communities we deserve!