A Message from Family Child Care Provider Maria Elena Millings, District 8 Central Chair
Every day, we support families and strengthen our communities, yet too often our voices are ignored. Now is the time to stand together, get involved in our union, and ensure care workers across California are respected, valued, and recognized throughout 2026!
Know Your Rights
All people in the U.S., whether citizen or non-citizen, have certain rights under the U.S. Constitution and other laws. It’s important to know what to do if immigration or police come to your door, stop you while driving or outdoors, or if you are arrested or in jail. This information also applies to U.S. citizens if ICE questions, detains, or arrests you.
Knowing your rights can help protect you and your family. Learn more here.
Victories Powered by Member Strength:
- New Riverside County IHSS Contract: Three-year contract with wage increases through May 2028 and$150,000+ per year for benefits, including training funds, PPE, life insurance, and more.Learn more about the Riverside contract here.
- New San Diego County IHSS Contract: Three-year contract with wage increases through March 2027 and $600,000+ for benefits, including training funds, PPE, recruitment initiatives, and more. Read more about the San Diego contract here.
Federal Child Care Funding Freeze & Harassment: What We Know
The Trump Administration has announced a freeze on federal child care funding for California and four other states, threatening care for 100,000+ children. At the same time, Somali early childhood educators are facing harassment and intimidation, including reports in San Diego. Our union will continue working with partners and leaders to protect family child care providers and ensure dignity and respect for all providers. Read more here.
UDW Statement on the Governor’s Proposed 2026-27 Budget
The Governor’s proposed 2026-27 budget, released January 9, includes priorities for IHSS providers, family child care providers, and other programs that affect UDW members. Read our press release here.
UDW Community College Program: Education Benefits for Members
As members of our union, you and your family have access to free and low-cost higher education through the UDW Community College Program! This program connects home care and family child care providers, along with their families, to educational opportunities across all 116 California Community Colleges statewide. Expand your skills, advance your career, and make learning more accessible for your whole family! If you or an immediate family member is interested in signing up, click here.
Member story of the month: Home Care Provider Pedro J. Williams Sr.
Pedro’s caregiving journey is one of love, resilience, and unwavering commitments. After a tragic accident changed his family forever, Pedro became an IHSS provider so he could be there for his son every single day, providing care, stability, and dignity. For nearly 30 years, Pedro has been a proud UDW member, caregiver, and leader. Read Pedro’s full story here.
Take Action: Share Your Story!
Because of H.R. 1 (the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act), many care workers are seeing higher health insurance costs. If your premiums have increased, we want to hear how it’s affecting you, your family, or the people you care for. Share your story by recording a short video or audio clip.