A Message from Child Care Provider Charlotte Neal, District 8 North Chair
Our work keeps California’s care economy running, and this primary election will shape the future of that work. By supporting and voting for our union’s endorsed candidates, we’re standing up for stable funding, fair wages, and the long‑term sustainability for our profession.
Top Priority: Vote for Tom Steyer for Governor of California
We stand with Tom Steyer because he recognizes that California’s economy depends on care work and has committed to prioritizing IHSS and family child care. As governor, he will work with us to protect home care and child care, improve our wages, sign statewide bargaining for home care into law during his first year in office, and create stable, long-term funding for IHSS and child care programs. He will not only stand with us but also fight for us! Steyer has pledged to fight back against federal cuts and ensure our programs do not face cuts at the state level—no matter what. Read more here.
Victories Powered by Member Strength: We Made Our Voices Heard!
- New Madera County IHSS Contract: A three-year agreement effective now through December 2027, including a wage increase and an increase in annual PPE funding.
- New Santa Barbara County IHSS Contract: Three-year contract with wage increases effective now through July 2027.
Contact your local office for additional details: udw.org/contact-us
Orange County IHSS Contract Fight Begins!
Home care workers in Orange County are in negotiations for a new contract! The OC Board of Supervisors sets IHSS caregiver wages, and we’re holding them accountable to ensure we receive the pay and benefits we deserve. If you’re an IHSS care worker in OC, now is the time to get involved!
Support the True Cost of Care Act (AB 1981) for Child Care Providers
The true cost of running a child care program keeps rising, while reimbursement rates fall behind. As a result, providers are being forced to close their doors, and children and families are losing access to quality care and learning. Call and email your state representatives and let them know child care providers need the true cost of care, now! Take action NOW!
Celebrating Autism Awareness Month
The Quiet Isolation of Autism Families is a personal reflection by UDW member Shikha Bansal, who is a caregiver to her autistic daughter. It explores the often-overlooked social isolation that families may experience after an autism diagnosis and invites readers to reflect on dignity, inclusion, and the lived realities of autism caregiving. Read more here.
Against the Odds: The Birth of UDW (A Documentary)
When four young organizers, Fahari Jeffers, Ken Seaton-Msemaji, Greg Akili, and Raquel Beltran, were asked to start a union for California’s domestic care workers, they said yes, despite having no prior labor experience. This film shows how caregivers organized, fought for dignity, and proved that collective action can overcome even the toughest challenges. Watch the film HERE
Member Spotlight: Home Care Provider Shikha Bansal
Shikha has been a San Diego County resident for over 11 years. She began working as an IHSS provider in January 2025, drawing on years of experience as a parent and advocate. She remains committed to her daughter and to supporting the broader caregiving community.
Read her full story here.
Take Action: Key Dates for the 2026 CA Primary Election
The June 2, 2026, Primary Election is approaching. Now is a great time to check your voter registration status, update your address, and prepare for Election Day: https://registertovote.ca.gov
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May 4 |
Ballots are mailed out |
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May 5 |
Ballot drop off locations are open |
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May 18 |
Last day to register to vote |
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May 23 |
Vote centers open for early in person voting |
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June 2 |
Election Day. Polls open 7 AM – 8 PM |