ULTCW takes message to board members’ workplace

Homecare workers: $9 an hour doesn’t cut it

On Aug. 8, homecare workers from across Los Angeles joined forces to make “house calls” – in this case several “workplace calls” – to LA public authority board members, demanding answers about the board’s refusal to grant homecare workers a fair contract.

Since May, homecare workers in Los Angeles County have been trying to bargain in good faith for a fair contract with a living wage and fair benefits. But the Personal Assistance Service Council, LA County’s public authority, is refusing listen to homecare workers’ needs and delaying progress. Meanwhile homecare workers remain without a contract.

Divided into teams of about 20, members hit the streets with flyers and waited outside of board member’s homes and places of employment to question them directly.

Here’s a summary of the day:

Eric Vasquez, PASC Board Member - Members waited outside the Miraville Center in East Los Angeles for Mr. Vasquez to come out of the building. Members approached him and asked why he is stalling negotiations.

Mr. Vasquez replied that in light of the state budget crisis, he wouldn’t agree to a contract until a budget is reached. He said he and other PASC member had nothing against the raise and benefit improvements in the contract, but they were all waiting for the budget to get signed. A member asked Mr. Vasquez to sign a letter of support and he agreed to fax to the union office.  

Dick Fisher, PASC attorney – Fifteen members arrived at the Pacific Palasades home of PASC’s attorney at 11 a.m. Three bargaining team members knocked on the door, but the Latina maid said he wasn’t home. The members explained in Spanish to the woman why they needed to speak to him. Meanwhile, sensing resistance and attempts to make members leave, homecare workers from the driveway, chanted, “We need our raise!”

After several minutes of chanting and giving Mr. Fisher a chance to come forth, members dispersed with flyers to his neighbors’ homes to share our story.

Terry Magady, PASC board member – Seventeen members traveled to the workplace of this board member. Sage Ali spoke directly to Mr. Magady, who said he will take the recommendations in consideration. Members observed that Mr. Magady seemed very indifferent to their concerns. He tried to brush members off. However, after the conversation, members dispersed through the 12-floor building, passing out flyers.  Security was called, but not before we were able to leaflet many offices on all floors. Members definitely interrupted the “normalcy” of the office
Willis Oliver, clerk, Simon Golledge, Chief Financial Officer and Ronald Osterhout, Chief Operating Officer – Members approached these PASC staff members at the PASC main office in Sherman Oaks. Unfortunately, another staff member informed us they are not in the office on Friday. Nevertheless, three members were prepared to speak, sent the message to the staff that was there and left leaflets.

James Adler, PASC Board Chair – Members visited the home of the board Chair, but he was not home. Two member leaders explained the importance of the contract campaign and left the leaflet with his housekeeper.

After, members split up and went door-to-door leaving fliers. They listened and took the flier. We covered all the houses in his area until we ran out.  

Chris Otero, PASC Board Member – Members traveled to the Altadena home of this PASC board member. After no answer, we hit the streets and leafleted every house in the neighborhood.

Members observed that two of the homes leafleted had disabled residents, based on a converted van in one driveway and a wheelchair outside the door of the other.  We hope they are receptive to our issue and concerns. We also spoke with other neighbors who listened cordially to our concerns.

Yungsuhn Park, PASC Board Member - Members visited the Asian American Legal Center downtown to visit PASC board member, Ms. Park. The office receptionist claimed that Ms. Park wasn’t in and refused to let us approach her office. Members called her and left several messages asking her to consider our contract proposals and give homecare workers the fair contract they need and deserve.

Members then posted at all entrances and exits of the building to hand out flyers and discuss the issues with her co-workers and others in the building. We also left flyers under doors of other offices in the building that were closed.