Workers Rally For Healthcare In Alameda

Oakland, Calif.--Hundreds of homecare workers, seniors and people with disabilities rallied outside the Alameda Board of Supervisors chamber on Tuesday to urge that healthcare continue to be provided for Alameda County caregivers.

Members marched, chanted and personally lobbied the board so that it would avoid jeopardizing such healthcare coverage in the coming years.

Local homecare workers, members of the United Long-Term Care Workers’ Union (ULTCW), have been without a contract since September of 2007 and are currently locked in negotiations with the county.  At stake in the bargaining is the protection of healthcare coverage for the Alameda In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers, now making $10.50 per hour.

Without such coverage, Alameda County puts itself at risk of losing quality homecare workers who make it possible for seniors and people with disabilities to live independently in their homes and neighborhoods.  More than 12,000 IHSS workers provide care in Alameda County.

Several local community organizations also turned out in support of ULTCW's effort.



Alameda Rally Photo Gallery

More Media Coverage of the Event

Oakland Tribune Story

KPFA Radio Segment