This past weekend, we met with the state’s bargaining team. They insisted over and over again that they want to invest in family child care providers, but they:

• REJECTED our proposals to increase our pay to the true cost of care, instead keeping our pay at just a fraction of what it costs to provide child care
• REJECTED funding for training to help educate us and better serve families,
• REJECTED expanding retirement benefits to include license-exempt providers or providing all of us with what we need
• Backtracked on their promise to continue to fund health care to keep us healthy to serve our families

Furthermore, the state believes that family child care providers do not deserve Paid Time Off, yet due to our low pay, we cannot afford to close our doors. This is unacceptable! We deserve the same dignity, respect, and benefits as any other worker!

Here’s how you can take ACTION TODAY on “Day Without Childcare!” 

Monday, May 8th, child care providers, parents, and families across the country are hosting a Day Without Child Care. “Day Without Childcare” is a national recognition of the essential role of childcare for children, families and the economy. For generations, we have been fighting for equitable access to affordable child care and better pay and working conditions for providers, but our needs are still not being met. Members of Child Care Providers United (CCPU) will join events today to demand urgent federal and state action to stabilize the essential childcare workforce. Support your union siblings by liking, commenting, and sharing our live stream starting at 9:00 a.m. on the @CCPUCalifornia Facebook page. 

After joining the live stream, send an urgent message to Gov. Newsom and tell him to respect providers and invest in child care now! We will continue fighting for respect for our profession and to expand child care options for working parents. Make sure you share with at least 5 friends and/or family members!