On April 5th and April 6th, our CCPU Bargaining Team met with the State to continue negotiations for a fair contract that addresses the needs of all providers, and we are at a loss for words over what they presented at the table. Rather than working together on solutions to keep child care providers operational, and help fix the ongoing child care crisis, they proposed:

• REFUSING to cover the true cost of care: Despite inflation rising over 30%, our wages have remained stagnant at only $7 to $10 an hour, placing the financial burden on providers and parents. The state rejected our proposal to move to the cost of the care, instead proposing to keep our pay the same.
• ELIMINATING our healthcare fund benefits: This fund, for which we fought tirelessly, provides essential support for medical visits, medications, and financial assistance when needed and has ensured providers can access life-sustaining care for ourselves, keeping us healthy for the important work we do.
• CUTTING our retirement benefits funding by half and refusing to expand to include FFN providers: This decision shows a lack of respect for those of us who have dedicated years to this industry and to nurturing California’s children.

This bargaining session was filled with strong emotions and frustration. Especially because month after month we have met a State that lacks preparedness, professionalism, and caring when sitting down with us to this ultimate blow: ERADICATING WHAT WE’VE LONG FOUGHT FOR! 

We refuse to let the state undermine us. Now, more than ever, we must stand united against its attacks and fight for our future, ourselves, and the families we support!

Now is not the time to stay silent or inactive. We’ll be taking action in Sacramento on April 22 and in various communities across California on April 30, with more actions planned in the coming months.

We must be ready to take all necessary steps to secure a fair contract. Get involved now by reaching out to your organizer and participating in upcoming actions throughout the state.

Hear our update directly from our Union Siblings HERE