In the early hours of this morning, CCPU’s elected bargaining team reached a tentative agreement with the state of California that protects our hard-won benefits, increases our current rates, provides one-time stabilization payments, and allows us to continue organizing and fighting for further rate increases to achieve the cost of care and to strengthen our union. This victory happened because of our collective organizing, unity, and power.

After thousands of us took action in our communities and in Sacramento—rallying, calling, and emailing the Governor and the Legislature—we have reached a tentative agreement with the state that we can be proud of! This agreement not only protects our benefits for three years but also provides rate increases and one-time stabilization payments. It allows us to continue working and organizing to improve our rates even further. We will also keep fighting for meaningful time off for providers when we are sick or simply need rest, along with other improvements that will enhance stability for providers. Now, it’s time to vote YES to ratify our agreement!

Let’s get ready to vote to ratify our agreement. Be on the lookout for more information on meetings and other ways to learn more details about our tentative agreement, as well as when, where, and how to vote. Your membership gives you a vote. Only members can ratify a tentative agreement.

Highlights of the Tentative Agreement include:

• Saved CCPU benefit funds at their current levels: 
  • Retirement Funding – $80 million a year.
  • Healthcare Funding – $100 million a year.
  • Training Funding – $15 million a year.

• Approximately $37 million annually for Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) 

• $90 million in one-time stabilization payments.

• A wage re-opener that offers a pathway to secure additional rate increases during the life of the contract.

• Extend the payment system to be based on enrollment rather than attendance for 3 years.

• Significant advancements in the true cost of care rate structure, with a commitment to reach an agreement by the upcoming budget cycle

Our victories were achieved because providers came together and united with parents and allies. From overnight trips to Sacramento to round-the-clock bargaining, providers and supporters gave it their all! Providers were powered by hard work, unity, and determination.

This solidarity and strength helped us prevent the elimination of our health care fund and other essential benefits that providers depend on. We secured pay increases even when the State claimed there was no new funding available until late June. Additionally, our collective efforts have set the stage for further organizing to address the cost of care, obtain additional pay increases, and improve matters related to emergencies, paid time off, and inclusion in the state’s mixed delivery care system. 

The fight is never over! We must continue to organize more providers into our union and take action to build on these achievements.