Blowing whistles and making noise, about 100 frustrated home care workers and their clients occupied the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors’ offices Feb. 25 in response to drawn out negotiations that are leaving workers in economic uncertainty.
The event was covered by the San Jose Mercury News and KPFA radio.
Home care workers earn 17 percent below the self-sufficiency wage for people living in San Jose, or even less, and are seeking a contract to achieve some independence.
It doesn’t help that the county has habitually canceled negotiation sessions; ignored workers’ proposals; and failed to provide requested information.
Workers staged a sit-in to draw attention to their economic struggle and lack of progress from the county.
“We have been here since December trying to negotiate with this board of supervisors for a fair contact and for respect. And we want it now. We are home care workers. Mark my words: We will not stop coming here until we get our due respect. We will fight.”
— Helen Ledesma, Home Care Worker
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