Childcare providers in California are celebrating a groundbreaking achievement as they reach a tentative agreement with the state, represented by the union Child Care Providers United (CCPU). This agreement, set to expire in June 2025, marks a significant milestone for the historically underpaid workforce, predominantly comprised of women of color.
The CCPU bargaining team, including Nancy Harvey, an Oakland child care provider, expressed their satisfaction with the deal, stating, “Today, child care providers have made history by standing together, strong and united, to demand the pay we are worth and the quality child care California’s children deserve.” The union’s first-ever contract negotiations with the state began in 2021, aiming to secure better compensation and benefits for childcare providers. Now, their efforts have come to fruition.
The critical components of the California childcare worker pay increase include a historic $600 million salary adjustment over two years, although specific percentage breakdowns are yet to be disclosed. Additionally, the contract allocates $80 million for retirement funding, $100 million for healthcare funding, and a commitment to revamping the outdated rate system that has plagued the industry.
This victory is not only a significant step forward for childcare providers but also highlights the importance of empowering a workforce that has long been undervalued. The agreement underscores the commitment to fair compensation and recognition of the vital role childcare providers play in nurturing California’s children.
The finalization of the contract is contingent upon ratification by both CCPU members and the state, which is expected to occur later this summer.
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