Ordinarily, a newly-formed union would start by negotiating a contract that outlines working conditions. But with the pandemic surging, the first priority for Child Care Providers United is emergency relief for providers.
"Under normal circumstances ... at this stage, we'd be having discussions around language to start creating a skeleton of a contract," said union Chair Max Arias. "But we're in COVID-19 times. We're in the middle of providers closing at an alarming rate."
Between March and November, 2,030 licensed child care homes in California permanently closed — 4,400 temporarily shut their doors.
The union's members care for children through California's subsidy programs for low-income families. Since the pandemic broke out, that care has been extended to some essential workers.