[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 46 (Thursday, April 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY: ORGANIZING AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 1998

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United 
Domestic Workers of America/AFSCME, AFL-CIO, as they are honored by the 
San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO for their 
contributions to the labor movement and to the community as a whole.
  The UDW Organizing Committee is being recognized by the Labor Council 
with its ``Organizing Award'' for their historic organizing drive in 
which they made over 10,000 house visits and signed up 3,200 home care 
workers in a record 3\1/2\ months last summer.
  These home care workers, who provide domestic and personal care 
services to the elderly and disabled, earn minimum wage with no 
benefits. While they give their service in caring for the sick and 
infirm, they have no sick leave, no health insurance, and no 
retirement. Even though their work is controlled by the county and paid 
by the state, they are not recognized as permanent employees. They are 
called independent providers and have no employee rights.
  To correct this situation, the new members of UDW have set up 
organizing committees in San Diego's five supervisorial districts, 
prioritized their demands for improving their jobs, trained 30 new 
delegates for the UDW State Convention, and initiated a membership 
service program to include emergency assistance, legal consultations, 
life and medical insurance, and representation at benefit appeal 
hearings. UDW is also working on legislation and local initiatives to 
establish legal recognition and collective bargaining rights for 
independent providers.
  Having completed these successful accomplishments, UDW is now in the 
second phase of its campaign to organize the remaining 6,000 
independent providers.
  As a friend and supporter of UDW for many years, I want to sincerely 
congratulate the UDW Organizing Committee and its members on receiving 
this significant award from the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor 
Council for your many long hours and labor-intensive work in the cause 
of justice!

                          ____________________