Hundreds of child care providers rallied outside the California State Capitol, demanding higher wages after the union’s contract with the state expired earlier this month, leaving negotiations at a standstill.Charlotte Neal, a child care provider in Sacramento, said the current wages are forcing providers to shut down. “We work around the clock like myself, and we’re doing quality child care,” said Neal. “We cannot continue to do it and keep our doors open.” According to the California Department of Social Services, 73% of family child care providers reported that they do not pay themselves a salary and work over 64 hours per week.”Making some between $4 or $5 an hour,” she said. “This is 2025, but that’s the kind of money that we are making.”On Tuesday night, hundreds of providers and families voiced their demands outside the Capitol.Max Arias from the Child Care Providers United union said contract negotiations with the state are set to continue on Wednesday. The union represents more than 60,000 child care workers.”We’re hopeful maybe we can find some kind of settlement that gives us some start on our rates increase,” Arias said.The governor’s office told KCRA 3 they cannot comment on active collective bargaining negotiations.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
Hundreds of child care providers rallied outside the California State Capitol, demanding higher wages after the union’s contract with the state expired earlier this month, leaving negotiations at a standstill.
Charlotte Neal, a child care provider in Sacramento, said the current wages are forcing providers to shut down.
“We work around the clock like myself, and we’re doing quality child care,” said Neal. “We cannot continue to do it and keep our doors open.”
According to the California Department of Social Services, 73% of family child care providers reported that they do not pay themselves a salary and work over 64 hours per week.
“Making some between $4 or $5 an hour,” she said. “This is 2025, but that’s the kind of money that we are making.”
On Tuesday night, hundreds of providers and families voiced their demands outside the Capitol.
Max Arias from the Child Care Providers United union said contract negotiations with the state are set to continue on Wednesday. The union represents more than 60,000 child care workers.
“We’re hopeful maybe we can find some kind of settlement that gives us some start on our rates increase,” Arias said.
The governor’s office told KCRA 3 they cannot comment on active collective bargaining negotiations.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel