SEIU Local 535

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SEIU Local 535 is Going Up Against
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Child Care Cuts

SEIU Local 535 is committed to changing the broken child care system where kids and child care workers are the winners. In California, Local 535 is going up against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal to cut subsidies for child care.

Historically, the child care industry--almost entirely female--has had high job turnover, minimal benefits and low wages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, child care workers in 2002 averaged $8.32 an hour, less than aerobics instructors and manicurists.

The bureau does not count family providers, who are self-employed and care for children dropped off in their homes. After expenses, such providers often make less than minimum wage. Some child care workers earn less than $5 an hour after covering such expenses as food, books and toys. Local 535 is committed to changing the broken system failing its workers and children.