“I told them my conditions needed to improve, and I set my rights. To be able to provide good service to my clients I also have to be healthy and fairly compensated.”
My name is Maria Elena Ceja and my husband and I live in Gilroy. We have four sons, 8 grandchildren, and one on the way. I have been a homecare worker for more than 15 years.
I worked with a family for 8 years. Suddenly, COVID-19 appeared and the father, who I was taking care of, went to live with his children, and I lost my job. There was a lot of uncertainty about work at that time, but someone told me about a job in Marin County for 2 days a week. I took it. Sometimes it took me two hours to get to work and back home because I live in Gilroy.
Unfortunately, both myself and my client contracted COVID from another caregiver there. The family asked me to stay as we were both positive, and they didn’t want to get sick. For ten days, they had me remain in her room. I did the best I could for her. I had to hold her up when I could barely hold myself. Had to get her to the bathroom and support her as she showered. I was extremely weak. Given the distance and low pay, I stopped working there.
During that time, I became involved with the National Domestic Workers Alliance and learned about my rights around health and safety protections and that it is necessary for us to be protected in our jobs just like any other worker.
After 6 months the family asked me to come back. I told them my conditions needed to improve, and I set my rights. I told them If I’m sick, I would need time off. And I wanted a fair remuneration. To be able to provide good service to my clients I also have to be healthy and fairly compensated. They agreed and I felt more comfortable and secure.
