Workers With Disabilities Laid Off From California Medical Facility, Replaced by State Employees
VACAVILLE, CALIFORNIA — Nearly 60 workers with disabilities were laid off from their jobs at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville after a state contract with PRIDE Industries expired. The layoffs have sparked concern, outrage, and renewed calls for legislative reform to protect employment pathways for disabled individuals.
Dozens Lose Jobs After Contract Ends
PRIDE Industries, a nonprofit that provides employment for people with disabilities, had long partnered with the California Medical Facility. But that partnership came to a halt on June 30, 2025, when the state opted not to renew its contract, replacing PRIDE workers with state employees.
“I’ve got folks who really depend on the job here to support them and their families,” said Ameer Habeeb, a PRIDE employee who is also a veteran. “They depend on the insurance and the benefits they have through PRIDE.”
Habeeb, who suffers from severe anxiety and bipolar disorder due to his military service, said he has valued his role at PRIDE since joining in 2020. “Our results have been really good. Great completion, great quality — the customer is really happy with us,” he added.
PRIDE Employees Fight for Reinstatement
As of Tuesday, 51 employees had already been let go. Habeeb and seven others are scheduled to be laid off by the end of July.
In response, PRIDE Industries and its laid-off workers have reached out to both the Governor’s Office and SEIU Local 1000, the union representing state employees. Their request: either restore the contract or offer the workers a new pathway to return under union representation.
Ameer Habeeb has personally written to both the governor and the union, urging them to find a solution. “It’s an opportunity to do the right thing, and step up,” he said.
Legislative Response Under Consideration
Assemblymember Joe Patterson (R–Rocklin), whose district includes PRIDE’s headquarters in Roseville, is now considering legislation to address the issue. His office indicated the state’s Personnel Board made the decision to end the contract — a move Patterson’s team attempted to challenge.
“My staff showed up on behalf of PRIDE Industry employees,” Patterson said. “These individuals — a lot of them with disabilities — were largely dismissed at the meeting.”
A spokesperson for the Governor’s Office confirmed to ABC10 that while they don’t comment on pending legislation, “the Governor is open to considering a long-term solution through the legislative process.”
Union Calls for Equal Treatment
Eric Murray, Chair of Bargaining Unit 15 with SEIU Local 1000, also weighed in:
“It’s simple: workers with disabilities deserve the same fair pay, benefits, and protections as any other state employee — not just another outsourcing deal.”
As the legal and legislative debate unfolds, the displaced workers face an uncertain future.
“My folks are not on government support,” Habeeb stressed. “They’re working, supporting their families, and paying taxes. That should mean something.”
What Do You Think?
Should states be doing more to protect employment opportunities for people with disabilities — especially when taxpayer-funded programs are involved? Share your thoughts in the comments at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
