NORTHRIDGE — A rally to advocate for a childcare system with "thriving" wages for providers and "affordable care for families," among other demands, was held Monday in Northridge.

"We are one of the only rich countries in the entire world that expects families to carry this burden all on their own ... and to me that is shameful," Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman said at the morning event outside Dignity Health-Northridge Hospital Medical Center, organized by Service Employees International Union Local 99.

The Northridge rally was among a planned 84 events in 26 states billed as "Day Without Child Care," held the day after Mother's Day, to demand "thriving wages for childcare providers, affordable care for families, a childcare system built on racial and gender justice, and an expanded, inclusive tax credit," according to organizers.

The national effort was organized by Community Change Action, which bills itself as "a national organization that builds power from the ground up" and believes "effective and enduring social movements must be led by those most impacted by injustice and voting is one essential lever of change."

The rally sought to pressure Gov. Gavin Newsom to address the challenges working mothers face, including childcare deserts, long waiting lists for childcare facilities, low wages for providers and the high cost of care, organizers said.

There was no immediate response to an email sent to Newsom's office late Monday afternoon seeking comment.