Latest update 4/19/2024 on Tulare County IHSS providers continue their fight for a contract with livable wages and health care.
Currently, Tulare County IHSS providers are in the process of negotiating a contract that includes livable wages. This effort is crucial in recognizing the valuable work they provide, and improving the financial security of these essential caregivers.
On April 19th, Tulare caregivers rallied before the County’s Board of Supervisors. They demanded fair wages and a stronger contract. During the worst of the pandemic, caregivers were hailed as ‘heroes’ by the elected officials around them. Now it’s time for those elected officials to start paying these healthcare heroes what they are worth.
Latest update 3/12/2024 on Fresno County IHSS providers rallied for a contract with livable wages and health care.
On March 12th, Tulare caregivers rallied before the County’s Board of Supervisors to demand better. Caregivers are fed up with being given scraps. They know the value of the service they provide to the community. They are now saying “enough is enough,” and are prepared to push back even harder against the BOS if their demands go unmet.
There is already a shortage of Tulare County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers. Right now, over 400,000 authorized care hours went unused in Tulare County, indicating thousands of people in the county having difficulty finding care.
- More than 80.4% of IHSS providers in Tulare County reported working multiple jobs – at least some of the time – just to make ends meet. That’s 4 out of every 5 providers in the county.
- More than 49.1% of IHSS providers in Tulare County experience consistent food insecurity, relying on CalFresh and/or food banks at least monthly.
- Nearly 63% of IHSS providers in Tulare County have difficulty paying their mortgage or rent each month, with many reporting that they are sometimes or always late with their payments.
- More than 60% of IHSS providers in Tulare County are sometimes or often unable to access medication because they cannot afford the cost of prescriptions.
IHSS Provider Maria Paredez
“IHSS work is incredibly important, and it’s crucial that the Tulare County Board of Supervisors truly comprehend and know: It’s not just a job — it’s vital services that deserve recognition and support from those we vote into leadership.”
IHSS Provider Thomas Magana
“The work requires skill sets that only human touch and empathy can bring. It comes naturally to me. It’s something I really love doing. I think about it this way: when I get really old someday, or if I somehow got disabled, I’d want to be cared for by someone who actually cares. This is what I need Tulare County Board of Supervisors to think about when it’s their turn in life. ”