If ratified, caregivers will earn $20.31 by 2027
Mendocino County, CA – Last week, the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers of SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care union representing more than 470,000 caregivers across California, reached a tentative agreement for a new three-year union contract with the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors.
If ratified, this new contract will raise standards for nearly 2,000 IHSS workers who provide essential in-home care to older adults and people with disabilities across Mendocino County. It will:
- Increase the IHSS provider wage supplement by $1.81, bringing wages to $18.81 by October 2024 and creating a path to $20.31 by January 2027.
- Include an investment of $30,000 for training and PPE.
- Strengthen safeguards to ensure non-discrimination in the workplace.
- Address the caregiver shortage by making changes to the provider registry, ensuring recipients in remote parts of the County receive the care they need.
“This wage increase will help me manage my bills. I am a single mom and with this contract, I can afford basic necessities and provide for my family,” said Mendocino IHSS provider and bargaining team member Consuelo Rocha. “Providers are indispensable, and this contract is really needed since we’ve gone nearly a year and a half without one.”
“We fought a good fight, stood up for what we needed as essential workers, and did not back down,” said Mendocino County IHSS Provider Priscilla Tarver. “The contract is a step in the right direction and includes new investments in caregiver training that we really need.”
Across the country roughly 10,000 people turn 65 every day. As this number of older adults and people with disabilities who require in-home care continues to grow in California, these higher standards will help counties continue to attract more care providers to this workforce (and retain them).
Mendocino County IHSS providers will vote to approve the tentatively agreed upon union contract by June 28. Today’s announcement drew praise from SEIU Local 2015 leadership and marked a step forward in the union’s statewide push for livable wages.
“I am inspired by the Mendocino County members who shared their stories and raised the standards for providers all over California, and we appreciate the Board’s commitment to improving wages and benefits for home care workers,” said Kim Evon, Executive Vice President of SEIU Local 2015. “As the need for caregivers continues to increase, agreements like this bring us closer to a Future of Care where we can attract and retain enough providers.”
Since January 2020, SEIU Local 2015 has worked with counties and nursing homes across California to win more than 90 contracts, securing better workplace protections, improved wages and benefits, and a voice in the care its members provide. These investments in IHSS working conditions will help strengthen the infrastructure of care to help attract and retain caregivers.
To learn more about SEIU Local 2015 visit www.SEIU2015.org or on social media @SEIU2015.