Caregivers celebrate contract and remember bargaining team member Beverly Galten
Mendocino County, CA – This 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, ratified a new three-year contract with the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors.
The 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.
“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.”
This contract was negotiated by a dedicated bargaining team of home care workers, including Beverly Galten, who was an IHSS provider for over 17 years. She passed away a few weeks before the ratification of the agreement, and her memory continues to inspire providers in Mendocino County.
Beverly was a fierce labor advocate for all care workers until the end of her life. The last contract in 2019 could not have been accomplished without her. At 81 years old, Beverly was still actively participating in bargaining, canvassing, and traveling to meet providers like herself.
“I was with Beverly four days before she passed away and we all miss her dearly. She was hardworking, friendly, and determined to get better wages for all providers in Mendocino,” said Mendocino IHSS provider and bargaining team member Consuelo Rocha. “She would be so happy to see our efforts pay off after going over a year and a half without a contract. Beverly never gave up, and she would want every care worker to use their voice in fighting for better wages.”
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).
Today’s announcement drew praise from SEIU Local 2015 leadership and marked a step forward in the union’s statewide push for livable wages.
“For over a year, Mendocino County providers have been sharing their stories and raising their voices, imploring the Board of Supervisors to invest in the Future of Care. It was a long fight, and I’m inspired by our members, including Beverly Galten, who was still actively participating days before she passed away,” said Kim Evon, Executive Vice President of SEIU Local 2015. “This victory is a testament to the power of collective action, and I look forward to seeing other California counties follow Mendocino in strengthening our care infrastructure.”
Since January 2020, SEIU Local 2015 has worked with counties and nursing homes across California to win more than 95 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.