Low wages are causing a care shortage by driving caregivers out of the profession
Alameda County, CA – Today, Alameda County’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers, members of SEIU Local 2015—the nation’s largest long-term care union representing more than half a million workers across California—returned to the Board of Supervisors meeting to urge elected officials to invest in long-term care. Alameda County IHSS workers are currently negotiating a new contract with county officials.
In Alameda County, more than 30,000 IHSS workers provide essential long-term care (including paramedical, personal care, and household services) to older adults and people with disabilities. The IHSS program ensures people who need long-term care can receive it in the setting of their choice, supporting their ability to remain in their homes in the Alameda community instead of an institutional setting.
More than 2.6 million authorized care hours went unused last year in Alameda County, pointing to a shortage of providers for seniors and disabled individuals in need. In turn, wages and benefits that fail to meet the needs of families are driving IHSS workers out of the caregiving profession: Alameda IHSS providers earn $20.00 an hour while MIT estimates the area living wage to be $29.95 per hour for one adult with no children.
“Because of IHSS, I can care for my autistic son at home instead of sending him to an expensive and unfamiliar institution,” said Tamara Nghisakenwa, an Alameda County IHSS worker. “But many of us caregivers can’t afford to live and work in this county, and that puts IHSS recipients at risk.”
According to recent polling, 77% of Alameda’s IHSS workers work multiple jobs and 63% have difficulty paying their rent or mortgage each month. More than half experience consistent food insecurity, relying on CalFresh and/or food banks at least monthly.
“It’s not okay for us to live with wages that are not enough for our daily needs,” said Alameda County IHSS worker Rosalba Castellanos. “That’s why we have to fight to get better benefits and wages.” Rosalba joined the union’s bargaining team to defend her children’s rights and raise the standards of care for all community members. Read more about Rosalba’s story here.
“As the need for care continues to increase, Alameda County needs to invest in IHSS providers,” said SEIU Local 2015 President Arnulfo De La Cruz. “They are an essential workforce, caring for the most vulnerable populations in our community. If you care for your constituents, give Alameda County homecare workers a strong contract so they can continue providing essential services to older adults and people with disabilities.”
SEIU Local 2015 is committed to advancing policies that improve the lives of long-term care workers and those they care for. The union’s bargaining team encourages the Board of Supervisors to collaborate to address these pressing issues and ensure that Alameda’s long-term care system is prepared to support the county’s future.
To learn more about SEIU Local 2015 visit www.SEIU2015.org or on social media @SEIU2015.