Eureka, CA – On Monday, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers of SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care union representing nearly 450,000 caregivers across California, reached a tentative agreement for a new Union contract with the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors.
The full provisions of the contract amount to a 16% wage increase over the life of the agreement, with wages moving from $16.00 an hour to $17.50 in January 2024, $18.00 in January 2025, and $18.50 in January 2026. The contract also includes the County’s first-ever investment in training and personal protective equipment for IHSS providers. The Union secured additional improvements to the IHSS orientation, grievances, and caregiver backup programs – strengthening the program’s infrastructure to attract and retain caregivers.
“The past two years bargaining with the County were definitely a challenge, but our hard work and resilience paid off in the gains we secured with this contract,” said IHSS provider and SEIU Local 2015 bargaining team member Antoinette Skiles. “With higher wages and better protections, I’m optimistic that people in the most remote parts of Humboldt County will have easier access to caregivers, keeping them safe at home.”
Today’s announcement also drew praise from SEIU Local 2015 leadership and marked a significant step forward in the Union’s statewide push for living wages.
“This contract is a big step forward in our efforts to increase wages for California’s IHSS providers across the state and raise standards in the industry. For nearly two years, Humboldt caregivers stayed strong at the bargaining table, shared their stories at public meetings, and worked together to raise public awareness,” said SEIU Local 2015 President Arnulfo De La Cruz. “We thank the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors for hearing our call and taking action. We hope other counties in California follow suit and finally invest in the essential workers who care for older adults and people with disabilities.”
“The wage increases our bargaining team secured will be life-changing for providers across Humboldt County – especially for those who are single parents,” said Vivian Deniston, an IHSS provider and one of the Union’s Regional Vice Presidents. “Our advocacy for providers and consumers alike will uplift the quality of care for all and has put us in a position to begin repairing Humboldt’s caregiver shortage.”
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.
Over the last three years, SEIU Local 2015 members have escalated their fight to improve the long-term care industry in California.
To learn more about SEIU Local 2015 visit www.SEIU2015.org or on social media @SEIU2015.