Marin County, CA – 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 union contract after bargaining with the Marin County Board of Supervisors.
There are nearly 2,000 IHSS workers in Marin County who provide essential in-home services to older adults and people with disabilities. This new contract will:
- Increase the IHSS provider wage supplement from $2.00 to $3.50 over minimum wage by 2026;
- Introduce an incentive program for new registry providers who will receive incentive payments after 1 and 5 years actively on Marin’s IHSS Public Authority registry, with additional incentives for providers working in West Marin;
- A first-time agreement to pay providers conducting new employee orientations or participating in collective bargaining sessions with SEIU 2015.
“This contract will benefit every single provider in Marin County. I am especially happy to see new incentives for registry providers that will encourage caregivers to work in this industry, especially in the more underserved rural areas of the County such as West Marin,” said bargaining team member Sunita Singh who has been a caretaker for over 40 years. “This is a great beginning, and I look forward to building even more support and connection among caregivers.”
“Our contract is a step in the right direction for care workers providing essential services to community members,” said bargaining team member Melinda McCall who has been a caretaker for over 10 years. “It’s also great that the Board has agreed to include compensation for collective bargaining. Attending bargaining meetings takes us away from our clients, so I am happy that we’re receiving a stipend for our time and input.”
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). This is urgently needed; more than 247,000 authorized care hours went unused last year, indicating a shortage of providers.
Today’s announcement drew praise from SEIU Local 2015 leadership and marked a significant step forward in the Union’s statewide push for livable wages.
“As our communities age, the need for compassionate caregivers continues to grow. With this agreement, Marin County is embracing a brighter Future of Care for home care providers and their consumers,” said Arnulfo De La Cruz, President of SEIU Local 2015. “I am moved by the dedication and solidarity of providers and allies who worked hard to win this contract. Their collective efforts have led to this strong contract featuring new, unique benefits.”
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.