Sonoma 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 half a million caregivers across California, ratified a new union contract after bargaining with the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.
There are over 7,100 IHSS workers in Sonoma County who provide essential in-home services to older adults and people with disabilities. Pending final approval by the Board, the new contract includes:
- Projected wage increases:
- $0.50 minimum wage increase, putting us at $17.85 by January 1, 2025
- $1.35 union wage increase, putting us at $19.20 by March 1, 2025
- $0.50 minimum wage increase, putting us at $19.70 by January 1, 2026
- $0.65 union wage increase, putting us at $20.35 by March 1, 2026
- A $25 stipend for attending trainings provided by the Public Authority
- An annual investment by the County of $2500 for IHSS PPE like gloves, mask, and disinfectant wipes
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).
“The Sonoma Board of Supervisors has shown us that they truly see us and hear us. They went above and beyond with this contract which includes a path to $20,” said Sonoma County IHSS provider and bargaining team member Lorna Bingham Schrader. “We’re happy to finally receive the respect we know we deserve. Hopefully, we can now attract more caregivers, especially as the need for them grows in Sonoma.”
A survey conducted by SEIU 2015 showed that nearly 80% of Sonoma County care workers work multiple jobs at least some of the time to make ends meet. This new contract will help alleviate the financial strains many IHSS workers face.
“This agreement will help current IHSS providers, and the pay increase will definitely help with our current caregiver shortage,” said Sonoma County IHSS provider and bargaining team member Tiffany Lyons. “I’m really happy with this agreement and hope to see even more improvements to the care industry as a whole.”
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.
“This contract will help us meet the demand for caregivers in Sonoma County. As counties throughout California face an increasingly aging population, we must continue to raise the standards of care for both recipients and providers,” 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 strong contract. Together, we are building a stronger Future of Care.”
SEIU Local 2015 bargains with counties and private sector long-term care agencies across California to win union contracts, secure better workplace protections, improve wages and benefits, and empower workers with a voice in the care they 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.