The new contract puts caregivers—predominantly women—on a path to earn over $18 an hour
Tehama County, CA – The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers of SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care union representing nearly 470,000 caregivers across California, ratified a new union contract with the Tehama County Board of Supervisors in a vote earlier this month. Today, County Supervisors voted to approve the agreement, successfully concluding negotiations. The contract includes:
- A first-ever wage supplement totaling $1.50 over the life of the contract, raising wages to $17 an hour upon the contract’s implementation, $17.75 next year, and $18.50 in January 2026
- First-time investments from the County for training and PPE for providers and consumers
- New and improved provisions for stewards, orientations, and grievances
Tehama’s IHSS workers provide critical in-home care to low-income older adults and people with disabilities. The county’s IHSS workforce saves the state of California thousands of dollars annually by providing essential healthcare services at home instead of in costly nursing homes.
“Estos aumentos de salario, me ayudarán a mí, a mi esposo, y a nuestros 5 hijos a pagar por elementos básicos del hogar como lo son la carne, tortillas, y gasolina para nuestro carro,” dijo María Rodríguez Luevano, una proveedora de IHSS de Tehama. “Estoy agradecida por el trabajo que mi familia del sindicato hizo para ayudar a los cuidadores de Tehama a vivir un poco más fácil mientras que el costo de vida en nuestro condado continúa elevándose.”
English translation: “These wage increases will help me, my husband, and our 5 kids pay for basic household essentials like meat, tortillas, and gas for our car,” said Tehama IHSS provider, Maria Rodriguez Luevano. “I’m grateful for the work my union family did to help Tehama’s caregivers live a little easier as the cost of living in our county continues to soar.”
Until now, Tehama was one of only four California counties to pay their IHSS workforce minimum wage. The Board’s approval of the new union contract marks a significant step forward in the union’s statewide push for higher wages and better benefits for long-term care workers.
“Today’s newly approved union contract represents countless hours of hard work SEIU 2015 members dedicated to improving the lives of caregivers, our families, and our recipients in Tehama County,” said SEIU 2015 Executive Vice President, Kim Evon. “The strength of Tehama IHSS providers will help us shape a future of care where long-term care workers and the people we care for can make progress and thrive in our communities.”
SEIU Local 2015 is committed to advocating for policies and workplace improvements that ensure communities across California have access to equitable long-term care regardless of race, disability status, nationality, faith, gender, sexuality, or zip code.
To learn more about SEIU Local 2015 visit www.seiu2015.org or on social media @SEIU2015.
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SEIU Local 2015 is the largest union in California, representing nearly 470,000 long-term care workers (home care, skilled nursing facility, and assisted living center workers) throughout the state. Its members are as diverse as the state’s population but united in their commitment to caring for California’s older adults and those with disabilities.