Yuba County home care workers—mostly women—ratify new union contract with Board of Supervisors - SEIU2015

If approved by County Supervisors, caregivers are expected to earn $19.86 by 2027

Yuba County, CA—In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers of SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care union representing more than 470,000 workers across California, recently ratified a tentative agreement for a new three-year union contract with the Yuba County Board of Supervisors.

If approved by the Board of Supervisors, the new contract will raise standards for approximately 1,230 IHSS workers who provide long-term care to more than 1,310 older adults and people with disabilities across Yuba County. The contract includes:

A $1.71 increase to IHSS providers’ wage supplement, bringing wages to $17.40 an hour by November 2024 and creating a path to $19.86 by January 2027 (includes anticipated California minimum wage increases)
Regular access to free personal protective equipment (PPE)
A $3,000 investment toward training and education

“Right now, we’re penny-pinching to stay above the poverty line,” said Yuba IHSS worker and SEIU Local 2015 bargaining committee member, Ms. Brenda Garner. “If the Board approves this contract, we’ll have more money for rent and gas, and maybe enough to start saving for the holiday season!”

Yuba’s IHSS workers provide a vast array of services, including household work, personal care services and paramedical services. IHSS workers are especially critical in agricultural areas of Yuba County where they serve as vital links for Yuba’s disability and senior community, offering long-term care services to those who do not have easy, affordable access to medical centers or specialized services.

Across the country, roughly 10,000 people turn 65 every day. As the population requiring in-home care continues to grow in California, these higher standards will help counties like Yuba continue to attract more workers to this essential workforce (and retain them).

“I’m grateful that contract negotiations were a smoother, more communicative experience this time around,” said another Yuba IHSS worker from SEIU Local 2015’s bargaining committee, Tracy Hammond. “We still have work to do, but this contract is a step in the right direction toward my family’s financial freedom.”

SEIU Local 2015 members providing IHSS services across Yuba County voted unanimously to approve the tentatively agreed upon union contract in an effort concluding August 22. Next, the Board of Supervisors must vote to approve the contract in order for terms of the deal to be implemented. Upon successful approval, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will implement the contract, including wage increases; this is anticipated within 2 to 3 months.

SEIU Local 2015 leadership celebrated the news as important progress on the union’s statewide push for improved standards for long-term care workers and equitable access to services for those they care for.

“Creating just and equitable access to long-term care starts with providing workers with the resources we need to thrive in our communities,” said SEIU Local 2015 Executive Vice President, Kim Evon. “The weeks-long outreach conducted by our dedicated member leaders and staff underscores our commitment to union democracy as we raise standards for workers in our industry, our county and beyond.”

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.