Home care workers in Fresno County have not had a raise in 10 years. The County Supervisors offered an insulting 10 cent raise and arrested union members for protesting.

Struggling to make ends meet on minimum wage, activists say county leaders must invest in the home care program so caregivers can afford to keep doing their job

Fresno — After nearly a year of contract negotiations with county representatives and going 10 years without a wage increase from the county, caregivers with the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program were joined by activists including local veterans, faith leaders and social justice groups in occupying the Hall of Records building where the Board of Supervisors held their meeting. Dozens of activists risked arrest by police for refusing to leave and continuing to chant and have their voices heard. In total, 8 activists were arrested including labor leader Dolores Huerta and SEIU 2015 Executive Vice President Arnulfo de la Cruz. As of 1:30 PM today all activists who were arrested have been released.

STOCKTON — Anjeneau Ward, an in-home health care worker, stood before the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors at their Tuesday morning meeting and made a heartfelt plea for a higher wage.

“Between paying rent, utilities, back-to-school clothes, back-to-school supplies, what I’m left with is despicable,” said Ward, clad in a purple T-shirt bearing the logo of her Service Employees International Union chapter.