Alameda County, CA – In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers have reached a tentative agreement on a new two-year union contract with the Alameda County Public Authority for IHSS. These home care providers are members of SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care union representing more than half a million workers across California.
In Alameda County, more than 31,000 IHSS workers provide essential home care services to approximately 32,000 older adults and people with disabilities. Immigrants play a large role in the home care workforce, making up one in three workers in home care settings. In Alameda County, nearly 90% of care workers identify as people of color.
If ratified by workers and approved by Supervisors, the new contract will include:
- A $2.12 increase in the IHSS wage supplement over the life of the contract, bringing the total supplement to $5.62 above the state minimum wage.
- A $12,000 increase in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for a total of $24,000 per fiscal year.
- Improved language for training and provider rights.
“I’m happy that we were able to come to a tentative agreement with Alameda County that not only includes wage increases, but also includes an investment in PPE,” said Marilyn Austin-Smith, Alameda County care worker and bargaining team member. “During the pandemic, we were on the frontlines, making sure our community members received the care they need. We need to be valued for the essential services we continue to provide.”
“I’ve been a care worker for 22 years in Alameda County and it costs a lot to live here,” said Juliann Coulter, Alameda County care worker and bargaining team member. “This contract will make a difference in the lives of home care workers and our clients.”
The announcement drew praise from SEIU Local 2015 leadership and marked a significant step forward in the Union’s statewide push for livable wages.
“If passed, this contract will be a victory not only for care workers, but for immigrant rights. Our care infrastructure in Alameda County and throughout California is dependent on the well-being of our immigrant workers.” said Arnulfo De La Cruz, President of SEIU Local 2015. “This public investment in care work brings us one step closer to a Future of Care that truly works for us all.”
As the number of older adults and people with disabilities who require care continues to grow, strong union contracts for long-term care workers raise standards in the industry and help attract more care workers to this workforce (and retain them).
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 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.