If ratified, IHSS workers will be on a path to $20/hour by 2028
San Joaquin County, CA – In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers of SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care union representing more than half a million workers across California, have reached a tentative agreement for a new three-year union contract with the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.
In San Joaquin County, more than 9,300 IHSS workers provide essential long-term care—including paramedical, personal care and household services—to more than 10,800 older adults and people with disabilities. San Joaquin’s population of adults 65 and older is expected to increase by 50% over the next 10 years.
If ratified, the new union contract includes:
- A $1.57 increase to the IHSS wage supplement, bringing wages to $18.57 an hour by August 2025 and creating a path to $20.07 by January 2028 (includes anticipated California minimum wage increases);
- Additional contributions to medical benefits that will prevent increases to monthly premiums and increase workers’ access to health insurance;
- Up to $12,000 annually for essential safety equipment, like gloves, masks and disinfectant wipes;
- $9,000 annually for caregiver training, like CPR and first aid.
“With these wage increases, I can cut back on my second job and shift my focus back to my caregiving work. I’ll be able to more easily afford the rising costs of rent, gas and PG&E,” said Paul Henderson Sr., a San Joaquin home care worker and SEIU Local 2015 bargaining team member. “Negotiating our union contract was taxing, but my union siblings and I persevered. This agreement is a victory for San Joaquin home care workers.”
“I’m grateful for our collaboration with the county to reach an agreement that’s going to put more money in IHSS workers’ pockets and help protect our access to affordable healthcare,” said San Joaquin home care worker and SEIU Local 2015 bargaining team member, Vicky Escalante.
SEIU Local 2015 members will vote to approve the tentatively agreed upon union contract by Monday, May 12. Then, the San Joaquin Board of Supervisors must approve the terms of the agreement with a majority vote. Once approved by both parties, the California Department of Social Services will implement the new union contract, including wage increases.
“This tentative agreement is a huge step forward for San Joaquin IHSS workers in our effort to improve long-term care jobs,” said SEIU Local 2015 Executive Vice President Kim Evon. “This contract is strong because our members are strong. They leaned into this contract campaign and stood strong in their solidarity to push for a more just and equitable future of care.”
SEIU Local 2015 negotiates with county Boards of Supervisors, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, and private home care agencies across California to secure union contracts, improve wages, benefits and working conditions, and empower workers with a voice in the care they provide. These improvements help strengthen the long-term care workforce and increase access to essential care for all who need it.
To learn more about SEIU Local 2015 visit www.SEIU2015.org or on social media @SEIU2015.