Despite Stalled Contract Negotiations, Shasta’s IHSS Workers Don’t Plan to Strike

Shasta Scout | May 5, 2025

Rachel Smith has a psychology degree and gave up her job doing nails to take care of her son with cerebral palsy. She’s one of 11 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers who spoke at an April 8 Shasta County Board of Supervisor’s meeting.

“Cognitively, he’s there. He gets the jokes. He gets the criticisms,” Smith said in reference to her 30-year-old son during the public comment period. “I can’t put him in a nursing home. I couldn’t. There is nowhere for somebody his age with his abilities — or lack of abilities — that will take him. So, I gave up my life.”

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