Kings County, CA—On August 11th, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) home care providers—members of SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care union, and California’s largest labor union representing more than half a million home care providers and nursing home workers, including more than 3,600 Kings County IHSS workers—gathered to rally at the Kings County Board of Supervisors to demand livable wages and healthcare.
Kings care providers have been pushing for a new contract for several months now. Many have shared their healthcare stories to try and get the public to understand what they go through. Kings IHSS workers are hopeful that this new contract will feature wages strong enough to attract and retain other caregivers to a field that is severely understaffed.
“Right now, it feels like the Kings County Board of Supervisors is not hearing us. They’re listening to what we say when we go up to speak, but they’re not hearing how desperate and difficult things are for caregivers in this county right now,” said Kings County IHSS provider, Tasha Hall. “We take care of people from all walks of life. All we’re asking for is enough money and healthcare to continue doing that without needing to find a second job or decide which bills we’re going to pay on time. This is about the future of Kings County and what we want that future to look like.”
“It’s frustrating and disappointing to see so little movement from the Kings County Board of Supervisors. IHSS caregivers are providing essential care every day, yet we continue to struggle to make ends meet,” said Kings County IHSS provider, Veronica Ramos. “We are asking the Board to recognize the value of the work we do and come to the table willing to negotiate in good faith. We’re not going away—we will continue standing together and advocating for the fair wages and respect that IHSS caregivers deserve.”
“The changes that in-home caregivers are calling for are not only critical, but they’re a win-win for Kings County, for the seniors who call Kings County home and for our workforce. The Union has presented the Board of Supervisors with the facts and they’re clear: an investment in caregivers ultimately saves us all money,” said SEIU 2015 Executive Vice President Marcus Mc Rae-Alexander. “It keeps those who need care safely in their homes, instead of in the emergency room and it will bring new investment from the State into our community at a time where it’s needed more than ever. It’s time for the Board to act with urgency. Caregivers need a strong contract with liveable wages and healthcare now.”
A SEIU 2015 survey shows:
- More than 70% of IHSS providers in Kings County reported working multiple jobs – at least some of the time – to make ends meet.
- 43% currently rely on public assistance programs like CalFresh, Section 8, and MediCal to supplement their poverty wages.
- More than 45% struggle with housing payments. Over 46% spend at least half of their income on housing.
- More than half are struggling with their healthcare coverage—they’re sometimes or often unable to access medication because they can’t afford the cost of prescriptions and report skipping doctor appointments due to concerns about cost.
SEIU Local 2015 is committed to advocating for policies that support in-home care providers and those they care for, including livable wages and benefits, as well as access to training and professional development opportunities. We urge the Kings County Board of Supervisors to work with us to address these pressing issues and ensure that all who qualify have access to the care they need and deserve in the comfort of their own homes.
To learn more about SEIU Local 2015 visit www.SEIU2015.org or on social media @SEIU2015.