If ratified, would put caregiver pay at $20/hr
Napa, CA – Last week, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers of SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care union representing nearly 450,000 caregivers across California, reached a tentative agreement for a new Union contract with the Napa County Board of Supervisors.
If ratified, the agreement places Napa County providers on a path to earn $20 an hour by April 2024, protects their health insurance option, and dedicates $10,000 a year for training. This agreement will raise the standards for more than 1,550 Napa County IHSS workers who provide essential care to seniors and people with disabilities.
“$20 por hora será un gran beneficio porque puedo mantener mejor a mi familia y a la persona que cuido. Esta victoria fue posible porque nos unimos como sindicato: trabajando juntos, podemos lograr cualquier cosa,” said Joela Trujillo, an IHSS provider of 15 years and SEIU Local 2015 bargaining team member.
Translation: “$20 an hour will be a great benefit because I can better provide for my family and my care recipient. This victory was possible because we came together as a union—working together, we can accomplish anything,” said Joela Trujillo, an IHSS provider of 15 years and SEIU Local 2015 bargaining team member.
One key component of the new contract is the addition of a training fund for the Napa IHSS workforce that will include CPR instruction.
“Estamos especialmente felices de recibir $10,000 reservados para capacitación que incluirá la enseñanza de RCP y Primeros Auxilios . Nosotros somos responsables de garantizar el bienestar de las personas mayores y con discapacidades en Napa, y este fondo de capacitación es una inversión en nuestro desarrollo profesional,” said Arminda Sanchez, an IHSS provider of 26 years and SEIU Local 2015 bargaining team member.
Translation: “We are especially happy to receive $10,000 set aside for training which will include teaching CPR. We are responsible for ensuring the well-being of seniors and people with disabilities in Napa, and this training fund is an investment in our professional development,” said Arminda Sanchez, an IHSS provider of 26 years and SEIU Local 2015 bargaining team member.
Today’s announcement drew praise from SEIU Local 2015 leadership and marked a significant step forward in the Union’s statewide push for livable wages.
“This tentative agreement is not only a huge victory for Napa County IHSS workers, but also for care providers in California. This win was driven by our incredible bargaining team who worked hard to ensure a contract with wage increases and crucial training to improve care,” said Arnulfo De La Cruz, President of SEIU 2015. “We appreciate the Napa County Board of Supervisors for working with us and investing in the livelihood of essential care providers and their recipients.”
Since January 2020, SEIU Local 2015 has worked with counties and nursing homes across California to win more than 90 contracts, securing better workplace protections, improved wages and benefits, and a voice in the care its members provide. These investments in IHSS 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.