On July 16th, the San Bernardino bargaining team met with county officials for our first bargaining session. County representatives listened as proposals were presented. Several members of the bargaining team also shared powerful testimonies about their experiences and why investing in IHSS care providers through better wages and benefits is essential to ensure quality care.
San Bernardino Bargaining member Kim Ballon says: “I didn’t have healthcare until I became an IHSS provider. Medication is too expensive and many caregivers are still on a long waitlist simply because the program doesn’t have enough funding. I’m fighting to ensure other providers have the support and dignity to care for themselves and others.” 📰 Read Kim’s story here.
These firsthand experiences helped underscore why these improvements are so important for all San Bernardino care providers and the people they serve.
The next bargaining session is scheduled for late August 2026. Stay tuned for updates.
🎥 Hear from the San Bernardino Bargaining Team!
Building on Past Wins to Secure a Stronger Future
While the last contract delivered higher wages that kept providers’ pay $2.10 above any state or federal minimum wage increase, increased County health care contributions by $0.42 per hour, and annual training funds, San Bernardino IHSS care providers still need better pay and benefits to keep up with the rising cost of living and meet the growing demand for care.
Growing Demand Requires Greater Investments in San Bernardino
As the demand for care grows, low wages and inadequate benefits are driving care workers away. One in five caregivers may leave the profession, and 81% of IHSS providers do not receive County health care.
This year, nearly 1.26 million authorized IHSS care hours went unused in San Bernardino County, leaving critical care needs unmet. Investing in caregivers through fair wages and quality health care benefits is essential to building a sustainable Future of Care.