This week, nearly 2,000 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers in Mendocino County ratified a new three-year contract with the county’s Board of Supervisors. Represented by SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care union, the workers will see improved wages, better training, and enhanced workplace protections.
The contract includes:
- A wage increase to $18.81 by October 2024, with a path to $20.31 by January 2027.
- A $30,000 investment in training and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Stronger non-discrimination safeguards.
- Changes to the provider registry to address caregiver shortages, especially in remote areas.
“We fought a good fight, stood up for what we needed as essential workers, and did not back down,” said IHSS Provider Priscilla Tarver. “The contract is a step in the right direction and includes new investments in caregiver training that we really need.”
A key figure in the negotiations was Beverly Galten, an IHSS provider for over 17 years, who passed away shortly before the contract was ratified.
“Beverly was a fierce labor advocate for all care workers until the end of her life,” said Consuelo Rocha, an IHSS provider and bargaining team member. “She would be so happy to see our efforts pay off after going over a year and a half without a contract. Beverly never gave up, and she would want every care worker to use their voice in fighting for better wages.”
The agreement arrives as the demand for in-home care rises, with roughly 10,000 people turning 65 every day nationwide. The improved standards aim to attract and retain more caregivers in California.
Kim Evon, Executive Vice President of SEIU Local 2015, praised the outcome, calling it a testament to the power of collective action. “For over a year, Mendocino County providers have been sharing their stories and raising their voices. This victory is a testament to the power of collective action, and I look forward to seeing other California counties follow Mendocino in strengthening our care infrastructure.”
Mendocino County’s 2nd District Supervisor Mo Mulheren acknowledged the hard work of the negotiating team. “I want to thank the negotiating team for their commitment to supporting our caregivers and improving our community’s care infrastructure. This contract not only acknowledges the vital role of our IHSS providers but also sets a precedent for other counties to follow.”
Glenn McGourty, Mendocino County’s 1st District Supervisor, said, “The members of SEIU 2015 are heroes and I am pleased that Mendocino County is moving them closer to a reasonable wage for the hard work that they do.” He went on to say, “We are hoping that in the near future there will be a better match from the state for Medical reimbursement. Thanks for all that they do!”
Bravo BOS for paying a living wage to our Health Care Workers.
18.81 ~ 20.31 are not a livable wage.
SEIU more concerned about bringing in illegals than worker representation. Truly a rotten non afl cio organization. Truly pukes.
I have been an IHSS caregiver in Mendocino County for just shy of 25 years & this news is not only welcome, but exciting for all of us. Thank you to all of my coworkers who fought the good fight and WON! WooHoo! What a crowning achievement. I can’t count the number of times over the years that I have gotten frustrated, aggravated, & just plain angry for a variety of reasons and almost washed my hands of this line of work, but the clients themselves have given me plenty of reasons to continue proudly calling myself a Care Provider. They need me/us and I need them as well. My job provides me with a sense of purpose as well as fulfillment that I was unable to find anywhere else.
When the State of California made it mandatory for fast food workers to be paid a minimum 20$ an hour while paying only 17$ per hour to myself and my coworkers, I found it extremely insulting that by all appearances the state valued “flopping whoppers” more than caring for the residents of same state, that this state apparently views saying “would you like fries with that” as a higher calling then asking someone “how can I make you more comfortable”, and placed people working the drive thru window above people working to keep our elders in ther own homes as long as humanly possible. By 3 whopping dollars an hour! I’m not saying that those people who work fast-food jobs don’t deserve or earn 20$ an hour, or that their jobs are not as necessary or important as mine, but it does make me question the values of this big beautiful state I have always called home. So this hard won victory has restored some of my faith in a system that too often appears to be broken beyond repair. Thank you Thank you Thank you!