IHSS workers in San Joaquin County demand wage increase for quality care

During the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 8, 2025, the urgent need for increased wages for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers took center stage. Two passionate testimonies highlighted the struggles faced by these essential caregivers, emphasizing the critical role they play in supporting vulnerable community members.

One speaker, a husband of an IHSS provider, shared his family's challenges, stating, "IHSS workers need higher salaries so that way they could actually support their families." He explained that his wife, Linda, provides vital care for their daughter, who has severe disabilities. With his own health issues forcing him out of the workforce, the family's sole income relies on his wife's IHSS wages, which are insufficient to meet their basic needs.

Gurpreet Kaur, an IHSS worker with 17 years of nursing experience in Ireland, also voiced her concerns. She described the physical challenges of her job, including a recent injury due to inadequate equipment. "If my wages as an IHSS worker don't increase, I'll have no other choice but to look for a higher-paying job," she warned, raising the alarm about the potential impact on her clients who depend on her care.

Both speakers urged the Board to consider the financial and emotional toll on IHSS workers and their families. Their heartfelt appeals underscored the pressing need for wage increases to ensure that caregivers can continue providing the quality support that community members deserve. The Board's response to these testimonies could shape the future of IHSS services in San Joaquin County, as they weigh the importance of fair compensation for those who care for the most vulnerable.