Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Home Care topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Caregivers and SEIU 2015 press supervisors for a contract; dozens testify on low wages and housing instability
Summary
Hundreds of home‑care providers addressed the Board urging the county to prioritize and finalize an SEIU 2015 contract for IHSS providers, saying many work multiple jobs, struggle to pay rent and need wage increases; speakers called for immediate bargaining and action from the county.
Dozens of in‑home support services (IHSS) caregivers and representatives from SEIU 2015 told the Board of Supervisors July 15 they are living on the edge and urged the county to prioritize contract negotiations.
Speakers said roughly 87 percent of IHSS providers in Los Angeles County work multiple jobs and that 69 percent reported difficulty paying rent or mortgage; several said they earn an average annual income around $23,000. Caregivers described juggling multiple jobs, missed medical care because of cost, and even episodes of homelessness among providers who care for elderly and disabled county residents. “We will not stop fighting for dignity and respect until LA caregivers get what they deserve in return,” said multiple SEIU‑affiliated speakers.
Union members asked supervisors to push county negotiators to make the care workforce a bargaining priority and to offer a contract that stabilizes provider wages. Several supervisors — including Holly Mitchell — heard the testimony; speakers pressed for urgency, arguing that higher wages would improve recruitment and retention and reduce gaps in authorized care hours.
The county did not take immediate contract action at the meeting; workforce negotiations typically proceed through county labor relations channels. The board received the testimony and is expected to consider bargaining developments in future labor‑negotiation sessions.
Ending note: Caregivers said the board’s moral obligation is to ensure a stable care workforce with wages that prevent provider homelessness and support quality home‑based care; SEIU 2015 representatives warned they would continue public advocacy until substantive movement occurred in bargaining.
