IHSS providers press Santa Clara supervisors for higher pay during prolonged public comment
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Summary
Dozens of in-home supportive services (IHSS) providers urged the board Sept. 30 for higher wages and more stability as contract talks continue; multiple speakers described financial hardship and stressed that IHSS is essential to county care systems.
Dozens of in-home supportive services (IHSS) caregivers and labor organizers spoke during the Sept. 30 Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors public-comment period to press for higher pay and better working conditions.
Speakers said many IHSS providers work multiple jobs, face financial instability and must choose between caregiving and higher-paying employment. Tanya York, who said she has been an IHSS provider for 26 years caring for her sister, told the board that the county’s care system depends on IHSS workers and urged supervisors to prioritize wages in ongoing labor negotiations. Multiple other speakers described caregiving for family members with chronic conditions and said low hourly pay makes it difficult to cover housing and basic expenses.
Representatives of SEIU 2015 and local IHSS advisory groups urged supervisors to support bargaining positions that increase pay and stabilize the workforce. Several speakers noted IHSS workers’ role in preventing institutionalization and supporting seniors and people with disabilities in community settings.
The comments were heard during the meeting’s public comment period and do not represent a board vote or policy change. Supervisors acknowledged the comments during later discussion on referrals and budget items; board members and staff noted the budget constraints the county faces and said they would continue to consider workforce priorities as part of labor negotiations and budget deliberations.
