San Diego — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 9 approved a tentative agreement intended to raise pay and add supports for in‑home supportive services (IHSS) providers, the county program that pays caregivers who help seniors and people with disabilities remain in their homes.

Union leaders and dozens of IHSS providers urged the board to accept the deal during a lengthy public-comment period. “This agreement is a testament to what happens when workers and local leaders stand together,” said Doug Moore, executive director of United Domestic Workers (UDW), who described wage increases, investments in PPE, training and supports to stabilize the caregiver workforce. Multiple providers said the raises will help them cover everyday costs; one UDW speaker said pay will rise to $20.40 per hour in March under the contract.

The tentative agreement was included on the consent agenda and carried a motion to approve. Supervisors who spoke in support thanked caregivers and noted the long-term care value they provide to the county. Supervisor Paloma Aguirre said the work of IHSS providers “is skilled, compassionate, and it is absolutely essential to the well‑being of our region.” The board voted and the motion passed with all supervisors present voting aye.

Why it matters: IHSS providers are predominantly women, people of color and immigrants, and county leaders framed the contract as an investment in home‑based care that can prevent costly hospitalizations and help caregivers remain financially stable. County officials and UDW said the package pairs wage steps with investments in training, transportation and technology aimed at recruitment and retention.

What’s next: The board approved the contract language in today’s motion; final implementation will follow the administrative and budget steps the county uses to execute labor agreements. County staff said they will work with the union and report back on details of rollout and budgetary impacts.

Public comment highlights included personal accounts of caregiving and calls for continued action to reach the “true cost of care.” The board’s vote on the consent agenda, which included the IHSS item, passed unanimously.