Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ihss Wages topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
IHSS providers urge Alameda County supervisors to secure livable wages and supports
Summary
Dozens of Alameda County IHSS providers and labor allies told the Board of Supervisors on April 22 that low pay, rising costs and long commutes are threatening care for seniors and people with disabilities; the board pledged follow-up reviews and modest short-term assistance.
Dozens of in-home supportive services providers and union supporters urged Alameda County supervisors on April 22 to secure higher wages and stronger supports for caregivers who help frail, elderly and disabled residents remain in their homes.
"When wage increases fall below the rate of inflation, the value of our work keeps declining," said Xiaoyuan Wang, an IHSS provider who testified through her son, citing a 2.5% inflation projection and out-of-pocket expenses such as about $2 per hour in gas. Providers described juggling multiple clients, working long hours and relying on programs like CalFresh.
Keith Brown of the Alameda Labor Council said SEIU 2015 home-support workers are essential and often "struggle to make ends meet"; he urged the board to support a fair contract with livable wages. Multiple other providers recounted health problems, lost benefits and the difficulty of providing care on current pay.
The board did not adopt a wage change on Tuesday but President Halbert thanked speakers and said staff will review options. Halbert said she would ask the county's Social Services Agency and its social services committee to look at whether IHSS workers and SEIU members are receiving services they qualify for, explore job-shadowing and volunteer opportunities for youth, and pursue short-term supports such as gas cards. Halbert also pledged $10,000 personally to a fundraising effort to support IHSS workers in partnership with SEIU and the Labor Federation.
The testimony highlighted workforce shortages and potential impacts on county residents who rely on home care. Speakers linked the issue to broader policy concerns including contract negotiations and county budgeting for Measure W and other funding streams. County staff did not provide a timetable for binding wage increases during the meeting; supervisors asked staff to return with options and to explore outreach and potential service coordination.
The board recessed to closed session after the public comment period; no immediate contract action was taken on the floor during Tuesday's open session.
