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IHSS providers urge Alameda County supervisors to raise wages and benefits
Summary
Dozens of in‑home support services (IHSS) workers told the Alameda County Board of Supervisors they cannot afford to stay in the county on current pay and asked the board to press for higher wages, better benefits and full implementation of state law and negotiated contract provisions.
Dozens of in‑home support services workers told the Alameda County Board of Supervisors on May 13 that low pay and rising costs are forcing caregivers to consider leaving the profession.
"I respectfully asking you to approve our request for a wage increase in the new health insurance policy, like the other counties in the Bay Area," said Kevin, an IHSS provider who opened the public comment period. Hannah Carpolo, who said she has been an IHSS worker since 1981 and chairs the IHSS advisory committee, said full‑time wages for many providers equate to only about 25% of median household income in the region.
Speakers described long commutes, multiple jobs and rising grocery and housing costs as reasons they cannot sustain care work at current rates. "We are asking for better pay. We want to keep doing the work we love," said Mika Calderon, an IHSS provider who described caring for family members and clients over many years.
The public comment cluster repeatedly asked the board to ensure Alameda County implements state law and bargaining outcomes that influence IHSS compensation and benefits. SEIU‑affiliated speakers referenced AB 283 and bargaining sessions with the county public authority; Mint Alvarado identified herself as working with SEIU and called for implementation of the law to improve wages and contracts.
County leaders acknowledged the testimony. President Halbert thanked speakers and said the board has discussed IHSS matters in closed session "when it's appropriate" and that the county is working through complex issues affecting about 30,000 IHSS‑qualified providers in Alameda County.
Context: IHSS (In‑Home Supportive Services) is a state‑funded program administered locally; pay and benefits are affected by state law, county negotiations and program eligibility. The public comments focused on recruitment and retention challenges, the comparative wages in neighboring Bay Area counties, and family‑care burdens. The board did not take immediate policy action on the floor during the May 13 meeting; staff and supervisors said the issue is under active review and has been addressed in closed‑session discussions.
Next steps: Commenters asked for timely implementation of negotiated contract changes and state law provisions, and for the board and county staff to report back with concrete proposals; supervisors said they would continue discussions with staff and stakeholders.
