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IHSS providers in Lake County urge higher wages and PPE after sewage spill; union presses for talks

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Summary

A group of IHSS caregivers told the Lake County board public comment that low pay, denied PPE after a sewage spill, and stalled contract talks are harming clients and workers; union representatives said state and federal match funding could cover most wage increases.

IHSS caregivers, union representatives and allied residents used the board—s public comment period to press Lake County officials to raise wages, provide protective equipment after a local sewage spill and return to contract negotiations.

Nicole Sullivan, an in-home supportive services (IHSS) provider, said hazardous conditions from a recent sewage spill have forced providers to take extra precautions and that the IHSS office denied a request for personal protective equipment. "I have to change my clothes and shoes before going into someone's house," Sullivan said, adding that she was denied PPE and "have nothing to protect myself and my clients." Several other providers described juggling multiple clients and low pay.

The union and its organizers pressed the board to review a new wage proposal. Luisa Acosta, a SEIU 2015 representative, said negotiators communicated the board would not return to the table until a new wage proposal was submitted; Acosta said the union has submitted a proposal and urged the board to review it. "Please know that we have submitted a new wage proposal, and we urge you to please review it, and we urge you to get back to the table," Acosta said.

Speakers offered counts and funding details intended to show a path to higher pay without shifting the full burden to county coffers. Casey Malone, a political organizer with SEIU 2015, said IHSS funding is roughly 50% federal, 30% state and 20% county with a 10% matching option, and said that raising wages would be largely covered by state and federal matching funds unless the county raised wages by 10% or more.

Rhiannon Felipe, speaking on behalf of Senator Mike McGuire, said there are more than 2,400 IHSS workers in Lake County and cited unmet need and workforce strain: "nearly 10% of authorized care hours went unfulfilled last year," she said, and added that 86% of caregivers work multiple jobs and more than half struggle with food insecurity or housing costs. Felipe encouraged the board to "continue negotiations and come to an agreement quickly."

Several speakers also appealed to the board—s duty during an election year. Vicky Osborne, a union member and IHSS worker, said providers have gone two years without a contract and accused the board of giving itself raises the union did not vote on. Roseanne D'Amico warned that the union may begin recall efforts if wage offers remain "insulting."

The public comment period did not produce a board response or formal action on wages or PPE during the meeting; organizers urged the board to resume negotiations and to review funding options that would cover most costs with state and federal participation.

The public comment session closed with a request from organizers that county staff respond to calls and engage quickly on the submitted proposals.