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Union representatives and caregivers press Del Norte board on IHSS staffing and wages
Summary
SEIU speakers told the board Del Norte County had a 13% rate of unfulfilled IHSS hours in 2024—well above the statewide 4%—and urged better wages and benefits to fill caregiving gaps; local caregivers shared personal impacts and urged the county to prioritize IHSS in contract negotiations.
Union organizers and IHSS caregivers used the public-comment period to press the board on in‑home supportive services workforce shortages and upcoming contract negotiations. Jonathan Pena, identified as a SEIU Local 2015 organizer, told the board that Del Norte’s unfulfilled IHSS hours in 2024 were about 13%, compared with a statewide average of 4%, and said that shortfall reflects a major gap in care. He urged higher wages and benefits to make IHSS a more attractive job.
Multiple caregivers spoke about personal dependence on IHSS wages to keep family members at home. Susan Hubbard said in-home care allowed her family to care for a relative with developmental disabilities and that institutional care would be more expensive; she urged the board to consider caregiver recruitment and retention when negotiating the county’s contracts.
Norma Williams, the (retiring) chapter president of SEIU 101, praised the recently negotiated MOU on the consent calendar but emphasized health‑plan continuing negotiations and the need for ongoing attention to compensation and health benefits. Board members acknowledged these concerns during item discussion and several thanked union leaders for reviewing agenda materials; no final contract terms were adopted at the meeting—the comments were part of a continuing negotiation process.
Why this matters: IHSS provides essential in‑home care for vulnerable residents; persistent unfilled hours can reduce access to care and shift costs to institutional settings. Pay and benefit improvements are the primary lever unions and caregivers urged the board to use to address the gap.
What’s next: The board and administration said they expect continued negotiations; union representatives indicated they will remain engaged and meet with board members.
