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IHSS caregivers urge higher pay as county negotiations continue; union leaders praise recent MOU
Summary
Union organizers and IHSS providers told the Del Norte board that in‑home care hours go unfilled at rates higher than the state average and urged better wages and benefits; SEIU leaders praised a recently approved MOU but said health‑plan issues remain.
Union representatives and IHSS caregivers addressed the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors during public comment on Feb. 1, urging higher pay and benefits to address staffing shortages in in‑home supportive services.
Jonathan Pena, an organizer for SEIU, told the board that Del Norte County left about 13% of IHSS hours unfilled in 2024 compared with a 4% statewide average and said that to solve the problem the county must make IHSS “an attractive job opportunity,” including retirement and health benefits. "IHSS providers do not have retirement or health insurance. Only by raising wages can we match the dignity they provide," Pena said.
Susan Hubbard, an IHSS provider, described caring for a family member and said IHSS pay makes it possible to keep people at home rather than in institutional care. Norma Williams, retiring chapter president of the Del Norte County Employees Association (SEIU), praised a contract item approved on the consent calendar as “probably the most comprehensive MOU that we’ve been able to do” but said health‑plan issues remain to be resolved.
The board did not take immediate action on IHSS wages at the meeting; several speakers noted the county and union are entering current negotiations and said they look forward to talks. Where specific dollar amounts were discussed on related items in the consent agenda, staff noted an agreement was not to exceed $165,000 for a hospital contract referenced during consent‑agenda public comment.
