Home care workers of the In-Home Supportive Services program (IHSS) represented by SEIU Local 2015 hand delivered 13,000 petitions signed by members of the community in support of a new contract with higher wages and benefits.
The petitions that will be delivered to the Board of Supervisors were collected over the last few months as workers garnered community support amid their new contract negotiations with county leaders.
“The work that home care workers do is so vital for our community,” said Maribel Nunez Executive Director for California Partnership (CAP). “Without them our loved ones would be institutionalized. The work they do is worth much more than minimum wage and we are proud to stand with them as they fight for a contract that will afford them a livable wage. They deserve it.”
According to the American Community Survey 2016, 221,510, or 10.3% of the 2016 population in San Bernardino County had an independent living difficulty.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for my caregiver,” said Juanita Kelly from San Bernardino. “I’ve had a caregiver for 14 years and they help me with everything from helping cook my meals to administering my medications. But most importantly, they’re an emotional support system for me as well. My caregiver is my friend. I want the county to respect the work they do as much as I do. Investing in IHSS means I get to live at home, shop at my local grocery store, and go to my favorite restaurant. The alternative would be a nursing home and I don’t want that.”
The IHSS program, the county’s largest employer, is an economic engine for the community. In 2017 alone, the program helped support an additional 2,149 full time jobs and generated $11.9 million in state and local taxes. Although the county share of cost for the program is less than sixteen cents on the dollar, the workers haven’t received a wage increase in over 10 years.
Caregivers, allies, and care recipients marched from the union office to the county office and delivered the petitions to Chairman Lovingood’s office.
On October 11, SEIU 2015 will meet with county leaders to discuss home care workers’ contract.