Santa Ana, Cal. — On Tuesday, May 19 at 10 am, in-home care workers from across Orange County, along with labor, business, and community supporters hosted a press conference at the Orange County Board of Supervisors building in Santa Ana to underscore the urgency of investing in the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, which provides care to people with disabilities and seniors.
The speakers at the press conference included:
- Rev. Gregory,
- Toni Taloa, OC IHSS provider and negotiations team member
- Jessie Lopez, Santa Ana City Councilmember and candidate for state assembly in the 68th district
- Gloria Alvarado, Executive Director of the Orange County Labor Federation
- Cynthia Williams, OC IHSS provider and UDW member
United Domestic Workers (UDW/AFSCME Local 3930), one of California’s largest labor unions, represents more than 250,000 care workers across the state. In Orange County, 48,000 care workers provide care to 55,000 IHSS recipients—totaling over 100,000 Orange County community members who rely on this program for employment and care. Union members are demanding that the County Board of Supervisors bargain in good faith and prioritize good wages and health insurance for IHSS providers.
Home care workers provide vital services to seniors and people with disabilities, but are paid just $18.90 per hour. According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single adult in Orange County would need to be paid at least $36.53 an hour to support themselves. With the cost of groceries, gas, and utilities on the rise, many workers are struggling to make ends meet for themselves and their families. Last year, the Orange County Board of Supervisors gave themselves a 25% raise—they are now paid $244,000 a year with taxpayer money…