The Antelope Valley Times

Your community. Your issues. Your news.

  • Home
  • Latest News
  • Local
    • Palmdale
    • Lancaster
    • Los Angeles County
    • Littlerock
    • Lake Los Angeles
    • Rosamond
    • Edwards AFB
    • Acton
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Advertise
    • About
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Show Search

L.A. County approves wage increase for IHSS workers

by The AV Times Staff • October 3, 2018

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday recommended a wage increase for in-home health care workers.

Supervisors Mark Ridley-Thomas and Janice Hahn co-authored a motion to authorize an increase in the county’s contribution to the workers’ pay by $1 over the next three years, subject to state approvals. If the state agrees to pay 65 percent of the increase — in line with historical contributions — that would mean a $2.85 total hourly pay raise.

In-home supportive services workers serve “some of the most vulnerable members of their respective communities,” Ridley-Thomas said. “Wage equity for IHSS workers continues to be a very important quality of life issue that must not be ignored.”

IHSS workers are currently paid $11.18 per hour to care for low-income seniors and children and adults with special needs in the familiar setting of their own home. The hourly wage is set to increase to $12 per hour as of Jan. 1.

The new proposed wage hike would be phased in over three years, with 60 percent of the increase planned for the first year following state approval.

IHSS workers do not provide medical care, but help with tasks like preparing meals, getting to doctors’ visits, taking medication, bathing and personal hygiene.

Hahn said they are “doing the hard work that many people refuse to do … with so much compassion and so little pay.”

A union leader praised the move.

“The members of SEIU Local 2015, their consumers and community leaders have been working diligently across the state to make sure that caregiving is a dignified job — one that is not only respected, but held in high esteem,” said April Verrett, executive vice president of Service Employees International Union Local 2015. “Today’s vote by the Board of Supervisors moves us closer to winning the dignity these workers deserve.”

The board’s vote also approves $150,000 for supplies that promote workplace safety, including protective gloves, masks and antibacterial soap.

The local union represents more than 385,000 home care, skilled nursing facility and assisted living center workers. IHSS caregivers in Los Angeles County have been working without a contract since July 31, 2017.

–

Filed Under: Politics

Recent Comments

  • Darius White on Alleged killer of sheriff’s deputy in Palmdale charged with murder: “Since “Gascón is a staunch opponent of the death penalty” and he’s “going to make sure that this defendant never…” Sep 21, 07:05
  • Crossroads on Ex-prosecutor Christopher Darden to run for LA County Superior Court judge: “Shaquille, Oniel Dad is Running for Office!!” Sep 21, 06:31
  • Templer on Alleged killer of sheriff’s deputy in Palmdale charged with murder: “Most likely so, it’s becoming all too clear that overuse of high grade marijuana at a young age leads to…” Sep 21, 05:53
  • Lisa on Authorities investigate shooting, assault on deputies in Lancaster: “Ghetto people who enough isn’t enough they spend their lives doing crimes punish these low life’s so they can learn…” Sep 21, 05:42
  • Lisa on Alleged killer of sheriff’s deputy in Palmdale charged with murder: “That’s what happens when parents don’t taise their kids right. Then the sister says he is not a coward yes…” Sep 21, 05:40

Copyright © 2023 · The AV Times LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of Use