Dozens of IHSS home‑care workers tell supervisors county's $0 wage counteroffer is unacceptable

Dozens of in‑home supportive services (IHSS) providers and SEIU 2015 members spoke during Tuesday's public comment period to oppose the county's recent wage counterproposal and to demand a stronger contract and higher wages.

Speakers from across the county — including Mary Grace Barrios, Maria Cibrian, Rafi Bezjan, Rosa Andresen, Carmen Roberts, Anna Lopez, Pearl Gonzales, Renee McClellan, and others — said last week's county counteroffer of "$0" was insulting and left caregivers unable to pay rent, buy groceries or afford medications. "0 doesn't cover rent. 0 doesn't cover groceries," speaker Rosa Andresen said during public comment. Carmen Roberts told the supervisors, "For every $1 in caregiver wages, the county only pays 18¢. The rest is covered by the state and federal government... So when you offer us nothing, you're not saving the county's money. You're making a choice to turn your back on caregivers."

Many speakers thanked Supervisor Holly Mitchell for publicly acknowledging caregivers' contributions in a prior budget hearing, and urged the full board to match that recognition with a binding contract. SEIU members pressed for a meaningful wage increase and expressed frustration that caregivers have been working without a contract for months. "We are LA County's largest low‑wage workforce. You have the power to change that," Carlos Lopez said.

Supervisor comments during the meeting acknowledged the public testimony; the transcripts show the board did not take an immediate vote on a contract during this agenda item. The remarks were recorded during the general public comment period on bargaining/closed session items addressing labor negotiations.

The speakers repeatedly requested concrete action: prioritize IHSS in bargaining, develop a contract with raises that help workers "get by a little easier," and stop offering $0 as a counterproposal. Several speakers said they would continue to organize and attend future meetings until a contract is reached.