IHSS providers tell Lake County supervisors one-year contract falls short; ask for better pay

Vicki Osborne, an in‑home supportive services (IHSS) provider and member of SEIU Local 2015, told the Lake County Board of Supervisors that IHSS workers ratified a new agreement that "slightly improves" wages but expires after one year.

"When our members have ratified the recent agreement between IHSS care providers and the county, the contract now goes before the board of supervisor for approval," Osborne said, adding that roughly 2,400 people provide IHSS services in Lake County. She urged supervisors to approve a contract that offers longer-term wage and benefit improvements.

Simone Tatman, also an IHSS provider and SEIU Local 2015 member, said county hiring lists show disparities in pay and that some sheriff's department employees make less than other county employees. "Those people that are out there protecting us... are not being paid what they're worth," Tatman said.

Both speakers asked the board to consider stronger, longer-lasting compensation changes for IHSS workers and other county employees who provide essential services to seniors and disabled residents. The contract was described as moving next to the board for approval; no formal vote was recorded during public comment.