The County provides some people with disabilities and some seniors with in-home health care services. The approximately 1500 home health care workers in Humboldt Co. make about $8 per hour without benefits. For over a year they’ve been asking for the county to raise their wages. 

Humboldt Co. Press Release:

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, acting in its role as Governing Board of the Public Authority, today approved terms of a tentative agreement in regards to labor negotiations with California United Homecare Workers (CUHW), which represents care providers for In-Home Supportive Services.

The terms come from a Mediators Settlement Agreement resulting from mediation on March 6, 2013. The final terms of the agreement will be disclosed after ratification by the Union membership.

“This is an important day in these negotiations,” said Second District Supervisor Estelle Fennell. “We hope that by authorizing the terms of this agreement we will all take a significant step towards finding an equitable solution.”

The Board approved the terms of the tentative agreement by a unanimous vote.

“The entire Board is very supportive of the critical services provided by our dedicated IHSS providers,” said Fourth District Supervisor Virginia Bass.

The next step is for the Board-authorized terms to be sent to CUHW. If the contract terms are ratified by CUHW, they will be sent back to the Board for consideration. The last step is for the County to send the approved Memorandum of Understanding to the State for final approval.

“Homecare workers provide an important service to so many Humboldt County residents,” said Third District Supervisor Mark Lovelace. “Our Board has worked hard to provide them with a higher wage in a way that is fair and sustainable for all involved.”