Home care providers in Santa Barbara County, Calif., won a strong new contract this month that includes significant wage raises and improved benefits.
The victory comes at a time when the county has an aging population and demand for home care services is skyrocketing. One in four residents is expected to be over the age of 60 by the year 2030.
Workers who receive wages through the state’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provide home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. They make it possible for their clients to live with dignity, health and freedom by assisting them with daily needs such as bathing, feeding, grocery shopping, medication reminders and companionship.
The new, three-year agreement will help these workers better afford the rising cost of living and support their families. United Domestic Workers (UDW/AFSCME Local 3930) represents just over 4,200 IHSS workers in Santa Barbara County and over 220,000 home care and child care providers in California.
“Together, we’re able to achieve higher pay for thousands of home care workers in Santa Barbara County,” said Courtney Cazenave, a Santa Barbara County IHSS worker. “We’re going to keep pushing for higher pay, training, and benefits so that home care workers are fully compensated for their vital contributions to our communities.”
The contract was approved by 98% of member voters and went into effect at the beginning of this month.
“Our Santa Barbara members are the backbone of our community, serving seniors and people with disabilities,” said Doug Moore, executive director of UDW and an AFSCME International vice president. “In 2026, we’re going to keep fighting for home care workers to be paid fairly for their vital work.”