The North State Breakdown Episode 32 - The Fight for Fair Wages: SEIU Local 2015 and IHSS Workers in Shasta County

In this episode of The North State Breakdown, we analyze the fight for fair wages and better working conditions for IHSS workers in Shasta County. Represented by SEIU Local 2015, these caregivers provide essential care to the county’s most vulnerable, yet many struggle with low wages and lack of benefits. We explore the history of labor unions, the impact of this crisis, and the voices calling for change. Tune in to learn how this movement is shaping the future of long-term care in Shasta County and what it means for the entire community.

Welcome to the North State Breakdown with Benjamin Nowain. Today, I'd like to discuss the vital role of the SEIU, and more specifically, the in-home supportive services (IHSS) workers in Shasta County.

Today's episode focuses on an issue that directly impacts thousands of lives in Shasta County—the fight for fair wages and better working conditions for IHSS workers.

These dedicated caregivers, represented by SEIU Local 2015, provide essential long-term care services to the county's most vulnerable populations—older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans.

Recently, these workers launched a campaign to demand living wages and necessary support for their union workers.

SEIU's press release on February 4, 2025, highlighted the growing crisis in Shasta's long-term care system. With an increasingly elderly population, the demand for in-home care has never been higher, yet many caregivers have been driven out of the industry due to inadequate wages and lack of benefits.

This issue is not just a labor problem. It's a community crisis.

The Historical Role of Labor Unions

To fully appreciate the current struggle, it's important to understand the historical role of labor unions in shaping fair working conditions.

Labor unions in the U.S. date back to the mid-19th century, when groups like the National Labor Union first pushed for an eight-hour workday in 1866. Over the following decades, unions won significant victories, including the establishment of a 40-hour workweek in 1940 through the Fair Labor Standards Act. These battles were not easy and required sustained collective action, much like what we're seeing today with SEIU Local 2015.

The fight for the 40-hour workweek came at a great cost. Many workers gave their lives in struggle for this right, particularly during events like the Haymarket Affair in 1886, when a peaceful rally in support of an eight-hour workday turned violent, resulting in the deaths of several people. Despite these challenges, the movement ultimately prevailed, changing the American workplace forever.

In addition to pushing for reasonable working hours, unions were instrumental in passing child labor laws that protected children from dangerous and exploitative work environments. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 not only set maximum working hours but also established minimum working age regulations, ensuring children could focus on education and development instead of hazardous labor.

Another major achievement of the labor movement was the establishment of workers' compensation laws. The first workers' compensation law in the U.S. was passed in 1911 in Wisconsin. These laws were created to provide financial assistance and medical care to workers who were injured on the job, reflecting a shift toward recognizing the rights and well-being of workers. Prior to these laws, injured workers were often left without recourse, facing significant hardship. Workers' compensation was a critical step in promoting workplace safety and holding employers accountable for the welfare of their employees.

The SEIU, or Service Employees International Union, is one of the largest unions in California, representing more than half a million long-term care workers across the state.

In Shasta County, over 4,200 IHSS workers provide essential care to more than 4,500 residents. For Shasta County, the stakes couldn't be higher.

The IHSS workers are not just caregivers—they're the backbone of the community's long-term care system.

Ronnie Dillon

During the rally, many powerful statements underscored the importance of this movement.

Harry, another IHSS worker, emphasized how their work keeps families together and prevents situations that could lead to homelessness:

The IHSS program has positively affected over 100,000 people in its 50-year history in Shasta County.

Meanwhile, chants of: "No Justice, No Peace""If We Don't Get It, Shut It Down" filled the air as union members voiced their demands:

The broader implications of this struggle go beyond wages.

Investing in IHSS workers means preventing costly alternatives like institutional care, which can place an additional financial burden on the state.

According to Kim Evan, executive vice president of SEIU Local 2015:

Ensuring fair wages for caregivers will have a ripple effect throughout the local economy.

When workers earn a living wage, they can spend more on local goods and services, ultimately benefiting all residents of Shasta County.

While the need for better wages and conditions may seem straightforward, not everyone agrees on the path forward.

Historically, unions have faced opposition from political figures and institutions that prioritize budget cuts over worker welfare.

The ongoing negotiations between the SEIU bargaining team and Shasta County highlight the tension between balancing the county's budget and ensuring its workers are fairly compensated.

It's clear that the IHSS workers' fight is about more than just wages.

It's about securing a future where caregiving is a sustainable career and Shasta County's most vulnerable residents receive the care that they deserve.

As was said during the rally:

For those listening, I encourage you to learn more about SEIU Local 2015 and support their efforts.

Contact your local representatives and urge them to invest in Shasta County's future by supporting IHSS workers.

And that's the breakdown.