Contract raises wages to $19.40/hr on January 1st for 42,000 workers, so they can afford the rising cost of living and support their families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Kayla Blado 240-489-1803, kayla.blado@hailstonecommunications.com
December 9, 2025
San Diego, Cal. —Today, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a three-year union contract for In-Home Supportive Service (IHSS) workers represented by United Domestic Workers (UDW/AFSCME Local 3930) with significant raises, benefit improvements, training and recruitment initiatives which will ensure quality care for seniors and people with disabilities. The contract gains come at a time when San Diego County’s population is rapidly aging and dealing with chronic disease, and demand for home care services is skyrocketing. IIHSS workers provide the care needed for everyone to live full and dignified lives by helping their clients with personal care, household tasks, ensuring they receive proper medical care, and providing crucial companionship.
UDW represents nearly 42,000 IHSS workers throughout San Diego County, and is one of the largest unions in California, representing over 220,000 IHSS and child care providers across the state. The contract was overwhelmingly approved by 99% of member voters and goes into effect on January 1, 2026.
“This contract provides funding for crucial training on caring for our clients’ health, so IHSS providers are fully prepared to meet their unique needs. It’s so important to learn the right care for people with conditions like dementia or epilepsy, and now we’ll be ready from day one,” said Sabrina Bishop, IHSS Provider and UDW District 1 Chair. “Likewise, when we are paid our worth, we can provide for our families—and each dollar goes back into the local economy. We’re celebrating another step forward, but we’re going to keep fighting to be paid for the true cost of care.”
The contract provides the following wage increases for San Diego County IHSS providers:
• $19.40/hr effective January 1, 2026,
• $20.40/hr effective March 1, 2026;
• $21.40/hr or $4.50 above the minimum wage, whichever is higher, effective March 1, 2027.
Worker benefits were also expanded under the new contract. The union trust will receive:
• $100,000/year for training
• $100,000/year for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• $250,000/year for transportation
• $166,667/year for Metropolitan Transit System passes
UDW negotiated new collaborations with the County on:
• IHSS provider recruitment and retention
• Wellness and nutrition programs
• Innovation and technology for caregiving
• Union participation in orientations and joint studies on home care
“This contract is an important step forward for the hardworking home care providers in San Diego County. Our members provide an invaluable service to our communities, and this contract is a recognition of their worth,” said UDW Executive Director Doug Moore. “As we see drastic cuts to care at the federal level, it’s more urgent than ever for our state and local governments to help recruit and retain quality providers.”
UDW has ratified eight IHSS contracts across the state, increasing wages and benefits for over 147,000 workers so that they can continue to provide quality care for California’s seniors and people with disabilities.not billionaires!”
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UDW represents more than 220,000 dedicated home care and family child care providers across California. Our members are the backbone of care for seniors, children, people with disabilities, and working families—fighting for fair wages, better working conditions, and policies that strengthen our communities.