LAKEPORT — A $1 per hour raise for In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers got mixed reviews during a Tuesday discussion in the county Board of Supervisors meeting. Although the board”s decision to ask the state for funding necessary for the wage hike was unanimous, speakers from IHSS”s labor union and some workers themselves raised questions about the board”s approach.
A contract that would spell out wages, benefits, training and screening is entering its fourth year of negotiations between the county — the employer of record for IHSS workers — and California United Health Care Workers Union (CUHW).
CUHW represents IHSS providers in contract negotiations with the county”s Public Authority (PA), which is headed up by the Board of Supervisors in its capacity as the PA”s board of directors.
Negotiators from both sides have met in closed sessions since 2003, when concerns emerged about how much training caregivers were getting and how to screen caregivers to ensure those in need of care would be safeguarded.
The tape of an April 2006 BOS meeting was played, at which CUHW President Tyrone Freeman said he supported the concept of background checks, random drug testing and training. The issue, he said, was who would pay for it. Freeman noted at that meeting that he had polled union members, and that 95 percent were supportive of the requirements. “We re not going to allow a few bad apples to spoil this barrel,” said Freeman.
The Board of Supervisors proposed a $2 per hour raise in June 2006 for providers who underwent background checking, drug testing and took CPR and First Aid training in addition to other requirements to be on a provider registry.
The proposal was back on the table Tuesday with some changes. IHSS workers on the provider registry would get a $1 per hour raise.
The current IHSS Public Authority hourly rate of $7.50 would go up to $9.75, including a 92-cent cost for worker”s comp and payroll taxes, and 33 cents for administrative costs. What would come out in the wash is a raise to $8.50, which some said Tuesday is not enough.
Andy Rossoff said in the public input portion of the discussion that a rate of $10.50 per hour would be more appropriate.
Dist. 1 Supervisor Ed Robey wanted to be clear that “what we”re talking about today is a proposal, not a decision to do it. We have to get any change approved by the state of California. This is the first step in the process, but not the last step for sure.”
Rossoff called the proposal “an action item, not an inquiry,” pointing to the proposals notation that California Department of Social Services” rate approval process could take up to 60 days, with the rate increase going into effect 30 days after an approval.
He also contended that the proposal had not been approved by the Public Authority advisory committee, and that the board was attempting to put it through without appropriate discussion.
County Social Services Director Carol Huchingson said in a recent negotiation, the county told the CUHW about the proposal as an informational item only.
Huchingson noted that at a yearly estimate of 2.1 million provider hours, and at the proposed rate increase, the county would not be able to afford the increase without state support.
Addressing union members, Dist. 1 Supervisor Ed Robey said, “Without the participation of the state and the feds, we can”t afford to do this. We need to find out. Currently the governor”s budget proposal doesn”t include participation in this type of program.” He encouraged them to try to get the program included in the state budget.
Rossoff further commented that the proposal would limit the power of choice afforded to those hiring IHSS workers, in that in the event a provider did not pass drug screening they could not be hired in spite of that fact.
Dist. 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington responded, saying “It”s troublesome that we”ve been able to conclude negotiations with every other bargaining unit, but we have not been able to get from A to B with IHSS.”
At that point, Chairman Jeff Smith interjected, saying the discussions were not for the purpose of pursuing further negotiation, but for approval of bringing the proposal to the state.
Several providers and union members were in the audience, some of them speaking in favor of the proposed rate increase, some criticizing the proposal.
“We”re not criminals,” said IHSS provider Felicia Smith, adding that the proposal with its stipulations would take away the power of choice for those hiring IHSS workers.
IHSS provider and union member Jeanne Morin said drug testing is not required to work at Head Start, the preschool where she works. Morin clarified at Dist. 5 Supervisor Rob Brown”s request that background checks are required.
Dist. 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington said the county isn”t discriminating against IHSS, despite the contentions that only IHSS workers would be required to go through all three of those hoops if the proposal were approved.
“None of us should consider ourselves above being screened or drug testing unless you have something to hide,” said Farrington.
What the BOS ultimately did was approve the proposal unanimously, to affirm to body”s support for the rate structure, test the waters for state and federal participation in funding the raise and agree to continue to meet with CUHW.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com.
