Santa Barbara Home Care Workers Secure Wage Raises in New Contract

Significant Wage Increases for Santa Barbara County Home Care Providers

In a significant development for home care workers in Santa Barbara County, California, a new contract has been successfully negotiated, promising substantial raises and enhanced benefits. This agreement arrives as the demand for home care services rises, driven by an aging population within the county.

By 2030, projections indicate that one in four residents will be over the age of 60, underscoring the growing need for expanded senior services. For those working under California's In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, these workers provide essential care to the elderly and individuals with disabilities, enabling them to maintain their health, dignity, and independence. Daily tasks such as bathing, feeding, and grocery shopping are part of the critical support that these caregivers offer.

The new agreement, effective this month, spans three years and aims to alleviate the financial burden of rising living costs for these workers and their families. The United Domestic Workers (UDW/AFSCME Local 3930), which represents over 4,200 workers in the county and more than 220,000 across California, played a pivotal role in securing this contract.

Santa Barbara County IHSS worker Courtney Cazenave expressed, “Together, we’re able to achieve higher pay for thousands of home care workers in Santa Barbara County. 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 received overwhelming approval, with 98% of member voters in favor. Doug Moore, executive director of UDW and an AFSCME International vice president, commented on the situation, stating, “Our Santa Barbara members are the backbone of our community, serving seniors and people with disabilities. In 2026, we’re going to keep fighting for home care workers to be paid fairly for their vital work.”