‘Sí se puede’: Dolores Huerta joins Kern’s in-home care providers to demand fair wages

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Dolores Huerta joined a rally Tuesday outside a Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting to demand fair wages and benefits for in-home care providers.

Chants of “Sí se puede!” could be heard outside the building, as Kern’s in-house care providers, part of the state-run In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program and United Domestic Workers of America union, are again demanding higher pay.

California’s minimum wage increased to $16 in 2024, and these workers are asking the county for a supplemental wage increase.

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“We are here to make our voices heard,” said Astrid Zuniga, President of the United Domestic Workers. “Home care providers here in Kern County have been going without a wage increase or anything brought to the table in seven years and that is a disservice to our communities. As a community, our board of supervisors aren’t doing what’s right by them. They are elected to do a service and that is to enrich their communities and to provide for their communities, and this is a community of the most who we care for.”

Supplemental wages would be paid with money from the county’s general fund.

The workers say their last contract change with the county was in 2017, when they had a 85 cent increase in wages, but had to give up health benefits.

Since then there has been no new contract, and therefore, no new pay.

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