IHSS Workers Hold Vigil For Overtime

It may be more crowded in the hall outside of California Governor Jerry Brown’s office. In-Home Supportive Services workers today began holding a vigil they plan to maintain through the end of the month.

The vigil is in response to Brown’s decision to halt implementation of overtime pay for IHSS workers. His decision comes after a judge overturned a federal rule extending overtime benefits to domestic workers.

IHSS workers care for the elderly and disabled in their homes. Ruth Reed provides constant care to her disabled daughter. She says Brown doesn’t understand how involved her job is.  

"I would love to sit across the table from him and explain exactly what we do on a daily basis and invite him to my home to come and care for my daughter," she says.

Brown did allocate money for overtime pay in last year’s budget. But his Department of Social Services says that money will not be paid since the federal rule has been vacated.