“Who are we? UDW! And what do we want? Invest in care!” This was the chant outside the building where the Orange County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday. County officials and home care workers represented by the labor union United Domestic Workers (UDW) remain in tense contract negotiations, with caregivers pressing for higher wages and stronger benefits. In contrast, county leaders face mounting budget pressures and uncertainty over future funding streams.

Public statements from both sides suggest the talks have become increasingly contentious as the current labor agreement expires on June 30, 2026. More than 50 workers rallied outside during Tuesday’s Board meeting, where many delivered remarks critical of the County’s position.

“We’ve already seen the delays at the bargaining table, and now they’re delaying even more with our health care,” said UDW Organizer Cynthia Williams. “It’s going to impact care, but guess what? We still have to show up. We still have to care for our loved ones and clients with dignity and respect.”

UDW, which represents In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers across California, says caregivers are seeking compensation increases that better reflect the rising cost of living and the demands of caring for seniors and residents with disabilities.

At the center of the dispute is pay. Orange County IHSS providers currently earn approximately $18.90 per hour, according to statewide wage listings. While above California’s general minimum wage, labor advocates argue Orange County compensation still trails the region’s housing and living costs and lags behind wage growth in several neighboring jurisdictions.

In recent months, UDW members have repeatedly urged county supervisors to “invest in care,” arguing that low wages contribute to staffing shortages and turnover among caregivers who assist with bathing, medication management, meal preparation, transportation, and other daily tasks. Union leaders say recruitment and retention challenges ultimately affect seniors and residents with disabilities who rely on consistent care.

Caregivers who have spoken publicly at county meetings have also criticized the County’s bargaining posture. Workers described county proposals as inadequate and characterized negotiations as moving too slowly. The union’s proposal was submitted in February, and the County took more than two months to respond.

County leaders, however, say they are navigating broader fiscal concerns that could shape the negotiations. Earlier this year, Orange County officials warned of a “perfect storm” of financial pressures, citing rising costs and concerns over federal and state funding obligations. Supervisors have argued that local governments increasingly face pressure from unfunded mandates and reduced support for social service programs.

Across California, several counties have negotiated significant wage increases and benefits packages for IHSS recipients in recent years. Neighboring counties represented by labor organizations have secured multi-year agreements with wage increases and expanded workforce investments.

Orange County negotiations are also unfolding amid broader concerns about the future of Medicaid-related funding and growing demand for caregiving services as populations age. UDW has argued that counties must now prepare for the growing need by investing in workforce stability.

No tentative agreement has been publicly announced, and details of active bargaining sessions remain limited. For now, both sides appear entrenched: caregivers say higher compensation is necessary to sustain the workforce, while county leaders continue weighing the financial implications of long-term commitments.

“Wages have been stagnant, and we live in the fourth largest economy in the world,” says Santa Ana Council member and labor supporter Jesse Lopez. “It is not a matter of not having the money. It is a matter of understanding what communities must be supported, respected, and uplifted.”

To date, there have been no direct statements from the Board of Supervisors on the contract talks. With the contract expiration deadline approaching, the coming weeks could determine whether Orange County and UDW can bridge the divide—or whether public pressure escalates further.