Department of Labor Backs Push to Grant Basic Rights to Home Care Workers
March 17, 2015
Every day in our country, millions of home care workers are being denied basic rights that other workers enjoy. For example, many home care workers are being denied important protections with respect to the minimum wage, overtime, and travel payment. It’s time we change that.
A new law is being debated that could provide two million home care workers with the protections and dignity that other workers already receive. A federal judge continues to block our rights, but workers united through SEIU and the DOL have supported an appeal.
Nationally, elected leaders, including fifty members of Congress, filed a brief that supports workers and the DOL position. Our rights should be federally protected so we can go to work with dignity.
The brief also includes stories of real home care workers, a perspective which was totally unrepresented at the district court level. Two SEIU-affiliated workers are featured in the brief: Rebecca Sandoval from Local 503 and Artheta Peters, who has been a leader on 1199WOK’s Fight for $15. The appeal process will continue in early May.
Stay tuned for updates by following 1199SEIU Massachusetts!