On May 15th, nearly 300 members united for the annual Healthcare and Homecare Worker Advocacy Day, where member leaders from across the state talk directly with state legislators in Boston about Union priorities to strengthen care and invest in members’ communities. 

This year’s event included a rally for housing affordability and a $20/hr minimum wage alongside community partners. The “Raise My Wage, Cap My Rent” campaign has highlighted the struggles caregivers face to remain in the communities they care for, and the need for a minimum wage that allows workers—new and seasoned—the ability to thrive.

“It was important for me to be here, to speak out regarding the ongoing wage issues weʼve experienced, and to hear from elected officials about the [bankruptcy] at Steward Health Care. I love my job and want to remain caring for my patients,” said Zenalia Freitas, an 1199 Pharmacy Technician at Good Samaritan Medical Center at Brockton, MA, which is part of the Steward network.