On Tuesday, September 20, Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) joined our allies in the disability and elderly communities to rally at the Massachusetts State House for a fair overtime management policy. After the rally, we went to go speak with our legislators - and Governor Charlie Baker's staff - about the importance of quality jobs and services for PCAs and consumers. Fair Overtime = Quality PCA Services!

While the Baker Administration continues to move forward with its implementation of the PCA overtime management policy, PCAs and consumers remain concerned about the impact that the strict cap of 40 hours per week will have on quality care and access to PCA services for elders and people with disabilities.

As PCAs, we know the importance of continuous, quality care for elders and people with disabilities. That's why we continue to stand with our consumer employers in raising our voices, even while the state is moving forward with these regulations and restrictions to care. We are hopeful we can work with the Baker Administration to address our concerns and develop a fair overtime policy that ensures continuity of PCA services and preserves consumers' choice in the quality care they need to live with the independence and dignity they deserve.

For photos from the rally, check out our Facebook photo album on the 1199SEIU Massachusetts Facebook page!

Follow the continuing coverage:

Why is Baker cutting OT for personal care attendants?
September 22, 2016
Boston Globe
By Joan Vennochi

No easy cure for health care costs
September 22, 2016
Commonwealth Magazine
By Michael Jonas

Hundreds rally against overtime cap for personal care attendants
September 21, 2016
Boston Metro
By Kristin Toussaint

Personal care attendants, people with disabilities upset about new state policy
September 20, 2016
WWLP
By Tiffany Chan

Disabled, caregivers rally against hours cap
September 20, 2016
State House News Service
By Michael Norton