In-home caregiving is one of the fastest growing jobs in the country. With more than a million new caregivers expected to come into the industry over the next few years, it is vital that these jobs pay a living wage. That’s why our top priority in bargaining this year is increasing pay. You’ve heard us say it before: Respect us. Protect us. Pay us! 

This week the State responded to our economic proposal, which includes raises, automatic pay increases as people gain experience on the job, PTO, hazard pay and holiday pay. The response is a mixed bag. 

The State responded positively to our hazard pay proposal. We haven’t reached a final agreement yet, but we can now say with certainty that we will win some retroactive hazard pay. That’s a big deal. There are still a lot of details to work out, but we will let you know more in future updates. 

The State also responded positively to our proposal on one-time raises but is pushing back on the automatic pay increases and holiday pay. Holiday pay in particular is a deeply felt issue in our union, and it’s about respect. Many of us have to work through the holidays, and we aren’t paid for that. We should be. 

We need to push the State on these remaining economic issues. If you think workers should get paid for working on a holiday, click here to tell DHS that. 

Click here to demand holiday pay and more!

We are taking a wait-and-see approach to the State’s response to these core issues. Right now the best thing you can do to help us secure the wins we deserve is to take the action above and let DHS know that we are united in this fight! 

For more information about Homecare and Personal Support Worker contract bargaining, visit our website.