Victory for PCAs and
Consumers!
After year-long negotiations, 25,000 PCAs have voted by mail ballot to approve a new labor pact which includes wage increases and increased benefits for more than 25,000 home care workers currently caring for seniors and people with disabilities across the state.
Massachusetts home care workers voted by more than 98.5% to approve their first-ever labor contract for PCAs which will increase wages from $10.84 to $12.48 an hour over the next two and a half years, provide paid time-off benefits based upon hours worked and require the implementation of health insurance benefits for PCAs in the second year of the contract.
The PCA labor deal promises not only improved economic conditions for thousands of workers, but also to help stabilize a home care program considered to be experiencing a workforce crisis, as thousands of PCAs leave the job every year due to the low wages and lack of benefits.
Home-based care for seniors and people with disabilities is more cost-effective than institutional or nursing home care, meaning the new pact will also prove a cost-effective investment for the state, which is facing tremendous increases to the Massachusetts senior population in coming years.
As baby boomers age, the senior population in Massachusetts is projected to more than double in size by 2025. Demand for home care services in the state is increasing, but without a living wage and benefits, turnover rates for Massachusetts home care workers have ranged between 40% to 60% in recent years.
The victory also adds further resources and strength to the growing movement of non-union workers in Boston area hospitals who are currently organizing to join 1199SEIU.
Take action now
- Sign up for different volunteer opportunities to improve the PCA system. There are many ways to support the campaign. Let us know how you can help!
Voices of Hope
“I’ve worked with people with special needs such as autism and cerebral palsy since I was 15. I’ve happily held this job as a personal care attendant for a wonderful 24-year-old man for over two years now. We’re working to secure a union contract that improves living standards for PCAs, because that affects consumers as well as caretakers. A lot of people are trying to raise a family on a PCA income. “
PCAs and consumers are speaking out about how a union contract for home care workers will make a difference in their lives. Read more of Adam’s story, and the stories of other PCAs and consumers who are working to improve the home care system.
My oldest daughter says, “I’m so proud of you for fighting for what you need.”
Read the profile of Rogeria, a personal care attendant in Fall River, and other PCAs like her from across the state.
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