New York, NY – Nearly 70,000 caregivers in New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) are seeking representation with 1199SEIU.
Most of the CDPAP workers care for relatives and the group has filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). If approved and a vote is successful, nearly 190,000 caregivers across NYS will join Local 1199 SEIU. This is the largest organizing of workers initiative in U.S. history.
“I love taking care of my mother, but love doesn’t pay the bills. Rent, groceries, and healthcare keep going up, while our wages aren’t keeping pace. Care is essential work, but the way we’re paid doesn’t treat it that way,” said CDPAP worker Angela Jimenez. “Caregivers like me shouldn’t have to struggle to survive. I’m joining with caregivers across New York because together, we have the power to demand what this work is worth, and make sure we can afford to keep doing it.”
Faced with rising costs and struggling to make ends meet, this group of caregivers will now be united with the 450,000 members of Local 1199. They will now have a strong voice as they negotiate for higher pay and improvements in working conditions.
