Home care workers across Michigan win the fight to restore their right to form their union and improve care for seniors and those with disabilities

Today's votes restore rights that were stripped away from home care workers in 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan home care workers notched another victory in the fight for their rights as the House of Representatives voted yes on Senate Bills 790 and 791, which will improve home care jobs and services in the state.

In a hearing before the Michigan House of Representatives, home care workers Ravina Turner and Carmen Echevarria shared their experiences as home care workers and how these bills will improve home care across the state.

"I went from having a good job making $600 a week to a job with no benefits, no health insurance and no time off making $600 a MONTH," said Carmen Echevarria, a home care worker who became a home care worker to care for her son. "Care workers, like myself, want to do our jobs well. But we need support. We need a union because without the ability to come together, we are forgotten and left out. We need a union to be successful and change our care system."

This has been a long and hard-fought climb for the workers of Michigan Home Care Workers United, who have been championing these bills since March. With this House vote, and a second affirmative vote with the State Senate, this legislation will move to Governor Whitmer's desk for signature in the coming weeks.

Following the victory, SEIU, President April Verrett said, "Today, Michigan home care workers made history, and because of their courage, 35,000 workers across the state can exercise their power together. All of these workers, while caregiving full-time, came together to demand their rights be restored. They have showed everyone across the labor movement what organizing truly means. Look at what we can do when we come together."

"I am so proud and thrilled to see this vote finally happen," said Ravina Turner, a home care worker from Dearborn Heights who cares for her daughter. "We've poured heart and soul into this fight for our rights, because it's not just about us - it's about the people we care for. Without this change, we simply won't have enough caregivers, and we will all need care at some point in our lives. This means security for the future, not just for me and other home care workers, but for all of Michigan."

The Home Care Workforce Crisis

The majority of Michigan's Home Help home care workers are paid only $13.53 an hour. Low pay, a lack of essential benefits like health insurance and paid time off, and little access to consistent training opportunities have led to an alarming shortage of home care workers throughout the state. Turnover is skyrocketing because home care workers can't afford to do this work while caring for their own families. As a result, too many working families can't access affordable, consistent home care services. If legislators don't act now, Michigan will have a shortage of more than 170,000 home care workers within the next decade.

About the Legislation

Senate Bills 790 and 791 are crucial for improving the working conditions and rights of home care workers in Michigan. These bills will:

• Restore Collective Bargaining Rights: Allow home care workers to unionize and negotiate better wages, benefits and working conditions.

• Establish a Public Authority: Create a Home Help Caregiver Council to oversee the employment and support of home care workers, ensuring they receive necessary training and benefits.

• Enhance Workforce Infrastructure: Provide centralized payroll services, mandatory training programs, and support systems to improve job satisfaction and retention among home care workers.

ABOUT MICHIGAN HOME CARE WORKERS UNITED

Home care workers from across the state are joining together as Michigan Home Care Workers United (MIHCWU). Home care workers are an essential part of the United States' long-term care system, and they deserve to have a collective voice that advocates for better conditions in providing care. MIHCWU advocates for a solid caregiving infrastructure that creates good union home care jobs while making care affordable for families. Follow SEIU Michigan's social channels on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube for updates about the campaign.

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