CDPAP Workers Launch Largest Union Drive in US History with 1199SEIU

Faced with rising costs and struggling to make ends meet, nearly 70,000 caregivers in New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), most of whom care for relatives, have filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), seeking representation with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. If the vote is successful, nearly 190,000 caregivers across the state would win representation in the largest union election in U.S. history. The caregivers would be united with 450,000 other healthcare workers in 1199SEIU, giving them a strong voice to advocate for higher pay and improvements to care as demand for care skyrockets and Medicaid–which funds CDPAP–is under attack.

“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.”

Watch1199SEIU’s press conference and read the New York Times article that announced the news!