Home care
Nearly 70,000 New York CDPAP caregivers file for a union election
Nearly 70,000 caregivers in New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, most caring for relatives, filed with federal labor officials to join 1199 SEIU, in what supporters call the largest union election in U.S. history.
Key facts
- WNY Labor Today reported on September 23 that nearly 70,000 caregivers in New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), most of whom care for relatives, filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board, seeking representation with 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.
- If the vote succeeds, nearly 190,000 caregivers across the state would be represented, which the union calls the largest union election in U.S. history.
- CDPAP lets older adults and people with disabilities on Medicaid choose, train and direct their own caregivers.
What happened
WNY Labor Today reported on September 23 that nearly 70,000 caregivers in New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), most of whom care for relatives, filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board, seeking representation with 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. If the vote succeeds, nearly 190,000 caregivers across the state would be represented, which the union calls the largest union election in U.S. history.
CDPAP lets older adults and people with disabilities on Medicaid choose, train and direct their own caregivers. In a union survey of more than 31,000 workers who signed cards, nearly 64% said they were just getting by or finding it difficult financially over the past year. Federal law requires an election once 30% of workers in a unit sign cards. WNY Labor Today is a labor news outlet.
What it means for families
CDPAP is how many New York families pay a relative to provide care at home. A union vote does not change who your caregiver is or your hours, but it could affect pay and how concerns are raised in the future.
For example: a daughter paid through CDPAP to care for her father may receive union election information by mail. She can read it and decide; her father's services continue either way.
Quick answers
How many New York CDPAP caregivers filed for a union election?
WNY Labor Today reported on September 23 that nearly 70,000 caregivers in New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), most of whom care for relatives, filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board, seeking representation with 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. If the vote succeeds, nearly 190,000 caregivers across the state would be represented, which the union calls the largest union election in U.S. history.
What to do this week
- If you are a CDPAP caregiver, watch your mail for official NLRB election notices and read them carefully.
- Keep your contact information current with the program's administrator so you get notices.
- If you use CDPAP, confirm your authorized hours and your caregiver's pay schedule are correct.
Sources
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