The Union That’s Supposed to Help Home Care Workers, But May Be Harming Them Instead
The single-largest successful union petition in New York this past year is not at an Amazon warehouse or a university or hospital, but at a home care agency on the border of Bushwick and Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Workers there did not vote to join their union, the Home Healthcare Workers of America. Instead, Anchor Home Healthcare Services signed a union contract with 3,230 of its employees in February 2024, after it voluntarily decided to recognize the union, circumventing the need for an election that would have been reviewed by the U.S. labor board.
Supercharged Growth
Home Health Workers of America added more than 3,600 workers in New York City in the 18 months leading up to June 2024, according to an analysis of National Labor Relations Board data by the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies – more than double the growth of the next fastest growing union, the United Auto Workers.
Industry Under Fire
Though the union claims it has agreements with nearly three dozen companies, just how many employers have signed up with Home Healthcare Workers of America remains shrouded in secrecy. From January 2020 through September 2024, the National Labor Relations Board reported new voluntary recognitions of unions by employers nationwide. Fifteen HHWA companies appear on the list.
Growing Political Influence
The rapid growth of the home care business and its member rolls has spurred a windfall for the Home Healthcare Workers and its parent union IUJAT – and increasing political influence. They have begun making political endorsements – allowing elected officials to claim union support while supporting business-friendly policies.
Conclusion
The Home Healthcare Workers of America has grown exponentially in the past few years, with a significant number of home care agencies in New York voluntarily recognizing the union. However, the union’s contract with some of these agencies has raised concerns about the benefits and protections for workers. The union’s growth has also led to increased political influence, with the union making endorsements and advocating for policies that benefit its parent organization, the International Union of Journeymen and Allied Trades.
FAQs
Q: What is the Home Healthcare Workers of America?
A: The Home Healthcare Workers of America is a labor union that represents home care workers in New York and other states.
Q: How did the union grow so quickly?
A: The union grew rapidly due to a combination of factors, including the expansion of Medicaid-funded care for the elderly and people with disabilities, and the voluntary recognition of the union by many home care agencies.
Q: What are the concerns about the union’s contract with some home care agencies?
A: Some critics have raised concerns that the union’s contract with some agencies may not provide adequate benefits and protections for workers, and may instead benefit the agencies and their owners.
Q: Is the union involved in politics?
A: Yes, the union has begun making political endorsements and advocating for policies that benefit its parent organization, the International Union of Journeymen and Allied Trades.
