As Congress mulls new round of investments, caregivers call for permanent higher wages and investment in home care for older adults and people with disabilities.
SEATTLE, WA — On Tuesday, July 13, SEIU 775 home care workers and local senior and disability advocates will rally across Washington State to urge the White House and Congress to invest in the nation’s care economy with the American Jobs Plan. Nine events in Washington, including one in downtown Seattle, join a nationwide call to action spanning 24 cities.
The American Jobs Plan will transform the lives of workers across the economy. By making a historic investment in the essential healthcare work of home care, the American Jobs Plan will fuel a more equitable economic recovery, lift up the home care workforce – the national majority of which are Black women, Indigenous women, women of color and immigrant women – and be a huge step towards ensuring caregivers get the respect they deserve.
“Caregivers provide essential healthcare to some of Washington’s most vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities. Currently, where someone lives dictates their access to essential health care services. With more than 10,000 people turning 65 every day in America — and tens of millions more in need of care every day — there is no time to lose. We need to pass the American Jobs Plan.” said Becky Fernandez, caregiver and SEIU 775 member from Lacey, WA.
“Caregivers should always make a living wage, not just during a pandemic. We are lifelines for our clients and do the essential work of keeping vulnerable people home and safe,” said Sterling Harders, SEIU 775 President. “We need to invest in caregivers and make long-term care a sustainable profession.”
Learn more about how home care investments can address critical needs in Washington State at seiu775.org/hazardpayreport/.
Events across Washington State on July 13, 2021:
• Everett: 7:30 a.m. at the corner of Summit Ave and 23rd St
• Federal Way: 5 p.m. at the corner of S 320th St and Pacific Highway S
• Olympia: 5 p.m. at the Boulevard overpass over I-5
• Vancouver: 5 p.m. at 11502 SE Mill Plain Blvd
• Seattle: 5:30 p.m. Boren Ave and Pine St
• Spokane: 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Division St and Ruby St
• Bremerton: 6 p.m. at W Loxie Eagan Blvd and S National Blvd
• Tacoma: 6 p.m. at the corner of Sprague & Division
• Yakima: 6 p.m. at 1421 W Nob Hill Blvd