$23 an Hour Approved for Home Care Workers

 

Over 12.000 home care workers were approved for a $23 minimum wage by the State House and the State Senate this week. The new union contract covers independent Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) who are members of SEIU 1199NE.

“Congratulations to all the union members of SEIU 1199NE for winning one of the best PCA contracts in the nation,” union president Rob Baril said on Monday. “Today’s victory to finalize this contract with the approval of the General Assembly provides a path for sustainable home care PCA services in Connecticut, supporting elderly and disabled individuals to live independently at home,” added Baril, acknowledging support from House and Senate leadership and the Governor.

Current minimum wage for Connecticut’s independent PCAs is $18.25 per hour. Hourly rates will rise to $23 by Jan 1, 2026, making Connecticut a national leader in the compensation provided to PCAs serving Medicaid recipients in similar home care programs.

During the pandemic these health care workers risked their lives, but it became known that due to low pay some were living in their cars, unable to afford rent.

“We’ve fought so hard to do our job and provide quality home care for our consumers and their families. I love this job because I feel that I’m making a big difference in someone’s quality of life. But I also need to survive. This contract shows the progress we can achieve when we stand together and fight for justice,” said Winsted PCA Mike Sundberg after the new contract was voted into law at Connecticut’s State Senate and the House of Representatives.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects “684,000 openings for home health and personal care aides” each year, one of the fastest growing job sectors nationally for the next decade, in service of the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

“I am so happy for my union sisters and brothers, and for the people we care for every day. Black, Latina and white working-class women make up the majority of the home care workforce, so this will be a boost for many women that are struggling to survive from paycheck to paycheck. We need to continue to raise standards for all nonprofit and long-term caregivers in Connecticut,” said New Haven PCA Amarilis Cruz.