Michigan Bill Allows Homecare Workers to Unionize

LANSING, Michigan—Homecare workers in Michigan achieved a new victory in fighting for their rights, as the House of Representatives voted “yes” on Senate Bills 790 and 791, which will improve homecare jobs and services in the state.

Senate Bills 790 and 791 improve the working conditions and rights of homecare workers in Michigan. These bills will:

• Restore collective bargaining rights, allowing homecare workers to unionize and negotiate better wages, benefits and working conditions.
• Establish a public authority by creating a Home Help Caregiver Council to oversee the employment and support of homecare workers, ensuring they receive necessary training and benefits.
• Enhance workforce infrastructure by providing centralized payroll services, mandatory training programs and support systems to improve job satisfaction and retention among homecare workers.

In a hearing before the Michigan House of Representatives, homecare workers Ravina Turner and Carmen Echevarria shared their experiences in the industry and how these bills will improve homecare across the state.

“I went from having a good job making $600 a week, to a job with no benefits, no health insurance and no time off making $600 a month,” said Echevarria. “Care workers, like myself, want to do our jobs well, but we need support. We need a union, because without the ability to come together, we are forgotten and left out. We need a union to be successful and change our care system.”

“I am so proud and thrilled to see this vote finally happen,” said Turner. “We’ve poured heart and soul into this fight for our rights, because it’s not just about us—it’s about the people we care for. Without this change, we simply won’t have enough caregivers, and we will all need care at some point in our lives. This means security for the future, not just for me and other homecare workers, but for all of Michigan.”

The homecare workers of Michigan Home Care Workers United have been pushing Senate for these bills since March. With this House vote and a second affirmative vote with the State Senate, this legislation will move to Governor Whitmer’s desk for signature.

“Today, Michigan homecare workers made history, and because of their courage, 35,000 workers across the state can exercise their power together,” said April Verrett, president of Service Employees International Union. “All of these workers, while caregiving full-time, came together to demand their rights be restored. They have showed everyone across the labor movement what organizing truly means. Look at what we can do when we come together.”

Many of Michigan’s Home Help homecare workers are paid $13.53 an hour. With this pay rate, there is a lack of benefits for the employees, such as health insurance, paid time off and access to consistent training opportunities, which have resulted in a shortage of homecare workers throughout the state. As a result, many working families can’t access affordable, consistent homecare services. A lack of action from legislators could result in Michigan having a shortage of more than 170,000 homecare workers within the next decade.