Care workers demand federal investment to improve accessibility, wages

Caregivers are often paid below-living wages, despite their status as “essential workers.” The pandemic highlighted this, leading many to switch careers because of low pay.

Care workers union SEIU Healthcare held a virtual roundtable discussion earlier this week. The group is seeking federal investment in the care workforce to raise wages, protect providers and increase access to care.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra weighed in on the discussion.

“We are trying to double down in our efforts to communicate to folks just how important it is that we lift up people who care for us,” said Secretary Becerra. “One of the best ways we can do that is to reward them with decent pay.”

The discussion, which honored Black History Month, focused on solutions to uplift women of color in the workforce.

The union has members in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas -- their jobs span from hospital workers to childcare workers.