Issued March 31, 2023
WASHINGTON — SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry released the following statement regarding the White House Proclamation Recognizing April as Care Workers Recognition Month:
“As the largest union of healthcare workers, SEIU thanks the White House for designating April as Care Workers Recognition Month, and for the Biden-Harris administration’s ongoing efforts to elevate this often unseen but essential workforce. We agree: Care workers deserve recognition – as well as living wages, benefits and the opportunity to join together in unions and build a better future.
Care workers, such as those who provide child care, senior care, and disability care, make all other work possible, ensuring our loved ones are well cared for and thriving so that we can support our families. Despite all they give, this mostly women-of-color and immigrant workforce lacks the most basic rights and benefits, earning poverty wages in most instances, because they were written out of our nation’s racist and sexist labor laws. In contrast to the honor and courage of care workers who showed up to work throughout the pandemic – often with no PPE or paid sick leave – this injustice is deeply shameful and cannot stand. Care workers are leading the way with strength and determination, and are grateful for the President’s steadfast support.
I am greatly inspired by the care workers who have spent decades fighting for change, including a historic federal investment that would turn their jobs into good-paying union jobs and make care more available and affordable for everyone who needs it. Although we fell short of this goal in the last Congress, care workers are just getting started. SEIU’s 2 million members across the service and care economy are proud to stand with them and with President Biden as we work together for transformative solutions to address our nation’s care crisis and build a more inclusive economy.”