Home Care Providers Ratify First Contract

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

About 4,500 independent home care providers in Maryland now have a contract that will “help improve the conditions of their work and the services they offer,” reports AFSCME Council 67. The three-year agreement – which was ratified in July – increases provider rates and sets up a state-provider cooperation committee to address health and safety concerns, improve and extend professional development and other conditions affecting providers. “We have worked diligently to negotiate a contract that demands respect for our time and respect for our work.” says home care provider Tijuana Miller, a member of the bargaining team. “We are some of the lowest-wage workers in Maryland and yet we are the core of the community. Now, we have the opportunity to receive better wages and training opportunities and we can negotiate the things we want in our workplace.” AFSCME Council 67 Executive Director Glen Middleton says, “It has been long overdue. The providers, who offer essential services to the citizens of Maryland, finally have a voice in the workplace just like other workers. They deserve to be treated fairly.” Click here for the full story on AFSCME Council 67’s website. – photo courtesy AFSCME Council 67