Vermont Business Magazine Vermont—4802 Vermont Homecare United—the union representing Vermont’s more than 5,000 home care workers, has officially voted to ratify a new agreement with the State of Vermont regarding the minimum hourly rate paid. The two-year agreement went into effect on July 1, 2024, and includes a 5% increase to the minimum base rate each year as well as a retention bonus based on time worked.
The union stated that homecare providers are dedicated professionals who provide a wide range of support services that allow a person to live safely in their home and engage in the community. Clients range from Veterans to aging adults, those managing chronic health issues or serious illness or injury, and those with special needs or disabilities.
In addition to providing individuals with the support, comfort, convenience, and dignity that goes with receiving care in their homes, these workers save taxpayers millions of dollars every year by delaying, or in many cases avoiding, the need to deliver this care in costly skilled care facilities and nursing homes.
“Our impact as homecare providers is essential to many of our client’s daily lives, and for our profession to thrive, we need to be paid a fair and livable wage. This agreement is moving us in the right direction, and we look forward to our ongoing negotiations with the State to further raise standards for our work,” says their executive board. “We are fighting for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Home health services provide crucial care for those who need them, and our labor should be safe, dignified, and fairly compensated.”
The Union will resume negotiations with the State of Vermont regarding paid time off and creating a platform to connect individuals and families in need with experienced and available care.
4802 Homecare United is part of AFSCME Council 93, which represents more than 45,000 state, county, and municipal employees in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Working with AFSCME International, the union spearheaded successful efforts more than a decade ago to pass legislation that provided these workers with the right to form a union and collectively bargain. Since that time, the union has steadily increased the base wages of these workers through multiple collective bargaining agreements.
Source: 7.11.2024. AFSCME Council 93 734 US-4 Box 8, Rutland, Vermont 05701
To support great journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
