WASHINGTON, D.C. – A longtime advocate for workers’ rights, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today introduced legislation to ensure that home care workers receive the same minimum wage and overtime protections as most other domestic workers do. The Fair Home Health Care Act of 2007 extends the protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to home care workers to ensure these caregivers receive fair pay.
As America faces a shortage of qualified home care workers, this new legislation will help to meet Americans’ growing demand for home-based health care by protecting those who provide it. This bill is co-sponsored by Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, as well as Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Barack Obama (D-IL), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
“Older Americans and people with disabilities are requiring help at home now more than ever, creating a high demand for qualified domestic care workers,” Senator Harkin said. “Our bill allows these employees to do their jobs under the same rules that cover others. This is not only the fair thing to do, but it is the smart and necessary action we need to ensure that Americans have first-rate care.”
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