Cities Across Massachusetts Ratify Resolutions Supporting PCA Contract

April 10, 2012

Personal care attendants in Massachusetts are receiving a boost from city councils across the state as they advocate for a new contract. More than 30,000 PCAs are currently in negotiations for a new agreement and are asking for better wages, health insurance, and more training. PCA_Resolution_NEW.jpg

Boston, Springfield, Worcester, Fall River and Lawrence City Councils have all passed resolutions supporting personal care attendants and their efforts to negotiate a new labor agreement. City councils in Holyoke, Lynn, and New Bedford are all expected to pass resolutions soon.

Juan Jucino, a Springfield personal care attendant, spoke about the importance of having the support of the City Council as PCAs begin contract negotiations with the state-appointed PCA Workforce Council.

“Passing the resolution was another victory for 1199SEIU PCAs in Springfield. The support of the City Council will undoubtedly help us in our negotiations.”

Concurrent to the resolutions passing, PCAs have been holding community briefings to inform Massachusetts residents about PCAs’ attempts to negotiate a new contract. Briefings have been held in Lynn, Worcester, Fall River, Western Mass and Boston.

Also, personal care attendants have been visiting the State House to speak to legislators about negotiations for a new contract.

“[PCAs] need more training, a lot of assistance helping others, and they need health insurance and a better salary,” said Robinson Peralta, a PCA from Holyoke, who attended a legislative visit with Representative Michael Kane and an aide for Senator Michael Knapik.