A delegation of personal care attendants from across Massachusetts kicked off a campaign for a new contract at the Massachusetts State House recently IMG_3514.JPGwith an energetic rally and series of visits to lawmakers whose support they are seeking.



After visiting the State House, PCAs began their first round of negotiations for the new contract with the Home Care Workforce Council at the 1199SEIU union hall in Dorchester. Home care workers sought to reinforce the importance of the work PCAs do in their visits with legislators.

“I am here to speak with my representatives. I want to tell them about bargaining for better wages, benefits, and health insurance. We need those benefits,” said Maritza Perez, a Lynn PCA who has been active in the union since 2008.



PCAs are hoping to negotiate for wage increases, health insurance, and improved training benefits in their negotiations. PCAs are aiming for a three-year agreement.

Ariane Martin, a PCA from New Bedford, said that the meetings with her legislators were productive.

“I spoke with [Representative] Antonio Cabral and he took notes about this… He was very easy to talk to,” she said.

At the rally held after the lobby visits, Holyoke PCA Rosa Clase was excited about her meetings with her legislators and vowed to never give up on getting better wages and benefits for PCAs.

“I love my job and I feel very satisfied being a part of the struggle,” she said.

Gloucester PCA Maggie Connors emphasized the need for all PCAs, as caretakers for the sick, for seniors, and for people with disabilities, to have adequate health care: “PCAs are still struggling. It is important for each PCA to have health care. We cannot back away until we have a quality job.”

State Senator Sal DiDomenico praised union members’ efforts to fight for what they believe in and told rally participants that he is a firm supporter of the union.

“1199 is the most results-driven union in the country. We have to make sure people know how hard PCAs work. I’m on your side.”

Representative Marcos Devers, a strong ally of the union who has reached out to other legislators about supporting the PCA cause, affirmed his commitment to PCAs and their fight for a good contract.



“I know your commitment to people in need. You are so beautiful. We need to commit ourselves to you,” he said.

After the rally, PCAs headed back to the union hall for the first day of bargaining with the Home Care Workforce Council. At the bargaining session, several PCAs testified about their need for paid time off, health insurance, training, and better wages.

Click here to see a slideshow of photos from the day.

- See more at: http://www.1199seiu.org/personal_care_attendants_kick_off_new_contract_campaign_at_state_house#sthash.YrkEA0He.dpuf