Nearly 200,000 individuals who provide paid care for disabled family members through New York’s Medicaid-funded home-care program are preparing to vote on whether to unionize, a development that could increase costs for taxpayers. The vote involves workers enrolled in the state’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), which operates under an $11 billion budget.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1199, a prominent labor organization with approximately 450,000 members, is seeking to represent these home-care workers. If successful, this would represent the largest union election in the union's history. Advocates argue that unionization could improve wages and working conditions, while critics warn it may drive up program expenses, which are ultimately borne by taxpayers.
The unionization effort formally commenced on Tuesday, when SEIU filed paperwork with the National Labor Relations Board. However, a date for the vote has not been scheduled. The union had been anticipated to pursue this course following a recent restructuring of CDPAP scheduled to take effect in 2025.
Under the changes implemented by Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, the management of payroll for CDPAP was centralized under a single company, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL). This move, intended to streamline operations, has encountered significant obstacles, including delays in worker payments and allegations of fraud. Observers have raised concerns the transition may have inadvertently favored union organizing efforts.
PPL has maintained a neutral stance regarding the union drive and has signed a neutrality agreement with SEIU. A company spokesperson stated that PPL respects the right of personal assistants to decide independently on unionization.
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has also refrained from taking an official position on the unionization campaign. DOH indicated that any potential rate increases stemming from collective bargaining agreements would require state approval. A spokesperson emphasized the state’s commitment to delivering quality care for patients and fair compensation for workers while ensuring efficient use of taxpayer funds.
An expert from the Manhattan Institute pointed to an enrollment figure of about 65,000 personal assistants participating in the program, highlighting the scope of the vote. Sources familiar with the election process noted that a low voter turnout could benefit SEIU, given that union victory would require only a simple majority of those casting ballots.
As the unionization vote approaches, stakeholders await further developments that could reshape the administration and economics of New York’s home-based care system.