Missouri - Strengthening Home Care through AFSCME
A union of their own. That’s the goal of more than 10,000 home care providers who are determined—through AFSCME—to improve their lives and those of the people in their care.
Power Through AFSCME: Missouri Home Care Union members gather at the state Capitol to lobby for expanded Medicaid coverage.
Photo Credit:
Jeff Pittman
Jefferson City, Missouri
A union of their own. That’s the goal of more than 10,000 home care providers who are determined—through AFSCME—to improve their lives and those of the people in their care.
The private sector providers took their first step in March, petitioning the state to hold an election to become members of the Missouri Home Care Union, an affiliate of AFSCME Council 72.
But hundreds of home care providers began flexing their political muscles even earlier—in February—at a “Medicaid Makes $ents” rally organized by Council 72 and Richard Blakley, executive director of Disabled Citizens Alliance for Independence (DCAI). The providers and their “clients”—in some cases their own relatives—told lawmakers of their wish to expand health care to children.
The providers and members of DCAI also met with lawmakers to reverse the 2005 actions of then-Gov. Matt Blunt (R). He cut Medicaid coverage for some 100,000 low-income adults and lowered benefits for hundreds of thousands more, including many who require home care if they hope to stay out of state-run nursing homes—a far-more-expensive option to the state.
Karen Brown of Knob Noster (a town 60 miles east of Kansas City), has been providing home care for her partner for more than a year. Brown has high hopes that through the Missouri Home Care Union, she and others like her will win the state support they need to provide for loved ones who otherwise would end up in nursing homes.
“We’re taking care of people every day, and a lot of us can’t afford to take care of ourselves,” says Brown, explaining the need to restore Medicaid cuts.
“When attendants vote to form their own union, they can win the respect and strong voice they deserve,” says Don Zavodny, acting director of Council 72.
