02.08.21

Durbin Discusses Supporting Caregivers with NDWA and SEIU

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today discussed the status of a COVID-19 relief bill with Ai Jen Poo, Executive Director of National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), Mary Kay Henry, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and Greg Kelley, President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana Missouri and Kansas. During the call, Durbin discussed how Congress can better support caregivers and the essential work that these individuals provide. Nearly 90 percent of home health workers are women, and disproportionately women of color. The group also discussed President Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan that includes a proposal to invest in the paid caregiver workforce.  

“I’m proud to partner with organizations like NDWA and SEIU to continue pushing for strong labor protections and ensure workers throughout Illinois have the tools and training they need to care for our loved ones.  President Biden is committed to helping our caregivers succeed and I will always support policies such as overtime pay protections, paid sick days, workplace safety improvements, and worker training programs that can to lift them up,” said Durbin. 

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