Support for Rule to Provide Minimum Wage Protections to Direct Care Workers

Washington, DC (September 17, 2013) — Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on the Department of Labor's new rule extending minimum wage and overtime protections to nearly two million workers. Rep. Schakowsky submitted comments in support of the rule on March 21, 2012.

"I applaud Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez and the Obama Administration for extending the Fair Labor Standards Act's minimum wage and overtime protections to direct care workers. These are workers who provide essential home and personal care services to older Americans and persons with disabilities, allowing them to remain in the community. The majority of direct care workers are women, many are struggling to support their own families. Yet, because of an exemption written into federal law nearly 40 years ago, they are not guaranteed minimum wage and overtime protections.

"As a result of today's rule, two million home care workers and personal attendants receiving sub-minimum wages will receive a pay raise. This is an important step in providing the direct care workforce needed to meet the long-term care needs of seniors and people with disabilities."

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