AFSCME’s Lee Saunders praises Biden’s caregiver plan

WASHINGTON — AFSCME president Lee Saunders issued the following statement praising the plan announced by Vice President Biden today to build a robust 21st century caregiving and education workforce:

“For too long, our caregiving workforce has been underappreciated, underpaid and overworked – even though these workers do some of our society's most indispensable jobs, jobs that are more important and challenging than ever during a global pandemic.

“Under a Biden administration, these workers – predominantly women and people of color – will get the respect they deserve for their selfless service to some of our most vulnerable people. And families will get the peace of mind of knowing that they can go to work while their pre-schooler is in a safe learning environment and their elderly parents are receiving professional, dignified care.

“Vice President Biden’s plan provides better compensation, benefits and training for our care workforce, improving services and reducing turnover. The plan also empowers caregivers with the right to organize in a union, where they can negotiate for improved working conditions and other rights and protections.”