Home Care Workers Begin Hunger Strike Against 24-Hour Shifts in New York
In New York City, home care workers have initiated a hunger strike in response to state laws permitting 24-hour shifts but compensating only for 13 hours. Approximately 40 workers are participating, with 15 commencing their hunger strike at 1:00 p.m. in sweltering 85-degree temperatures. Among them, 70-year-old Yunfang Zhang has reported significant health issues, as some workers endure shifts lasting up to 96 hours. Councilmember Christopher Marte has suggested legislation to substitute 24-hour shifts with two workers on 12-hour shifts, but it has faced delays due to funding issues. Union 1199 SEIU estimates that implementing split shifts would incur an annual cost of $450 million. Governor Kathy Hochul has declined to fund these expenses, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration has expressed concerns. Disability advocates fear this could lead to increased patient institutionalization.
Key facts
- Home care workers are protesting 24-hour shifts with pay for only 13 hours
- About 40 workers protested outside City Hall with 15 beginning a hunger strike
- Workers report working up to 96 consecutive hours with partial pay
- Councilmember Christopher Marte introduced legislation to replace 24-hour shifts with 12-hour shifts
- Estimated cost for split shifts is $450 million annually in New York City
- Governor Kathy Hochul has refused to cover the additional costs
- Disability advocates worry patients could lose home care without adequate funding
- A previous hunger strike occurred in 2024 and lasted six days
Entities
Institutions
- THE CITY
- 1199 SEIU
- Center for Independence of the Disabled New York
- New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
- City Council
- New York State Medicaid
Locations
- New York City
- New York
- City Hall
- Chinatown
- South Bronx
- Rikers Island