SOCIAL JUSTICE BLOG

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Ending Racist and Sexist Exclusion of Caregivers from Critical Labor Standards in Washington
Workers' Rights, Caregivers Teddy Basham-Witherington Workers' Rights, Caregivers Teddy Basham-Witherington

Ending Racist and Sexist Exclusion of Caregivers from Critical Labor Standards in Washington

Despite the high priority of their work and its inherent danger, live-in caregivers in the state of Washington may be paid shockingly subminimum wages without any access to state-mandated sick leave. They often work 24-hour shifts without uninterrupted breaks or sleep. Caregivers provide personal care and companionship for residents, assisting residents in bathing, dressing, eating, moving about, taking medication, and attending appointments. This care sometimes includes shifting immobile patients in bed to prevent pressure ulcers. Our clients’ work caused them to suffer musculoskeletal injuries and viral infections, including COVID-19.

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