The Department of Labor is currently considering a policy change that could significantly impact millions of home-care workers by revoking their federal minimum wage and overtime protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This proposal has drawn strong opposition from organizations such as the ACLU and the National Domestic Workers Alliance, who emphasize its potential to worsen conditions for workers predominantly comprised of women, especially women of color and immigrants.
Historical Context of Wage Exclusions
Since its inception in 1938, the FLSA has excluded domestic and agricultural workers from wage protections. This exclusion has disproportionately affected communities of color, perpetuating economic disadvantages linked to the legacies of slavery and discrimination. It has underscored a long-standing societal view that caregiving, often performed by women, is less valuable than other forms of labor.
Progress and Current Challenges
In 2013, the Department of Labor made significant strides by establishing that professional home-care workers should receive equal compensation under the FLSA, with specific exemptions for casual caregivers. However, recent policy directions under the Trump administration seek to revert these protections, reinforcing outdated perceptions about caregiving roles.
Economic Implications for Home-Care Workers
The ACLU highlights the profound implications of the proposed rule, pointing out that it disregards the economic challenges faced by many home-care workers, who are essential to providing care for aging adults and those with disabilities. Should the rule take effect, it threatens not only to strip wage protections from millions but to push vulnerable workers deeper into poverty. Many will face tough choices between maintaining their current roles and seeking better-paying employment to support their families.
Personal Accounts from Care Workers
Denise Lugo, a seasoned home-care worker with over 30 years of experience in North Carolina, shares her story as a testament to the impact of such decisions. “I have spent over 30 years working as a care worker, supporting aging adults and people with disabilities,” she explains, highlighting the often invisible yet crucial contributions of workers like herself. Despite her dedication and the demanding nature of her work, Lugo reports struggling with economic hardships and reliance on public assistance.
The Current State of Care Work
Today, most home-care workers are women of color and immigrants, working under conditions that often place them below the poverty line. The median income for these workers is under $22,000 annually, forcing many to depend on public support even under existing wage protections. Lugo’s experience resonates as she describes how changes to Medicaid funding have already begun to impact care workers. “The recently passed ‘Big Beautiful Budget Act’ has further slashed funding for Medicaid, and now the proposed rule by the Department of Labor threatens to dismantle the fragile support systems in place for workers,” she asserts.
The Urgent Need for Reform
The challenges in the care industry are compounded by a significant shortage of direct care workers, with over 700,000 individuals on waitlists for home care. The AARP’s “Caregiving in the U.S.” report for 2025 reinforces the urgent need for adequate care workers, echoing concerns about burnout and strain on families reliant on these services.
A Call to Action
Denise Lugo emphasizes the critical role that home-care workers play in society, stating that if they leave the workforce, families will struggle to find the necessary support for their loved ones. “This rule change would only accelerate that collapse. It tells workers like me that our labor is not valued,” she declared. Withering protections and funding cuts cannot be ignored, as the care economy hangs in the balance.
Conclusion
Denise Lugo’s plea highlights the ongoing fight for dignity and fair compensation in care work. She asserts, “I cannot survive off dignity alone. I need a living wage. I need health care. I need to be seen.” These sentiments capture the collective struggle of millions of home-care workers whose rights and livelihoods depend on the continued recognition and protection of their vital roles.
