GENEVA - UN experts* today reiterated concerns about a government-subsidised 24-hour workday system affecting home care workers in New York City.
Their statement comes amid ongoing legislative discussions aimed at addressing 24-hour work schedules and follows a recent hunger strike by home care workers.
According to information received, many home care workers, most of whom are migrant women, are required to work 24-hour shifts while providing care and support to older persons and persons with disabilities. This system is allegedly subsidised and administered with government involvement.
"We are seriously concerned that the reported system may enable exploitative practices and that it has a disproportionate impact on migrant women and their families," the experts said.
The concentration of migrant women in homecare reflects the persistent undervaluation of care work and gendered inequalities in labour markets, which may expose women to heightened risks of exploitation and abuse. The experts noted that the situation may exhibit several indicators of forced labour identified by the International Labour Organization, raising serious and urgent concerns for affected workers.
"Home care workers must be able to enjoy just, favourable and safe working conditions, adequate rest, fair remuneration, protection of their rights, and access to effective remedies," the experts said. Prolonged working hours without adequate rest may have serious consequences for workers' physical and mental health, occupational safety and family life, while also affecting the quality and continuity of care provided to older persons and persons with disabilities.
They raised concerns about the Government's alleged failure to enforce existing laws on adequate pay and working conditions, the reported lack of effective remedies and compensation for affected workers, and the undervaluation of care and support work.
"We requested information from the Government on steps taken to improve working conditions, ensure access to effective remedies, and reform or eliminate the 24-hour workday system in line with international human rights standards. However, to date, we have not received a response," the experts said.
"As discussions continue in New York City on measures to address 24-hour work schedules, we encourage all relevant stakeholders to give careful consideration to these concerns and to ensure respect for the rights, dignity and well-being of home care workers and their families."
