Quality Care NY At The NYSARC Convention Index
Letter From ARC Workers To The NYSARC Convention
Quality Care NY's Resolution On Working Together For Quality Care
DDSO And Chapter Direct Care Workers Attend NYSARC Convention
A Summary Of The Quality Care Act
Employee Committees Across the State Concerned with Quality of Care and Quality of Work Life
24 Members Of Congress Support Employee Free Choice In The Face Of NYSARC Union Busting
October 27, 2006
Dear NYSARC Convention Participant,
As Direct Care workers from both DDSOs and NYSARC chapters around the state, we share your concerns about the Association's ongoing workforce crisis and its impact on quality of care and quality of work life. Several of us are attending the convention and would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about these vital issues. We share with you a mutual interest in the well-being of NYSARC consumers and NYSARC staff and have enclosed a resolution that addresses that interest.
We look forward to speaking with you during the next few days and hope you have a productive, meaningful convention.
Sincerely,
Direct Care Workers, Quality Care NY
www.qualitycareny.com
(800) 342-4146 ext. 1400
Dear NYSARC Convention Participant,
As Direct Care workers from both DDSOs and NYSARC chapters around the state, we share your concerns about the Association's ongoing workforce crisis and its impact on quality of care and quality of work life. Several of us are attending the convention and would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about these vital issues. We share with you a mutual interest in the well-being of NYSARC consumers and NYSARC staff and have enclosed a resolution that addresses that interest.
We look forward to speaking with you during the next few days and hope you have a productive, meaningful convention.
Sincerely,
Direct Care Workers, Quality Care NY
www.qualitycareny.com
(800) 342-4146 ext. 1400
A Resolution Proposed for adoption by the NYSARC Board of Governors at the NYSARC Annual Convention, October 26-29, 2006
Whereas, NYSARC, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of New York; and
Whereas, NYSARC operates and provides program services throughout the State of New York under the direction and auspices of its recognized Chapters; and
Whereas each Chapter has been organized in accordance with the duly adopted By-Laws of NYSARC; and
Whereas, each Chapter is locally administered by a Chapter Board of Directors on behalf of the Board of Governors of NYSARC, Inc.; and
Whereas, providing quality care is NYSARC's highest priority; and
Whereas, NYSARC aspires to higher standards for quality care than those minimally required under law; and
Whereas, Direct Care Workers at several NYSARC Chapters have formed Committees to address quality of care concerns; and
Whereas recent quality of care complaints filed by these Committees have challenged NYSARC's commitment to the priority of quality care;
Whereas, creating a safe environment and recruiting and retaining qualified caring employees is among NYSARC's highest priorities; and
Whereas Direct Care workforce stability and resulting continuity of care is in the best interest of NYSARC consumers; therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the Board of Governors of NYSARC, Inc. hereby directs each Chapter to:
1) Meet with employee Committees to address ways to improve quality of care for consumers;
2) Provide a safe living and working environment for both consumers and Direct Care Workers, including the establishment of staffing patterns based upon the needs of each individual consumer;
3) Support legislative initiatives designed to raise standards of care and to encourage the recruitment and retention of dedicated direct care workers;
4) Address Direct Care workforce stability issues by:
a. Prohibiting the hiring of consultants or lawyers to discourage collective action among employees on behalf of consumers and/or unionization among employees;
b. Redirecting any funds currently used for the purpose described in 4 (a) above to improve direct care staffing patterns;
c. Adopting a written policy that the Chapter Board of Directors, individual members thereof, Chapter Executive Director, and all members of management abide by a policy of strict neutrality with regard to each individual employee's personal freedom of choice on the subject of unionization.
5) This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Whereas, NYSARC, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of New York; and
Whereas, NYSARC operates and provides program services throughout the State of New York under the direction and auspices of its recognized Chapters; and
Whereas each Chapter has been organized in accordance with the duly adopted By-Laws of NYSARC; and
Whereas, each Chapter is locally administered by a Chapter Board of Directors on behalf of the Board of Governors of NYSARC, Inc.; and
Whereas, providing quality care is NYSARC's highest priority; and
Whereas, NYSARC aspires to higher standards for quality care than those minimally required under law; and
Whereas, Direct Care Workers at several NYSARC Chapters have formed Committees to address quality of care concerns; and
Whereas recent quality of care complaints filed by these Committees have challenged NYSARC's commitment to the priority of quality care;
Whereas, creating a safe environment and recruiting and retaining qualified caring employees is among NYSARC's highest priorities; and
Whereas Direct Care workforce stability and resulting continuity of care is in the best interest of NYSARC consumers; therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the Board of Governors of NYSARC, Inc. hereby directs each Chapter to:
1) Meet with employee Committees to address ways to improve quality of care for consumers;
2) Provide a safe living and working environment for both consumers and Direct Care Workers, including the establishment of staffing patterns based upon the needs of each individual consumer;
3) Support legislative initiatives designed to raise standards of care and to encourage the recruitment and retention of dedicated direct care workers;
4) Address Direct Care workforce stability issues by:
a. Prohibiting the hiring of consultants or lawyers to discourage collective action among employees on behalf of consumers and/or unionization among employees;
b. Redirecting any funds currently used for the purpose described in 4 (a) above to improve direct care staffing patterns;
c. Adopting a written policy that the Chapter Board of Directors, individual members thereof, Chapter Executive Director, and all members of management abide by a policy of strict neutrality with regard to each individual employee's personal freedom of choice on the subject of unionization.
5) This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Employee Committees Across the State Concerned with Quality of Care and Quality of Work Life
DDSO And Chapter Direct Care Workers Attend NYSARC Convention
DDSO and NYSARC chapter direct care workers attended the NYSARC Convention, October 26-29 in Niagara Falls, NY. Their hope was to meet with parents and family members of individuals receiving chapter services who share their concerns about quality care and safety issues, to begin a dialog about forming a quality of care partnership to stop the revolving door of NYSARC?s direct care workforce, and to improve the continuity of consumer care which directly affects the quality of care delivered. These direct care workers wanted to discuss the importance of a work environment that promotes mutual respect by establishing a policy of neutrality as workers decide whether or not they want a union in their respective chapters. Currently NYSARC has a formal policy which literally prohibits workers from making these decisions in an atmosphere free from hostility.
NYSARC staff denied DDSO and most chapter direct care workers access to convention meetings and treated them rudely and with hostility. But they were not deterred. They took advantage of opportunities in workshops, banquets, and many formal social events throughout the course of the convention to introduce themselves and discuss their concerns about the current workforce and quality care crisis with many parents and family members, many of whom were interested in the workers? issues. The workers also distributed a personal letter and other materials to each and every Governor of the NYSARC Board in attendance.
While at the NYSARC convention, the direct care workers participated in a retirement reception honoring OMRDD Commissioner Thomas Maul and formally recognized him for both his outstanding labor-management model as well as his commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities in NYS.
One chapter direct care worker said, ?These parents and family members are being given misinformation about what is in the best interest of the consumers and direct care staff. As the people who provide the care we know that a partnership between families, workers, consumers, and management is in the best interest of the consumers. We will continue to work toward this goal despite management?s opposition.?
This sentiment was echoed by all DDSO and chapter direct care staff attending the convention.
NYSARC staff denied DDSO and most chapter direct care workers access to convention meetings and treated them rudely and with hostility. But they were not deterred. They took advantage of opportunities in workshops, banquets, and many formal social events throughout the course of the convention to introduce themselves and discuss their concerns about the current workforce and quality care crisis with many parents and family members, many of whom were interested in the workers? issues. The workers also distributed a personal letter and other materials to each and every Governor of the NYSARC Board in attendance.
While at the NYSARC convention, the direct care workers participated in a retirement reception honoring OMRDD Commissioner Thomas Maul and formally recognized him for both his outstanding labor-management model as well as his commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities in NYS.
One chapter direct care worker said, ?These parents and family members are being given misinformation about what is in the best interest of the consumers and direct care staff. As the people who provide the care we know that a partnership between families, workers, consumers, and management is in the best interest of the consumers. We will continue to work toward this goal despite management?s opposition.?
This sentiment was echoed by all DDSO and chapter direct care staff attending the convention.
A Summary Of The Quality Care Act
"There is enough money to do what is right. And what is right is to take care of those people who are at the lowest end of the pay scales ? and, in essence, (do) the hard dirty work.? says Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno
Quality Care NY believes that children and adults with developmental disabilities deserve the highest quality of care and services that New York can provide. We know that the quality of care and services begins with making sure the people who provide that care and service, direct care workers, are treated with fairness and respect. It is for that reason we are pleased to announce that a landmark piece of legislation, The Quality Care Act was passed, overwhelmingly, by both, the NYS Assembly and NYS Senate, Democrats and Republications alike, and is waiting the Governor's signature.
?I know about the challenges faced by people with special needs, their families and the hard-working men and women who care for them. One of the most important considerations in the care of these unique individuals is the consistency of knowing who will be there that day to help them dress, shower, eat or just share some time and visit. The high turnover rates and low pay which have plagued the field of direct service care for people with disabilities has made it hard to offer them the assurance they need that a caregiver -- their caregiver -- will be there to help them, day in and day out"Assembly Member Jeff Brown
Legislators from every corner of the state recognize the vitally important work done by not-for-profit direct care professionals all across the state, the disparity in pay and benefits between these direct care workers and their state counterparts, and the need to take steps toward reducing the tremendous turnover rates in this workforce which threaten to undermine the quality of care, system-wide, and have, through The Quality Care Act, taken an historic first step. This Act, if signed by Governor Pataki, will provide $25 million of new state money to directly benefit direct care workers providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities in not-for-profit agencies.
"How do I want the caregivers (Direct care workers) to be treated? It's with basic respect and dignity and fairness. ... This is a good fight that we should all join in and the government has made a good start"...Senator John Flanagan
What is The Quality Care Act?
It is recognition of the awesome responsibility of caring for people with developmental disabilities and supporting their families it is accepting the responsibility of beginning the process of reducing the tremendous turnover rates and staff shortages which compromise quality care and the personal dignity of individuals with developmental disabilities.
It is taking the first step, of what we hope are many, toward providing the not-for-profit direct care workers who care for New York's most vulnerable children and adults with the wages they so clearly deserve.
It is money that will go to direct care wages without exception. It is the beginning of the journey to fairness and respect and quality care not the end.
It is WHAT IS RIGHT!
Quality Care NY asks all parents and other family members, self-advocates, friends, and all New Yorkers who are concerned about the quality of care and quality of life of our fellow citizens with developmental disabilities to call Governor George Pataki and tell him to sign the Quality Care Act. Tell him to do WHAT IS RIGHT.
Quality Care NY believes that children and adults with developmental disabilities deserve the highest quality of care and services that New York can provide. We know that the quality of care and services begins with making sure the people who provide that care and service, direct care workers, are treated with fairness and respect. It is for that reason we are pleased to announce that a landmark piece of legislation, The Quality Care Act was passed, overwhelmingly, by both, the NYS Assembly and NYS Senate, Democrats and Republications alike, and is waiting the Governor's signature.
?I know about the challenges faced by people with special needs, their families and the hard-working men and women who care for them. One of the most important considerations in the care of these unique individuals is the consistency of knowing who will be there that day to help them dress, shower, eat or just share some time and visit. The high turnover rates and low pay which have plagued the field of direct service care for people with disabilities has made it hard to offer them the assurance they need that a caregiver -- their caregiver -- will be there to help them, day in and day out"Assembly Member Jeff Brown
Legislators from every corner of the state recognize the vitally important work done by not-for-profit direct care professionals all across the state, the disparity in pay and benefits between these direct care workers and their state counterparts, and the need to take steps toward reducing the tremendous turnover rates in this workforce which threaten to undermine the quality of care, system-wide, and have, through The Quality Care Act, taken an historic first step. This Act, if signed by Governor Pataki, will provide $25 million of new state money to directly benefit direct care workers providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities in not-for-profit agencies.
"How do I want the caregivers (Direct care workers) to be treated? It's with basic respect and dignity and fairness. ... This is a good fight that we should all join in and the government has made a good start"...Senator John Flanagan
What is The Quality Care Act?
It is recognition of the awesome responsibility of caring for people with developmental disabilities and supporting their families it is accepting the responsibility of beginning the process of reducing the tremendous turnover rates and staff shortages which compromise quality care and the personal dignity of individuals with developmental disabilities.
It is taking the first step, of what we hope are many, toward providing the not-for-profit direct care workers who care for New York's most vulnerable children and adults with the wages they so clearly deserve.
It is money that will go to direct care wages without exception. It is the beginning of the journey to fairness and respect and quality care not the end.
It is WHAT IS RIGHT!
Quality Care NY asks all parents and other family members, self-advocates, friends, and all New Yorkers who are concerned about the quality of care and quality of life of our fellow citizens with developmental disabilities to call Governor George Pataki and tell him to sign the Quality Care Act. Tell him to do WHAT IS RIGHT.