The Gothamist reports New York City Home Care Workers are ramping up protests to end 24-hour work shifts that they liken to "torture" and to pressure New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin to advance a local law capping their shifts at 12 hours. A dozen current and former Home Care Workers began a hunger strike last week to draw attention to their bid to end the 24-hour shifts, for which the Workers say they also are undercompensated. The Workers and their supporters have also protested in front of Menin’s Upper East Side Home and rallied in front of City Hall, urging the Speaker to fulfill a pledge she made to bring the Bill to a vote. At a rally launching the hunger strike, protesters argued that 24-hour shifts are bad for Workers’ health and chanted: “No more torture! No more 24!” But the Bill's critics say the legislation risks disrupting the services thousands of elderly and disabled New Yorkers rely on to remain in their homes and to perform everyday tasks such as eating, bathing and getting out of bed. Menin’s Office said last week that there’s no timeline for moving the legislation forward, despite her announcing support for the measure in the Spring. Home care is both a major industry in New York, employing more than 600,000 Statewide as of last year, and is a lifeline for many elderly and disabled New Yorkers. The Legal Aid Society and 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - both of which represent Home Care Workers in different contexts - have argued that any changes to 24-hour shifts need support from the State because home care is largely regulated and funded through the State-run Medicaid Program.

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