WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents 1.2 million essential workers across North America, including nursing home, assisted living, and health care industry workers, released the following statement in response to yesterday’s passage of “Protecting America’s Seniors Access to Care Act” (H.R. 7513) by the House Ways & Means Committee, that would prohibit the Biden administration from finalizing a proposed rule on nursing home staffing standards.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following statement:
“When nursing homes are understaffed, it is both patients and workers who suffer. Only the nursing home industry would benefit from this bill as it would allow them to continue to place profit over patient care.
“The UFCW urges members of Congress to vote against this bill and support the administration’s efforts to finalize the proposed rule. A federal minimum staffing requirement is necessary for millions of families across the country whose loved ones deserve skilled, quality care.”
The Biden administration’s proposed rule would have established, among other guardrails, much-needed minimum staffing standards in nursing homes. Previously, the UFCW submitted public comment on the proposed rule, providing worker testimonials and suggestions to strengthen it.
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The UFCW International is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.2 million workers and their families in grocery, meatpacking, food processing, health care, cannabis, retail, and other essential industries. UFCW members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.