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To the editor:
The April 17 Chief article, "Advocates push Marte bill as funding concerns stalls actions," once again highlights how inhumanely workers are treated and underpaid in a political system that continues to value the concerns of the greedy while keeping hard-working, essential employees needy.
The concern of Home Health Aides working 24 hour shifts four days a week is presented as hurting the care they provide their patients. That's important. But equally important is the toll it takes on their aides. That would be unacceptable even if patient care did not suffer.
Getting paid for only 13 hours while being required to be present 24 hours is a scam. Even if aides could get uninterrupted meal breaks and sleep during the other 11 hours, which happens almost never, their requirement to be with their patients in case they are needed should be compensated. The other 11 hours are not free time for them.
It's inexcusable that the Democratic-controlled City Council is unwilling to pass a law banning 24 hour shifts. But this is why I prefer to discuss issues over political labels. There are people who will claim that those dominating the City Council are "moderates." That says nothing. Forcing 24 hour shifts on people is inhumane and I don't consider that "moderate."
It's good to describe their pay as "a mean annual income of $41,000." Paying anyone living in New York City such a low wage is certainly mean. When talking about employees taking care of people who can no longer take care of themselves, mean might be too mild a word.
Richard Warren
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