On March 17, 2025, the Oregon House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards convened to address pressing issues facing home care workers in the state. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges of low wages, high turnover, and inadequate working conditions that threaten the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations.

The discussion was initiated by Karen Thompson, a home care worker and union organizer, who emphasized the historical context of labor struggles in the home care sector. She recounted how, in 1999, workers united to form a union, advocating for better pay and working conditions. Despite these efforts, many caregivers still face poverty wages, with earnings as low as $17 per hour, and lack access to essential benefits like health care. Thompson warned that without intervention, the crisis in home care would worsen, leading to increased shortages and harm to those reliant on these services.

The committee reviewed proposed legislation aimed at establishing a workforce standards board specifically for home care workers. This board would be tasked with setting fair standards for wages, benefits, and working conditions, thereby giving workers a voice in the industry. Supporters of the bill, including David Madland from the Center for American Progress, pointed to successful models in other states where similar boards have improved job quality and reduced turnover rates.

Felicia Hagans, executive director of the SAU Oregon City Council, presented details of House Bill 3838, which seeks to formalize the workforce standards board. She outlined the bill's provisions, including the establishment of a diverse board that includes representatives from various sectors, ensuring that all stakeholders have a say in shaping the future of home care work. The bill also includes mechanisms for accountability and legislative review, ensuring that any standards set by the board are subject to oversight.

The committee members engaged in a robust dialogue about the implications of the proposed legislation. Questions arose regarding the potential impact on funding for home care services and whether the establishment of the board might delay necessary investments in the workforce. Proponents argued that improving standards and securing funding are not mutually exclusive goals, but rather complementary efforts that can enhance the sustainability of care work in Oregon.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the complexity of the issues at hand and the need for continued dialogue among stakeholders. The proposed workforce standards board represents a significant step towards addressing the systemic challenges faced by home care workers, with the potential to improve both their working conditions and the quality of care provided to Oregonians in need. The committee's next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to the legislation, as they seek to balance the needs of workers, employers, and the communities they serve.