In 2023, Direct Care Workers (DCWs) and those who receive care across Colorado joined together to demand legislation to address the care crisis in Colorado, a crisis born from poor wages and working conditions driving care workers out of the industry and creating an alarming care shortage for those who need it most.
The Direct Care Workforce Stabilization Act was passed, creating a state-run board of care workers, those who receive care, and industry stakeholders to make recommendations for the Colorado legislature that would begin to directly address the crisis. The first recommendations were passed in 2025.
Now, it’s time to build on this progress with a new set of recommendations to continue to address the changing issues in the industry. Care workers and people who depend on them deserve bold leadership, not elected officials who refuse to take action. We call on the next Governor and elected officials to make care a priority.
In line with the 250th birthday of the United States and the 150th birthday of Colorado, and in marking 91 years since these workers have been left out of the National Labor Relations Act, Direct Care Workers are recommending a Direct Care Worker Bill of Rights:
The Right to a Livable Wage
Proper funding is at the heart of the majority of the issues in the care industry. Whether the issue stems from lack of funds or unfair allocation, the bottom line is this: Direct Care Workers are grossly underpaid. Funding priorities include:
- Protecting the base wages of DCWs from state budget cuts
- Ensuring DCWs retain the full 80% of Medicaid dollars used to fund their jobs, instead of the 60% they currently get due to greedy care agencies pocketing the difference
- Fixing TABOR to bring more funding to our state budget and continue closing the care gap in Colorado
The Right to a Secure Future
Industry issues that aren’t a matter of direct finding may be addressed by it, but also stem from a lack of legal protections or benefits structure. This leads to a lack of stability for Direct Care Workers, and an uncertain future. Priorities for a fair future for DCWs include:
- Enshrine wage protections, for both base wages and overtime, into Colorado law
- Establish a path for health insurance for DCWs
- Address and end racial and gender discrimination while ensuring care work is recognized, respected, and valued as a profession that strengthens our communities.
The Right to a Union and a Seat at the Table
At the end of the day, every issue that Direct Care Workers face can be addressed very simply: through the power of a union and a seat at the table. Care workers know their industry best, and with the power to work together, they can begin fixing the care crisis at its roots. Priorities for a union and a seat at the table include:
- Strengthen and empower the existing Direct Care Workforce Board, bringing together workers, care recipients, and employers to make recommendations on wages and workforce solutions that meet the needs of Colorado's care system.
- Provide education opportunities for DCWs to collaborate on budget solutions for the care crisis
- Support and protect the care worker communication platform created through this process from bad actors
- Include union representation in future “Know Your Rights” trainings for DCWs
- Ensure that DCWs are paid by their employers for mandatory “Know Your Rights” trainings
Are YOU ready to support Colorado’s Direct Care Workers and stand up for a better future for all Coloradans? Sign on now to urge our next governor to make this Bill of Rights the law of the land in the State of Colorado!