Unveiling the Controversies of New York’s Fastest-Growing Union, HHWA
TL/DR –
THE CITY has investigated the Home Healthcare Workers of America (HHWA) union for months, revealing that many of its members were unaware of their membership, its executives receive high compensation packages off of its low-wage member dues, and that the union has a history of making deals with employers without many workers’ knowledge. The HHWA, which has seen rapid growth amid expanded Medicaid-funded care, has been accused of circumventing union elections and signing workers onto management-friendly contracts. Furthermore, the union has been linked to anti-regulation lobby efforts through partnerships with company management.
Home Healthcare Workers of America: An In-Depth Look
The city has been probing Home Healthcare Workers of America (HHWA), New York’s fastest-growing union, for months. HHWA has added more new members than any other union in NYC in the 18 months leading up to June 2024, expanding swiftly with the city’s rapid increase in Medicaid-funded home care for the elderly and people with disabilities.
HHWA claims to have grown from 14,141 members in 2018 to 43,000 members now. But the reality is more intricate, raising serious questions about the union’s operation and efficacy. Here are some highlights of our findings:
- Four current and former members from a home care agency collectively bargaining with HHWA were unaware of their membership.
- The union’s executives, who draw salaries from member dues, have received compensation packages up to $1.4 million annually. Many HHWA members earn less than industry minimum wage after dues deductions.
- HHWA and sister unions, governed by many of the same officials, are known for negotiating with bosses without informing many of the workers — a pattern pointing to the union being a tool for management.
HHWA president, Joe Pecora, defended the union’s work in a statement, stating that they’re proud of their advocacy for members and leading the push for better wages and benefits in Albany. Referring to the recent growth, he attributed it to member referrals, reflecting their ability to meet members’ needs.
The Intricate Details of HHWA
HHWA’s massive growth is fueled by circumventing union elections, with many members unaware of the situation. The union organizes large groups of workers by securing voluntary agreements with home care company management.
Contrary to usual union practice, HHWA claims management from roughly three dozen companies have accepted the union without pushing for an election. Meanwhile, many workers reported to THE CITY that they were oblivious of their union membership.
The family controlling HHWA and its sister unions receive enormous salaries. Stephen Elliot Sr., the founding president who passed away in 2023, earned $1.4 million in 2022. His daughter and son-in-law each earned about $500,000 in 2023.
The Elliott family, the IUJAT, and its network of unions are notorious within the labor movement for interposing on other unions’ organizing drives and signing workers onto management-friendly contracts.
Unseen Ties
HHWA maintains close ties with company management through the Home Healthcare Employers Association. This association, founded by an attorney at Littler Mendelson, often helps companies fend off traditional labor union organizing drives. The association and HHWA signed agreements with the same leading lobbying firm to push against increased regulation and oversight of the industry.
Read our full investigation here: New York’s Fastest-Growing Union Is Management’s Best Friend — and Some Workers Don’t Even Know They’re Members.
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