Proposed Rule Would Strip Overtime and Minimum Wage Protections from Over 1.5 Million Workers—More Than 80% Women
Orlando, FL – The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) strongly condemns the Trump Department of Labor’s proposed rule to roll back basic wage protections for home care workers, a move that would slash pay for more than 1.5 million workers nationwide—overwhelmingly women, and disproportionately women of color.
The rule would rescind a 2015 Obama-era regulation that guaranteed minimum wage and overtime protections to home care workers employed by third-party agencies.
Without it, employers could legally pay these essential workers less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour and deny them overtime pay, even as they work grueling schedules caring for the elderly, disabled, and chronically ill.
Care workers even paid at the ridiculously low Federal Minimum Wage can’t make enough money to support housing, food, transportation. All of them fall into the poverty category.
“This is a direct assault on women’s economic security and on the dignity of care work,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “These workers were called heroes during the pandemic. Now, the Trump administration is telling them their labor is worth less than the bare minimum.”
The Stakes for Florida
- Florida’s aging population is growing faster than the national average, increasing demand for home care services.
- Care workers here already earn poverty wages—many live below the federal poverty line despite full-time work.
- Rolling back protections will deepen the care crisis, drive workers from the field, and harm families who depend on them.
A Reverse Robin Hood
Private equity firms and large home care agencies have posted record profits since the 2015 rule took effect, proving they can thrive while paying fair wages. This rollback would funnel even more money to corporate executives while taking it directly from the pockets of women who can least afford it.
FL NOW’s Call to Action
FL NOW urges Florida’s congressional delegation, state legislators, and the public to:
- Oppose the repeal of the 2015 home care rule.
- Support federal and state legislation guaranteeing fair pay, overtime, and benefits for all care workers.
- Invest in the care economy as essential infrastructure for Florida’s families and economy.
“Care work is the work that makes all other work possible,” said Debbie Deland VP of FL NOW. “We will not stand by while this administration devalues women’s labor and pushes more families deeper into poverty. Please note that even paying the Federal minimum wage means care workers live at a poverty level. The Federal minimum wage is outrageously low.
This rule change is cruel.”
About FL NOW The Florida National Organization for Women is the state’s largest feminist advocacy organization, fighting for gender equity, reproductive freedom, racial justice, and economic security for all women.
