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NORFOLK, VA - Today, SEIU Virginia 512 members alongside their SEIU union siblings across the country wielded their power to demand what working people deserve: Money. Power. Respect. During the rally, care workers joined with allies to call for the respect and dignity working Virginians deserve. For more than two decades, Virginia’s home care workers have organized and fought for their right to a seat at the table and voice on the job to advocate for fair wages and working conditions.

This year’s May Day rally occurs as the General Assembly moves into special session to negotiate a budget that will, in part, determine whether home care workers will earn more than $13.88 for their essential services. While budget negotiations are underway, the historic legislation ensuring public sector workers - including home care workers - have collective bargaining rights sits on Governor Spanberger’s desk.

“As home care workers, we make all other work possible, yet we have been forced to provide essential services on poverty wages while struggling to keep our own heads above water,” said Athena Jones, SEIU Virginia 512 Home Care Chair. “Most home care workers in Virginia are paid just $13.88 an hour, forcing over 53% of our workforce to rely on public assistance. We need funded raises in the budget now, and we need policies that treat us like the healthcare professionals we are — including repealing the 16-hour cap on service hours and halting EVV expansion.”

“In this economy, workers literally cannot afford not to be protected by a contract,” said Melinda Vaikasiene, a Prince William County worker and Organizing Committee member. “In Prince William County, we have seen the 'Union Difference' firsthand. Without a union, general county employees have to beg for raises every year, but with a union, police and fire have their raises locked in. General county employees have officially filed for our union election, and this summer, we are going to win a seat at the table to ensure every worker has the power to move forward together .”

“For too long, home care workers have carried the weight of our communities on their backs. Yet after two decades of dedication and sacrifice, many are still struggling to make ends meet,” said LaChae Kelly Taliaferro, a member of UFCW Local 400. “Collective bargaining is the tool that turns our individual voices into a united force, ensuring that no decisions are made about workers without them. We need the governor to sign the collective bargaining bill now, because every day it sits unsigned is another day workers are overlooked and underpaid.”

During the rally, home care workers were joined by elected leaders, including Senator Angelia Williams-Graves and Delegate Bonita Anthony, who reaffirmed their commitment to fighting for a Virginia where all people can thrive.

"Home care is the foundation upon which the rest of our workforce is built. When seniors and people with disabilities have reliable, high-quality care at home, their family members are able to enter the workforce and contribute to our local economy,” said Senator Angelia Williams-Graves. “But we cannot expect this essential system to remain stable if the providers themselves are paid poverty wages. Investing in our home care workforce is not just about fairness; it is about ensuring the long-term health and economic stability of every family in Norfolk and across the Commonwealth."

“I was proud to stand with my colleagues in the General Assembly to pass a collective bargaining bill that respects the value of our public service workers. This legislation is a real tool for making life more affordable for working families and helping our local governments recruit and retain the people we need to deliver high-quality services,” said Delegate Bonita Anthony. “When workers have a seat at the table, our public institutions become more efficient, more stable, and more responsive. I join the voices here today in calling on the Governor to sign the enrolled version, and to stand with the people who keep Virginia moving forward.”

SEIU Virginia 512 members stand in solidarity with workers across the world to demand a system built on justice, not exploitation. Building a better world starts at home in Virginia, and care workers continue to remain on the frontlines of the fight for dignity and respect.

EVENT ASSETS: Photos from the event are HERE and may be published with credit to Bert Shepherd. A downloadable recording of Senator Williams-Graves delivering remarks is HERE and a downloadable recording of Delegate Bonita Anthony delivering remarks is HERE.

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SEIU Virginia 512 stands firm in the belief that all working families deserve dignity, respect, fair wages, benefits, and a voice in the workplace. In 2026, we represent 16,000 workers, and we are working to organize over 28,000 more! SEIU Virginia 512 members advocate for good union jobs and justice for everyone in our community.