Illinois Mandates Training Seminars for In-Home Care Workers

Illinois' Department of Human Services recently mandated that any in-home care worker in the state is now required to participate in a three hour training seminar for such workers. This mandate applies not only to professional home care workers but also to any family members who received monetary compensation for providing care to a relative.

The Movement behind the Mandate

The SEIU began working with Illinois' public officials to have them stipulate that any home health care worker must become part of their union, which set off several lawsuits. These lawsuits eventually led to the Supreme Court's ruling that neither independent caregivers nor paid family members could be forced to pay union dues if they did not want to join the union.

The SEIU was upset by the decision, firmly claiming these workers would benefit from union efforts to increase benefits such as protections and pay and, therefore, should financially contribute to the unions as they would reap the same benefits. The Supreme Court's ruling had blocked a potential source of significant financial support. 

The Mandate and Its Requirements

A contract was signed between the Illinois Department of Human Services and SEIU for the union to provide training seminars to in-home caregivers. The state pays the union $2 million annually to conduct these three hour sessions. During 30 minutes of each session, the SEIU is allowed to promote union membership and activities.

At first, there were few public mentions of these mandated meetings. Gradually, more information became public. Critics complain that the politicians are still just paying back union officials for their political support.  The Illinois Policy Institute now has representatives attending these meetings to make sure they are not attempts by the union to push union membership on unsuspecting care giver participants. They inform all attendees that they are not obligated to pay membership dues (around $600 annually) or join the union.

In Home Care Giver Training

Until the mandate is changed by the state of Illinois, it is still in effect. Search online to learn about the variety of home health care business opportunities available where you may work and receive training. Senior care franchise opportunities allow you to operate your own in-home care business in your local area.