Global: Care sector in "crisis" on 5th anniversary of COVID-19 pandemic, finds UNI Global survey of 11,233 workers
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UNI Global Union has released a report into the extent of the global "care crisis" on the 5th anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing on a survey of 11,233 care workers across 63 countries to expose chronic staff shortages, poverty wages and "surging" workplace violence. Poor working conditions are driving workers to leave the sector and exacerbating many of the same issues by increasing understaffing to unsafe levels in hospitals and care homes.
There is no shortage of care workers—there is a shortage of care workers willing to endure low pay, chronic understaffing and unsafe conditions. The care staffing crisis cannot be solved simply by training new workers or recruiting migrant care workers. Unless we address the core issues driving people out of the sector—low wages, understaffing and widespread violence and harassment—the cycle of worker shortages and declining care quality will continue.Alan Sable, Head of Care for UNI Global Union
UNI Global Union is calling on governments and employers to act now with the following urgent reforms:
✔ Higher wages and better benefits to make care jobs sustainable and retain workers.
✔ Mandatory safe staffing levels to prevent burnout and protect patient care.
✔ Stronger protections against workplace violence and harassment, including ratification and enforcement of ILO Convention 190.
✔ Fair treatment and legal protections for migrant workers, who face disproportionate discrimination and unsafe conditions.
✔ Support for union representation and collective bargaining, which improve working conditions and job sustainability.
✔ Increased public funding for the care sector to ensure quality services, fair pay and a workforce that can meet growing demands.