1199SEIU Filed for Massive New York Union Election

Nearly 200,000 New York home care workers have taken the first step toward potential unionization.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Unions

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a heavy stamp over a geometric building facade, symbolizing an administrative labor filing. — The union 1199SEIU has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board for a union election involving nearly 200,000 New York home care workers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe large-scale unionization is the best way for home care workers to secure better pay?

The union 1199SEIU has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to hold a union election for workers in the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. If successful, this effort would represent the largest single-election worker organization in United States history.

Why it matters

The union aims to help workers negotiate for better pay to manage rising costs of living while exerting political influence in Albany to protect Medicaid funding for the program. Supporters believe collective bargaining is essential for stability following recent administrative changes to the CDPAP program.

The union has secured support from nearly 70,000 workers, meeting the requirement of at least one-third of the workforce to trigger an election. This initiative involves 200,000 CDPAP home care workers across New York.

The players

1199SEIU

This labor union currently represents 450,000 healthcare workers across the United States.

National Labor Relations Board

This federal agency oversees union elections and handles charges of unfair labor practices.

PPL

This entity was contracted by New York state in 2024 to administer the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program.

U.S. Department of Justice

This federal department has filed a lawsuit alleging that PPL was selected through a sham process.

The details

The unionization drive targets the CDPAP program, which has been managed by PPL under a state contract since 2024. PPL has agreed to remain neutral during the process, which follows a $160 million wage settlement reached with workers in June 2026.

In 1999, a California SEIU unionization effort involved 74,000 workers.
New York state signed a management deal with PPL in 2024.
PPL reached a $160 million wage settlement in June 2026.
On September 22, 2026, the union officially announced its filing with the National Labor Relations Board.

Political Context

Opponents of the unionization effort and some state critics may raise concerns regarding the impact on the administrative cost of the CDPAP program. They might argue that increasing union influence could complicate the state's efforts to manage Medicaid expenditures effectively.

For the nearly 200,000 affected workers, this filing is the first step toward potential changes in wages and workplace conditions. Residents relying on the CDPAP program should watch for potential impacts on administrative service delivery and state Medicaid funding.

The takeaway

This filing marks a pivotal moment for labor organizing in the home care sector, highlighting the tension between workforce representation and state-contracted program management. Workers are advised to monitor official communications from the National Labor Relations Board regarding their eligibility and the upcoming vote.