ADAPT protests SEIU and AFSCME

From the  April 23, 2013 press release of ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today):

DISABILITY ACTIVISTS DESCEND ON THE HEADQUARTERS OF TWO POWERFUL LABOR UNIONS; DEMAND REAL COLLABORATION ON ISSUES IMPACTING ATTENDANT SERVICES

ADAPT Activists Protest Union Involvement in Rules Limiting Ability of People with Disabilities to Direct Own Services

Washington, DC Members of the disability rights group ADAPT have arrived at the national headquarters of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) to protest the unions role in developing labor rules that will require seniors and people with disabilities to bring strangers into their homes, force others into institutions, and reduce the take home pay of attendants. "This issue is about workers rights as well as the right of people with disabilities to direct their own services," said Anita Cameron of Denver ADAPT. "The unions have to realize this."
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http://adaptold.adapt.org/adaptpr/archive.php?mode=N&id=335

ADAPT is particularly concerned about the overtime requirement in the Department of Labor's proposed rule change to amend the companionship exemption.  The rule change would require employers with disabilities to pay PCAs, including live-in companions, time-and-a-half for their overtime work, even if they are compensated with room and board in addition to wages.


The Center for Disability Rights, Inc. has a petition requesting the Obama administration stop changes to the companionship exemption that would lead to institutionalization:
http://capwiz.com/rochestercdr/issues/alert/?alertid=62869491