Letter to Mr. Mathies - Support for Consulate Healthcare Workers Striking for a Living Wage

Letter

Dear Mr. Mathies:

It has come to our attention that some caregivers employed by Consulate Healthcare, especially some long-term employees, are still being paid less than $15 an hour which many people regard as a living wage throughout Florida.

As nearly 20 percent of Florida's population is over the age of 65, a proportion that is only increasing, we understand how important companies like Consulate Healthcare are to providing good quality care for Florida's seniors. Because America's caregivers are at the heart of quality care, we believe low wages can have serious consequences for nursing homes residents due to the high rates of worker turnover and high resident to caregiver ratios.

We are concerned to learn that the current situation at your facilities in Florida has driven some of your employees to make the tough decision to go on strike. For the safety of your residents and the well-being of the caregivers and their families, we urge you to work to find a viable solution that will allow for continued growth of your company while also ensuring living wages for Florida's caregivers and quality care for our seniors.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to a speedy resolution to this issue and would like to hear back from you about your thoughts and concerns on these matters.

Sincerely,

Alcee L. Hastings
Member of Congress

Kathy Castor
Member of Congress

Lois Frankel
Member of Congress

Ted Deutch
Member of Congress