Published on: 2026-08-17
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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August 17, 2026 Human Rights
UN independent human rights experts have expressed concern about the impact of the 24-hour shift system on staff providing home care services to the elderly and disabled in New York. The statement came amid ongoing discussions of legislative measures in this area. Workers in this field recently conducted a week-long hunger strike demanding a halving of shift durations.
According to information obtained by experts, many home care workers, most of whom are migrant women, are forced to work 24 hours straight. This system is subsidized and administered with the involvement of state authorities.
According to media reports, workers are paid for only 13 hours of a 24-hour shift, based on the assumption that eight hours are allocated for sleep and three hours for meals. However, in practice, the needs of those under care may not allow workers to use all of this time for rest or food.
“We are seriously concerned that this system may create conditions for the exploitation of workers,” the experts stated. According to them, the risks disproportionately affect women migrants and their families.
Exploitation risk
As human rights defenders have noted, the high proportion of migrant women among the staff reflects the undervaluation of labor in the care sector and gender inequality in the market, as a result of which women can become victims of exploitation and abuse.
Independent experts noted that the current situation may contain several signs of forced labor as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO). There is also concern about reports of victims lacking access to legal protection and compensation.
Experts warned that prolonged work without sufficient rest can have serious consequences for the physical and mental health, safety, and family life of employees. In addition, such conditions can affect the quality of care for elderly people and people with disabilities.
Staff, human rights activists reminded, must work in safe and favorable conditions, receive fair pay, have enough time for rest, and access to effective means of legal protection.
UN experts have called for these issues to be taken into account during the ongoing discussions in New York concerning 24-hour work shifts.
Compliance with labor rights
Independent experts have also expressed concern regarding the alleged lack of proper oversight by the authorities on compliance with existing laws on wages and working conditions.
“We requested information from the government about measures taken to improve working conditions, ensure access to effective legal remedies, as well as to reform or abolish the 24-hour shift system in accordance with international human rights standards. However, to date, we have not received a response,” said the human rights defenders.
They called on all interested parties to pay close attention to these issues and to ensure the protection of the rights, dignity, and well-being of home care workers and their families.
Experts maintain contact with the United States government on this issue.
The statement was signed by members of the UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls, as well as Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants Gehad Madi, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Elena Carolina Diaz Galan, and Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery Katarina Schwarz.
Independent experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. They are not UN staff members and do not receive a salary for their work. Experts act in a personal capacity and independently of governments and any organizations.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.