The #JustPay movement is fighting for human services workers to get the pay they deserve.
Just Pay: Fighting for Equity in Human Services
The #JustPay movement, led by our partners at Human Services Council, advocates for fair wages for human services workforce, like those at Grand St. Settlement, who are paid through government contracts. This workforce delivers essential services to communities across New York City, yet they often face financial struggles due to systemic underfunding and inequitable government contracts. It’s time to end the cycle of poverty wages and deliver #JustPay for the human services sector.
Since its launch in 2021, the #JustPay campaign has achieved significant victories, including securing over $1.4 billion in City funding and $900 million in State funding to increase wages for human services workers. These wins have provided short-term relief, but there’s more work to do.
At the City level, the Prevailing Wage Bill aims to set fair wages for human services workers. Meanwhile, at the State level, the Wage Board Bill seeks to close pay gaps between nonprofit and government workers by ensuring equitable compensation.
The stakes are high for nonprofit employees.
Nearly 25% of human services workers relied on food stamps between 2016 and 2018, and two-thirds earn below the near-poverty threshold. Low wages lead to burnout, high turnover, and program disruptions, threatening the stability of services our communities depend on and the livelihoods of organizations doing vital work.
As a nonprofit, Grand Street Settlement operates under contracts that provide insufficient funding for competitive wages. Our government funders must prioritize investment in human services to ensure wages reflect the critical role these workers play. Addressing this issue is not just about fairness—it’s about sustaining vital programs that strengthen our neighborhoods.
This year the campaign is fighting for a 7.8% funding increase for human services programs and legislation to secure equitable pay on an ongoing basis that isn’t decided annually by City and State budgets. By joining the #JustPay movement, we advocate not only for our staff but also for the communities they serve. Together, we can create a future where fairness and dignity are the cornerstones of human services work.
