Home health aides gathered outside City Hall on Wednesday, demanding that the New York City Council cap their shifts at 12 hours. Demonstrators, mostly women and immigrants, chanted “no more 24‑hour” after years of working three consecutive 24‑hour days for a single client, a schedule that leaves many with chronic pain, insomnia and unpaid overtime and demand fair compensation for the hours they actually work.

The push follows a decade‑long campaign by roughly 130,000 home‑care workers in the five boroughs, who argue that state law permits 24‑hour shifts only if aides actually rest for 11 hours. Advocates warn that without reform, the aging city—projected to see a 25 % rise in residents 65+ by 2040—will face a chronic staffing shortfall and higher wages.

Council Member Christopher Marte introduced legislation that would limit shifts to 12 hours except emergencies, but opponents—including the Service Employees International Union—estimate the change could cost the Medicaid system $460 million annually. Lawmakers must reconcile the funding gap before a spring vote, as insurers and patient‑advocacy groups caution that splitting 24‑hour care could create coverage gaps for seniors dependent on live‑in assistance and patient safety concerns.