Labor Day: Caregivers and Black women's employment trends

Labor Day discussions highlight the critical roles of caregivers and the economic challenges facing Black women in the workforce.

In the United States, an estimated 63 million people provide care for those who are sick, injured, or unable to care for themselves. According to research from the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, one in four adults serves as a caregiver. While these individuals provide essential support for daily tasks and medical needs, they often face significant personal strain; one in five caregivers report poor health.

Simultaneously, employment data indicates significant job losses among Black women. Research from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research shows that approximately 251,000 fewer Black women were employed in August 2025 compared to the start of that year. These employment shifts impact household stability, affecting the ability of families to manage essential costs such as housing, groceries, and medical care.