Calls are being made for care workers to be given better pay and working conditions in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.
Jackie Baillie MSP, along with the GMB trade union, is lobbying the Scottish Government for action.
Social care workers, both within care homes and around the community, have served on the front line of the Covid-19 pandemic.
More than half of all Covid-19 deaths in Scotland have occurred in residential care homes.
Jackie said: “Our care homes have become the epicentre of the virus and social care sector workers are truly at the very front of the frontline.
“These key workers have had to continue to protect the most vulnerable in our society against a deadly virus with none of the support needed to protect themselves and others.
“The number of serious issues that have arisen in care homes in my constituency is cause for grave concern and have undoubtedly led to a number of deaths of residents and care staff themselves.”
Kirsty Nimmo, GMB Scotland organiser for private care, said: “After the applause is over on a Thursday evening, care workers return to low paid and so-called low skilled work.
“This crisis must give way to a transformation in the value of care work, this starts with a pay rise of at least £2 an hour for all social care staff.
“Over the past few months, many care workers, predominately women, have been put through hell for less than £10 an hour but thousands are joining GMB Scotland and demanding change.
“Their message to all care workers is join the union and join our campaign for proper protections and decent pay in care.”
