Our Work
Domestic Workers United organizes nannies, housekeepers, and elder care providers to bring dignity and respect to the work that makes all other work possible. We passed the nation's first Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights in 2010, reversing centuries of labor law exclusion. And, we're just getting started!
Timeline of DWU's Historic Achievements:
2011
- Historic Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers adopted at the International Labor Organization.
- Domestic workers invited to speak at the White House with Obama Administration officials, including Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis.
- Launched Ambassadors program to build worker power in high-density areas throughout New York City.
- Released “In Our Care” documentary about the Nanny Training Course and worker education for building our power as a workforce.
- Launched “New Day, New Standard” Know Your Rights campaign to reach and educate workers about the newly enacted Domestic Workers Bill of Rights
- Surpassed 6000 members.
- Helped to launch the national Caring Across Generations campaign, led by the National Domestic Workers Alliance, to address job creation, professional development, pathway to legalization, and tax credits for families
2010
- Passed the historic Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (A1470B/S2311E), guaranteeing basic rights and protections, as well as recognition, to domestic workers in New York state.
- Released landmark shadow report about collective bargaining as the next important step in securing safety, security, rights and respect for domestic workers.
- Gathered over 400 domestic workers and supporters at the historic Riverside Church to urge the immediate passage of the Bill of Rights in the Senate. Within weeks, on 1 June 2010, the Senate adopted their form of the bill.
- Helped to launch Excluded Workers Congress, a coalition of organizations of workers in 9 sectors that have been excluded from basic labor protections in the US.
- DWU became an independent non-profit organization and elected its first Board of Directors.
2009
- Passage in the Assembly of the first legislation in the United States to fully address the exclusion of domestic workers in labor law.
- A commitment from Governor Paterson to sign the Bill of Rights once it reaches his desk.
- Winning the support of 27 co-sponsors in the Senate, and over 50 co-sponsors in the Assembly for the Bill of Rights.
- Mobilized over 2000 people in actions around the state and country.
- An historic New York Times editorial in support of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.
- Won over $450,000 in unpaid wages for exploited domestic workers.
- A proclamation issued by the New York City Council recognizing the contributions of domestic workers to the families and overall economy of New York.
- Reached 2500 members.
2008
- Hosted the first National Domestic Workers Congress including domestic workers representing 18 organizations in 10 cities across the country.
2007
- Helped to form the National Domestic Workers Alliance at the historic US Social Forum in Atlanta, GA with 13 domestic workers organizations in 5 cities across the country
- Reached 1000 members.
2003
- Led the way to passage of Local Law 33 and Resolution 135 in the New York City Council. The law requires employment agencies to inform domestic workers of their legal rights and families that hire domestic workers through agencies to sign a statement acknowledging the employee’s rights.
- Reached 500 members.
- First Latina members join DWU.
2002
- City Council Bill introduced to compel employment agencies that place domestic workers to inform workers of their rights and employers of their legal obligations while mandating a written statement of job conditions.
- DWU organizes first major domestic workers rights march in NYC to highlight the need for change.
- Education series called “None but Ourselves Can Free Our Minds” on social movements of the past and present, in the US and globally, is launched.
2001
- DWU runs the Nanny Training Program, where domestic workers can become certified in CPR and build their child care skills. Over 500 nannies have graduated from this course.
2000
- DWU forms, with the establishment of regular monthly meetings in Brooklyn. A Steering Committee of Caribbean domestic workers is launched.
