We have a dream that one day, all work
will be valued equally.
Founded in 2000, Domestic Workers United [DWU] is an organization of Caribbean, Latina and African nannies, housekeepers, and elderly caregivers in New York, organizing for power, respect, fair labor standards and to help build a movement to end exploitation and oppression for all.
NYS SENATE PASSES BILL OF RIGHTS
02 Jun 2010
Yesterday in the early morning, about 100 domestic workers and supporters got on buses headed for Albany to urge senators one last time to vote YES for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights during today’s session. With truth on our side, we educated thousands of Albany residents and legislative workers about the conditions faced by domestic workers and the urgency of basic rights and protections. We hit senate offices to remind them about the vote, to address any last-minute concerns, and to urge them to vote in favor of the bill.
After two hours of deliberation, filled with impassioned and moving speeches by members of the Senate recalling the struggles of their mothers and grandmothers who had been domestic workers, desiring to reclaim New York’s pioneering leadership in workers’ rights, and highlighting the moral significance of this bill, the New York State Senate finally came down on the right side of history. Last night, on June 1, the New York State Senate voted 33-28 to pass the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.
We have come so far, since we first set out on this journey. We have gotten everyone to learn about the domestic workers’ plight and the history of exclusion. We have built and deepened strong alliances with many different sectors of our society. Everyone has been touched and moved in some way. We could not have accomplished all that we have without your support and without you standing alongside us in this struggle.
We ask you to stay with us, as we enter the last phase of our campaign for justice. Now we must get the Assembly and Senate bills reconciled so that the governor can sign into law much-needed and long overdue basic rights and protections for the workers who make all other work possible.
UPCOMING EVENTS
DWU “ROAD TO DETROIT” FUNDRAISER
Celebrate how far we’ve come and help DWU raise funds to send a delegation to the US Social Forum in Detroit to keep building the movement for justice.
Thursday, June 3, 7PM-10PM
Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleeker Street (between Sullivan and Thompson)
-Head one flight down to the Gallery Bar-
Trains: A/B/C/D/E/F/V to West 4th Street (walk 3 blocks east)
Admission
Music + Door prizes + Light fare
Join us to celebrate how far we've come in the struggle for dignity, respect, and rights. Help us to also raise funds to send a delegation of domestic workers to the US Social Forum, where DWU helped to co-found the National Domestic Workers Alliance in 2007. On June 22-26, domestic workers from around the country are convening in Detroit to build upon our victories coast to coast and to keep strengthening the national movement for justice. Hear briefly from members of the delegation about our exciting plans in Detroit!
**BONUS**
Karaoke Extravaganza - Sing your heart out for per song!!
Silent Auction - Bid on several items, including DWU memorabilia!
DON’T MISS THE CELEBRATION!!
Please RSVP at dwuinfo@domesticworkersunited.org or call (212) 481-5747.
"We have a dream that one day all work will be valued equally."