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.
Aug 31, 2010 - "Paterson Signs Landmark Bill of Rights for Domestic Workers" NY1
31 Aug 2010
Aug 31, 2010
NY1 News
Reporting by: Bobby Cuza
Domestic workers in New York are now guaranteed more rights than anywhere in the nation.
Governor David Paterson signed the Domestic Workers' Rights bill into law Tuesday morning.
It guarantees overtime pay, a minimum of one day off every seven days, three days of paid leave per year, and protections against sexual harassment and racial discrimination.
The bill also mandates that a feasibility study be done to see if there is a possibility of these workers unionizing.
The law covers the estimated 270,000 domestic workers – including nannies, housekeepers and caregivers – employed statewide, and is being hailed as a civil rights victory since the majority of the workers are not only women, but also women of color.
"They are the structure and function of our society," Paterson said. "They have been the skeleton and underpinning of our success. They are the wind beneath our wings. And we have totally disrespected them, until today."