DWU Builds Support for Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in Albany

On Tuesday, April 28th, members and supporters of Domestic Workers United will return to Albany to build support for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights provides key protections and basic rights for the over 200,000 women working as nannies, housekeepers and elderly caregivers in New York. In the wake of the economic crisis, the conditions facing domestic workers have worsened with increased rates of lay-offs, cut wages and extended hours, without notice, severance pay or any safety net.

During the last two months, both the Assembly and Senate Labor Committees have passed the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights out of committee. This support is the result of five years of sustained organizing and advocacy, and the success of our recent trip to Albany. On February 10th, 250 members and supporters of Domestic Workers United met with over 60 legislators, organized a march and held a press conference to get the word out about the struggles of domestic workers. Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith attended our press conference, and by the end of the day 12 senators signed on as co-sponsors for the bill.

The next step is for everyone who believes domestic work deserves respect, recognition and protection to participate in the Week of Action For Domestic Workers Bill of Rights from April 23 to May 1. We invite you to join us for events including a Shalom Bayit Public Forum organized by Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ), a March for Dignity on April 25, in New York City, and another Day of Action in Albany on Tuesday, April 28th.

The New York Domestic Workers Bill of Rights is the first legislation of its kind nationally and will set a precedent for labor standards for domestic workers throughout the country.

The rest of the world is waiting to see what New York will do.

Ai-jen Poo is an organizer at Domestic Workers United, a North Star Fund grantee from 2004-2009. For more information about the Week of Action For Domestic Workers Bill of Rights visit www.domesticworkersunited.org.

At the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Day of Action participants prepare for legislative visits.

DWU members host a press conference together with the sponsors of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, Assemblyman Keith Wright and Senator Diane Savino. Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith also attended the press conference.

Domestic Workers march around the Capital, calling for respect, recognition and fair labor standards for all workers.