domestic workers rights

The National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) works to win domestic workers bill of rights and basic labor protections at the municipal, state, and federal levels, including a call for fair wages, paid sick leave, and protection from discrimination and harassment.  Through these bills, domestic workers, including nannies, have gained inclusion in minimum wage and overtime protections and other critical rights. 

Currently domestic workers have won bills of rights in 12 states, 2 major cities, and the District of Columbia. The California Domestic Workers Bill of Rights was passed in 2013 and reauthorized in 2016.  It provides overtime pay for domestic workers who work more than 9 hours a day or 45 hours a week.  The NDWA is ramping up a campaign to pass a National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights as part of their ongoing efforts to ensure domestic workers receive the protections they deserve at the federal level.  

The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights typically includes provisions that guarantee domestic workers basic rights like rest breaks and safe working conditions.  It may also include protections against retaliation.  

Domestic workers should be at least paid the minimum wage, and they should be entitled to overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours a week.  Domestic workers should have access to paid sick leave, paid family leave, disability-related leave, vacation time, and other forms of paid time off.  Domestic workers should be provided with a safe and healthy workplace where they are protected from hazards.  Domestic workers should be protected from discrimination and harassment based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected category.  Domestic workers should be protected from retaliation by their employers if they speak out about workplace issues or advocate for their rights.

Domestic worker rights ensure that nannies are treated fairly and have access to benefits similar to other workers.