Domestic workers need a ‘Bill of Rights’

Domestic workers are excluded from the protection of almost every major labor law. They do an unimaginable range of essential tasks and socially necessary work, caring for infants and children, the elderly and sick, providing meals and housekeeping.

They are mostly women of color, many of them undocumented. Isolation on the job makes them more vulnerable. All too often domestic workers are subjected to abuse by their rich and haughty employers. Without time-off or vacation pay, they risk losing their jobs by asking for a sick day or the opportunity to seek medical attention.

Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

Now, jobs are fewer and there are more layoffs. Bad economic conditions are increasing abuse for workers with no recourse to fight back. Nationwide, domestic workers are campaigning to win basic legal rights, including protection of the labor laws that cover other workers in the United States—overtime, job security, basic respect and recognition—terms laid out under the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.

In New York State during the current legislative session Domestic Workers United is asking supporters to attend at least one of the following events:

June 4, Harlem Community Dinner Honoring the Legacy of Domestic Workers

Join domestic workers, faith leaders, legislators and the Harlem community.

From 7 to 9 p.m., St. Philips Episcopal Church, 204 W. 134th St. @ 7th Ave. in Harlem, N.Y. RSVP: priscilla@domesticworkersunited. org or 212-481-5747

June 8, Domestic Workers Speak Truth to Power in Albany

A day of culture, testimony, legislative visits, a rally and march at a critical time in the legislative session.

Buses are leaving at 6:30 a.m. from the north side of Union Square Park in front of Barnes and Noble; returning by 8 p.m. the same day. RSVP: [email protected] or 212-481-5747

June 12–13, a 24-hour Vigil for The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

Many domestic workers, particularly live-in workers, work around the clock without rest. We’re asking all New Yorkers who support domestic workers’ rights to stand together for 24 hours straight in a symbolic show of support for the passage of the Domestic Workers Bill.

From 8:00 am to 8:00 a.m. at City Hall, across from 250 Broadway.

RSVP and sign up for a shift: [email protected] or 212-481-5747

June 14, N.Y. Children and Families March for Domestic Workers

March for “peace and justice in the home” to show how many people of faith support and are connected to domestic workers. Children will lead, with many generations marching together.

From 1 to 4:00 p.m., City Hall, across from 250 Broadway.

RSVP, particularly with groups: [email protected] or 212-481-5747

June 15,National Domestic Workers Alliance Regional Congress Public Forum: “Women and Work”

Join domestic worker organizers, feminist scholars, activists, legislators and others, featuring a video including appearances by Jennifer Baumgardner, Guerilla Girls, Maria Hinojosa, Katha Pollitt, Amy Richards, Gloria Steinem and Jessica Valenti.

From 7 to 9 p.m. at Julius Held Auditorium: 304 Barnard College Hall, Barnard Center for Research on Women, 3009 Broadway, N.Y.

For more information, visit www.domesticworkersunited.org.