Workplace Protections Debated for Nannies and other Domestic Workers

I heard the segment below on Marketplace on my drive home from work yesterday and found it interesting. Labor groups are seeking workplace protections for nannies and housekeepers, even though U.S. law prevents domestic workers from joining unions. We think a general standard like the NYS Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights set up last year is a good start to ensure basic worker rights are met. However, we have found that clients going through our agency understand this and want to offer basic workplace protections like paid vacation, a day of rest per week, overtime pay etc. because it ensures a better (and happier) domestic worker, long term employment and a dedicated nanny or housekeeper for their family.

Organized Labor Fighting for Domestic Worker Rights

AFL-CIO and other labor groups want workplace protections for nannies and housekeepers, even though U.S. law prevents those workers from joining unions...Continue article here.


Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

NY Governor Signs Domestic Worker Rights Bill into Law

August 31, 2010
Governor Paterson Signs Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

Governor David A. Paterson today signed into law a landmark bill to grant workplace protections to domestic workers, the first such law to be enacted in the nation. Domestic workers had been excluded from many of the rights granted to other employees by legislation enacted in the past.

Among other provisions, this bill provides for:

• The right to overtime pay at time and a half after 40 hours of work in a week, or 44 hours for in-home workers;
• A day of rest every seven days, or overtime pay if it is waived;
  Three paid days of rest annually after one year of work;
• The removal of the domestic workers exemption from the Human Rights Law, and the creation of a special cause of action for domestic workers who suffer sexual or racial harassment;
• The extension of statutory disability benefits to domestic workers, to the same degree as other workers; and
• A study by the Commissioner of Labor on the practicality of extending collective bargaining rights to domestic workers.
  http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/08312010DWBOR.html

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency