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.
02 Jul 2010
NEW YORK BECOMES FIRST STATE TO RECOGNIZE DOMESTIC WORKERS
Domestic Workers Make History
On July 1, the New York State Legislature passed the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (A1470B/S2311E). After 6 years of organizing by domestic workers together with unions, employers, clergy and community organizations, the New York State Legislature came down on the side of justice. Finally, domestic workers are recognized as real workers under the law.
Governor Paterson on the Bill of Rights: "The bill passed today reflects an agreement reached earlier this week between my office and both houses of the Legislature. I am glad to have been a part of this process, and congratulate the sponsors, Assemblyman Keith Wright and Senator Diane Savino, who should feel justifiably proud of their achievement. Most of all, I must express my gratitude to the thousands of individual domestic workers who organized and fought for this legislation. They provide all of us with an example of how individuals can, through struggle and dedication, bring about positive change in the face of skepticism and doubt. This achievement belongs to them, and I will be pleased to sign it into law on their behalf."