Domestic Workers United's Goals

Victories!

(Compiled in Domestic Workers United's "Dignity for Domestic Workers: Our Victories" publication)

• On April 6, 2002, DWU organized the first Town Hall Meeting on domestic workers issues. Fifteen workers told their powerful stories to an audiences of 1000, including Councilmembers Brewer, Barron and Clarke.
  

• On October 16, 2002 DWU organized the first march for domestic workers rights in NYC. Over 300 of us marched together in unity.
  

• In December 2002, DWU held a vigil on the steps of City Hall with the children and families of domestic workers to show how they are affected when domestic workers are not respected.
  

• On June 3, 2003 as a result of DWU's organizing, Mayor Bloomberg signed the first law and resolution in support of rights and dignity for domestic worker.
  

-The new Law says: Agencies must give workers a list of their rights and a written statement of job conditions. Agencies must give employers a list of their legal obligations, which the employer must read and sign. They agency must keep the signed document on file for three years.
-The new Resolution says: City Council calls on employers to use the standard DWU contract, follow our guidelines, and creates a domestic worker recognition day in New York City.

• On November 1, 2003, over 200 of you attended the "Having Your Say Convention." You said you wanted a bill of rights including: living wage, health insurance, notice, severance, sick days, personal days and vacation pay.

• On January 27, 2004, DWU took your demands to Albany to get the support of members of the NY State Congress. DWU met seven congresspeople, including the Chairs of the Labor Committees.

• Since we started in 2000, DWU has won over $200,000.00 in back wages for workers who were abused or underpaid by their employers.

• The DWU Nanny Course at Hunter College graduated 3000 workers in three years. Students took courses in child psychology, pediatrics, injury prevention, communication with their employers, and their rights in the workplace. Graduates received resume assistance, certifications of completion and CPR cards.

Goals

DWU plans to achieve its goals with the “Dignity for Domestic Workers” campaign that:

• promotes a standard contract for domestic workers, to be signed by by employees and employers

http://www.caaav.org/downloads/Standard_Contract.pdf

• educates domestic workers about their rights as employees

• offers a course for domestic workers that teaches skills meant to increase confidence in the workplace

• raises public consciousness about domestic workers' issues

• exposes employer abuse

• lobbies for City Council legislation meant to recognize the value of domestic workers and improve employment agencies' placement practices

http://www.domesticworkersunited.org/docs/legislation.htm

Legislation proposals include:

A. Measures to Provide Protections through:
1. Living Wage
2. Health Benefits
3. Basic Employment Benefits
4. Protection for victims of abuses

B. Measures to End Second Class Citizenship through:
1. Human Rights Law
2. Paid Family Medical Leave
3. Hours of Labor
4. Day of Rest
5. Toxic Substances

C. Create incentives for employers to comply with the law with an annual payment of required taxes

To obtain a complete list of the legislative proposals for domestic workers contact the Legislative Department at 518-436-8516 or Domestic Workers United, 2473 Valentine Ave, Bronx, NY 10458, 718-220-7391.

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