The Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights
Issue: Defending Workers & Families
Target Level of Office: State
Policy Origin: Massachusetts State Legislature, National Domestic Workers Alliance
Poilcy/Bill Number: House Bill 4026
Link: www.YEOnetwork.org/2013policy/?i=193
Summary Narrative of the Policy: Historically excluded from basic state and federal labor rights,
this trailblazing legislation is a comprehensive bill for improving conditions in the domestic work
industry, providing clear guidelines for employers and workers alike. The chaptered law enacts
protections for in-home workers like caretakers, housekeepers and home managers, nannies,
home companions, and other household service workers through labor rights provisions
including time-off, limited vacation and sick days, meal and rest breaks, a requirement for written
contracts, notification of termination, protection from discrimination and sexual harassment,
and provisions for maternity leave.
Relevant Talking Points & Important Information:
• Under this new law, in-home workers will have basic labor protections including more
clearly defined working hours and tasks, as well as freedom from sexual harassment,
trafficking, and retaliation for complaining about wage violations.
• Ensuring domestic workers rights is a victory for women and immigrants. According
to the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Greater Boston Legal Services, two of
the community organizations behind the legislation, there are about 60,000 domestic
workers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and most are women, and many are
immigrants and minorities.
• This bill is good for workers, employers, and the state:
• By establishing labor standards that protect domestic workers’ basic workplace
rights, including meal and rest breaks, clarity on what constitutes working time,
sick time to care for themselves and their families, protection from trafficking,
and freedom from discrimination and sexual harassment, the state ensures that
all member of our American economy – both formal and informal – are protected
and productive.
• By supporting and protecting domestic workers rights, this bill respects the critical
linkages between a worker’s health and productivity. Because of the sensitive
nature of domestic work, this bill will strengthen the quality of care employers
receive. It will also reduce the costs of turnover by providing greater stability for
workers.
• In providing domestic workers safe and dignified work environments and employers
with clear guidelines on their responsibilities, this law contributes to the public
safety and strengthens the state economy by freeing up more individuals to invest
in the consumer market and participate in the paid workforce.
Policy
2014 Book
State Level
13