About the National Domestic Workers Alliance:
The National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) is the nation’s leading voice for dignity and fairness for the millions of domestic workers in the United States.
Founded in 2007, NDWA works for respect, recognition, and inclusion in labor protections for domestic workers, the majority of whom are immigrants and women of color.
NDWA is powered by over 60 affiliate organizations and local chapters and by thousands of members. Domestic workers in all 50 states can join NDWA and gain access to member benefits, connection with other workers, and opportunities to get involved in the domestic worker movement.
NDWA is winning improved working conditions while building a powerful movement rooted in the rights and dignity of domestic workers, immigrants, women, and their families by:
Some people think domestic work is easy and they do not value our labor, but work is work — no matter what kind of job it is.Lourdes
Domestic worker from California
Working with a broad range of groups and individuals—including supporters like you—to change how we value care, women, families, and our communities.
Developing women of color leaders and investing in grassroots organizations to realize their potential.
Building powerful state, regional, and national campaigns for concrete change.
Some people think domestic work is easy and they do not value our labor, but work is work — no matter what kind of job it is.Lourdes
Domestic worker from California
About Domestic Work
Everyday, over 2.5 million nannies, house cleaners, and care workers do the work of caring and cleaning in our homes. Domestic workers are the nannies that take care of our children, the house cleaners that bring order to our home, and the care workers that ensure that our loved ones can live with dignity and independently. Domestic workers are majority women, mostly immigrant and women of color.
Domestic work is real work.
Domestic workers are skilled professionals, yet the work can be physically and emotionally demanding. Many domestic workers often work in isolation, behind closed doors and can log long hours to provide quality care for employers.
Domestic Workers are denied basic labor rights.
When most of our country’s labor laws, like the Fair Labor Standards Act, were drafted, domestic workers were deliberately left out. Workplace standards like a minimum wage, overtime pay, or protections against sexual harassment in the workplace are rarely extended to domestic workers, if at all. Many domestic workers do not earn a living wage and work without access to health care, paid sick days or paid time off. Because of domestic workers' unique workplaces — inside other people’s homes — the struggles domestic workers face are largely out of the public spotlight. Domestic workers take care of what is most important to us, yet they are often the least valued and the most vulnerable.
Domestic work is the work that makes all other work possible.
Care jobs are on track for being one of the fastest growing jobs in the next decade. While we can now access many services online, care and cleaning jobs can’t be outsourced or automated. We have an opportunity to make care jobs good jobs.
Together, we can win the protections and recognition that this vital American workforce needs!
When I work with my clients I say to myself: I am going to make a difference.Maria
Domestic worker from California