FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2024
CONTACT: Daniela Perez, dperez@domesticworkers.org
Elevating Housecleaners, Nannies, and Home Care Workers on Labor Day
NEW YORK – As the leading organization advocating for the rights and dignity of the 2.2 million domestic workers in the United States, the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) commemorates this Labor Day by celebrating the significant victories achieved in 2024, while continuing to recognize the ongoing journey towards bringing visibility and justice to the often unseen labor of domestic workers.
“This Labor Day, NDWA acknowledges the dedicated workers nationwide who are actively championing their rights, higher wages, and improved conditions, including domestic workers. Labor Day serves as a reminder of the indispensable role that domestic workers play in our lives, communities, and economy, highlighting the urgent need to recognize and protect their rights and dignity. Historic strides have marked this year at the federal and state levels. The reintroduction of the Federal Domestic Worker Bill of Rights on June 13, 2024, by Representative Pramila Jayapal, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Senator Ben Ray Luján stands as a pivotal moment in our fight for equity. Initially introduced in 2019 by then-Senator Kamala Harris, this bill aims to close critical gaps in labor protections by extending essential rights—such as paid overtime and protection from discrimination—to millions of domestic workers who have long been excluded from these fundamental protections.
Further, the Biden-Harris Administration has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the care workforce, recognizing the essential role of domestic workers in our society. This commitment is evident in initiatives such as the declaration of April as ‘Care Workers Recognition Month‘ for two years in a row and the Department of Labor’s introduction of sample contracts for domestic workers. Earlier this year, the Department of Health and Human Services’ finalized rules on Medicaid payments and nursing home staffing reflects a significant step towards improving the quality of care and the wages of those who provide it.
State-level advancements further demonstrate the growing recognition of domestic workers’ rights. In New Jersey, the passage of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in January has provided 50,000 domestic workers with crucial protections, while Rhode Island‘s new legislation ensures that domestic workers are finally paid the state’s minimum wage. Maryland enacted two key bills that laid the groundwork for wage enhancements and proper classification of home care workers. Connecticut expanded its Paid Sick Days Act, now guaranteeing 40 hours of paid sick leave to nearly all workers, including domestic workers. Georgia’s increased funding for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services reflects worker commitment to raising care worker compensation in the state.
Locally, in Miami, NDWA is actively collaborating with affiliates and workers on the ground to advocate for the Miami-Dade Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. This local initiative seeks to extend essential protections—such as written contracts, termination notices, and the right to a living wage—to the 60,000 domestic workers in the county, ensuring they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Labor Day also reminds us of the power of women workers’ organizing—from the washerwomen who went on strike in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1881 to the millions of domestic workers fighting locally and nationally. Domestic workers have always been at the forefront of the labor movement, and as we highlight the history that has brought us to today, we continue to lay the groundwork for our future—one where domestic work is valued as the dignified profession it deserves to be.
As we reflect on these significant victories, NDWA remains committed to leading the charge for domestic workers nationwide. By continuing to fight for visibility, recognition, and justice for the unseen labor of domestic workers, we are dedicated to creating a future where every domestic worker is acknowledged, respected, and protected.”
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National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) is the leading voice for dignity and fairness for 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 70 affiliate organizations and local chapters and by a growing membership base of nannies, house cleaners and care workers in over 20 states. Learn more at
www.domesticworkers.org. NDWA is a non-partisan non-profit organization that does not endorse, support, or oppose any candidates for public office.
