The Next Big Revolution - Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights Campaign in Seattle

The People that Make All Other Work Possible! - Domestic Workers

In this Twenty-First Century Globalization era, people do different kinds of work to earn their bread and butter, and their standard of living around the world has improved overall. Right from the white collar to blue collar jobs, the employees are much more aware of their labor rights, and they are very well protected under the major conventions and laws from being exploited.

In contrast, there exist still some kind of people who do some odd jobs, are neither protected by any laws nor are they aware of their so-called ‘rights’ against exploitation. Among them are the domestic workers. Quite a larger section of people, who work as domestic workers, face several discriminations in their workplaces: like pay, the difference in treatment, work time, etc. The situation of domestic workers is gruesome in almost all countries, and there is dire need to protect them from being exploited much more.

Challenges of Domestic Workers across the Globe

Owing to the nature of their jobs, the domestic workers across the world are still excluded from provisions that other workers take for granted with regards to indispensable working conditions, such as paid annual leave, regular breaks, working time, minimum wage coverage and maternity protection. Dumbfounded? Yes! This might seem ridiculous in the 21st century, but unfortunately, it is still the way things are. Therefore, it’s time to stand up for what they call a vulnerable population!

The condition of Domestic Workers in the Oldest Democratic Country- US?

Thousands of house cleaners, nannies and other domestic workers in the US work in the shadows of the city’s labor laws. Many of them work on handshake agreements without contracts while some are paid under the table. This shows that the domestic workers in the US are not rendered the same protections as other workers. They face a shockingly high level of economic instability even if they work several hours a week.

In brief, housecleaners, nannies, and caretakers- the people that make all other work possible- are in need of help to ensure they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. 

The Real Battle- “The Bill of Rights’ Campaign in Seattle

The domestic workers in the US are now raising up to protect their rights, which is definitely a wake-up call for the other domestic workers working in different parts of the world. With the support of the National Domestic Workers’ Alliance, the domestic workers have launched a campaign in Seattle to push for their new rights- the Bill of Rights. Check out to know about it.

Know about the Existing Labor Laws

The prevailing Labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and Federal Anti-discrimination laws exclude most domestic workers. Though the federal minimum wage and overtime law protects most domestic workers, it excludes live-in help, babysitters, and others.

For a domestic worker, whether or not he/she get basic rights and benefits at work depends on his/her employers' knowledge, discretion, and consideration. Thus, the domestic workers wanted the Bill of Rights to get implemented to avail their basic rights and benefits.

Benefits of the Seattle Campaign

It gave an opportunity for thousands of nannies, house cleaners, home aides and other household workers to unite together to fight for their rights. Also, the workers who are involved with Working Washington have created the Seattle Domestic Workers Alliance (SDWA) for this effort. All together will help these vulnerable population to lift their standard of living.

If the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights comes to force, it ensures:

• All domestic workers are covered by the same labor protection laws.
• Guarantees written contracts between the employers and domestic workers.
• Establishes an official City Commission that includes domestic workers and has the power to set legally-binding industry standards on wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Domestic workers do deserve benefits- Let them get what they wanted!