THURS: STEINEM, EHRENREICH and MORE to speak at VIGIL!

FRIENDS, DWU would like to take a few minutes to express to you just yow close we are to winning this Bill, and how the simple fact of your presence at Thursday's vigil can exponentially increase our chances of passing the Bill!

As you know, the Assembly has passed an "inclusion" bill that is already pretty groundbreaking, and that includes overtime after 40hrs/week, inclusion in state human rights and collective bargaining laws, and inclusion of part-time domestic workers in disability laws. It also mandates the Commissioner of Labor to do a study on the feasibility of domestic workers achieving standards and benfits like those in the full Domestic Worker Bill of Rights.

Meanwhile, the Senators have started work again today. We have overwhelming support for our Full bill in the Senate, but so far our Bill is not on their agenda. We can still get it on the agenda, and when we do, it would be the WHOLE Bill, and not just the "inclusion" one of the Assembly. And if it does get on the agenda, we have every reason to believe it will pass. And if it passes, the Governor has stated publicly that he will sign it.

BUT, to GET THE BILL ON THE AGENDA, we have to MAKE SOME NOISE ON THURSDAY!!!

THERE ARE A SLEW of fierce labor leaders and activists who have gotten on board and whil will be there for the Press Conference at 11am. NOT THE LEAST of which are Gloria Steinem, Barbara Ehrenreich, and Ana Oliviera (see full list below.)

With THEIR VOICES, and YOUR VOICES, there is no way Gov. paterson will be able to forget to include us on the Senate's agenda. So THIS THURSDAY, please join DWU FOR A 12 hour vigil to CELEBRATE DOMESTIC WORKERS!!!

12 Hour Vigil - DOMESTIC WORKERS APPRECIATION DAY

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

THURSDAY, July 2, 2009

Governor's Office in New York City

Third Avenue near 41st Street

Certificates of Appreciation Awarded to Domestic Workers All Day

Program to include - interfaith service, performance of "Exit Cuckoo,"

a critically acclaimed play about nannies in New York, and personal testimonies

from workers, employers and children, all day long.

11:00 - Press Conference Speakers to include:

Gloria Steinem, Writer, Feminist Organizer

Barbara Ehrenreich, Journalist, New York Times Bestselling Author

Stuart Appelbaum, RWDSU

Hector Figueroa, SEIU Local 32BJ

Kevin Powell, Writer and Activist

Bhairavi Desai, NY Taxi Workers Alliance

Ana Olivera, New York Women's Foundation

Scott Sommer, United Auto Workers, Region 9

Pictures from June 14th Children and families March

On 14 Jun, 2009 children, families "marched for peace and justice in the home" to show support domestic workers. With children leading the march, many generations marched together with one common message and theme: "Let's send a strong message to the NY State Legislature and the Governor that we won't stop until they honor, respect and protect the work that makes all other work possible in New York."

DOMESTIC WORKERS SUPPORT NEW ASSEMBLY BILL - CALL FOR MORE PROTECTIONS IN SENATE!

DOMESTIC WORKERS SUPPORT NEW ASSEMBLY BILL AND CALL FOR MORE PROTECTIONS IN SENATE LEGISLATION, DOMESTIC WORKERS BILL OF RIGHTS

Nannies, Housekeepers and Caregivers Demanded that Women’s Work be Protected

New York, NY June 23, 2009— Today New York’s nannies, housekeepers and caretakers gathered in Washington Square Park, to educate other domestic workers on a new Assembly bill that was voted on yesterday, to include domestic workers in existing labor laws. A significant reversal of a long history of exclusion and discrimination, domestic workers supported the Assembly’s efforts while urging New York State Senators to go further, including basic labor standards like notice of termination, paid sick days and paid holidays.

Yesterday’s Assembly Bill includes overtime after 40 hours per week, one day of rest per week, inclusion in state human rights and collective bargaining laws, and inclusion of part-time domestic workers in disability laws. It also mandates the Commissioner of Labor conduct a study on the feasibility of domestic workers achieving standards and benefits like those in the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in the absence of law. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, on the other hand, guarantees health care, notice of termination, severance pay, sick days, and other basic labor protections to over 200,000 domestic workers throughout New York. The New York State Senate Codes Committee has approved the full Bill of Rights and recently Governor David Patterson publicly stated that he will sign the bill once it is passed in both houses.

At today’s news conference in Washington Square Park, a traditional meeting place for nannies and caregivers, domestic workers joined employers, labor leaders and other supporters and discussed the next steps in the five-year campaign to establish basic labor standards. Allies from Adhikaar for Human Rights and Social Justice, Domestic Workers United, and National Jobs with Justice educated others about the additional rights protected by the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights. Joycelyn, former nanny and organizer with Domestic Workers United stated that the bill is “about respect, it’s about justice, it’s about dignity, and it will bring stability to this work that makes all other work possible.” Individual domestic workers also offered personal testimony in protest of their exploitation, stressing the moral, democratic, and personal responsibility to support the legislation of actual labor standards and benefits in addition to the eliminating exclusions.

In an open letter to the New York Senate sent today, domestic workers and endorsers such as feminist icon and writer, Gloria Steinem and President of the AFL-CIO, John J. Sweeney urged the Senate to take a historic step forward toward creating labor standards and recognition of domestic work as part of the workforce. A workforce that is disproportionately made up of women of color, the bill in its entirety has the potential to undo the legacy of racism and sexism that has shaped poor conditions in the profession of domestic work. “Isolated in their employers’ private homes, domestic workers risk their livelihoods to ask for benefits other New Yorkers take for granted,” and if the bill is not passed, “employers will continue to deny the humanity of domestic workers.” The letter calls upon the Senate to bring the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights to the floor for a vote, so that it can become a law this year.

DOMESTIC WORKERS URGE SENATE TO TAKE ACTION, PASS BILL

OPEN LETTER TO THE NEW YORK SENATE
June 19, 2009

Dear Senator Pedro Espada, Senator John Sampson, Senator Dean Skelos and Senator Malcolm Smith:

We urge you to pass the Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights, S2311, in its entirety, in the New York State Senate this legislative session.

Every day, over 200,000 workers who are mostly women of color, go to work as nannies, housekeepers and elderly caregivers. They care for the most important elements of their employers’ lives: their families and homes, so that their employers can go to work with peace of mind. Despite the critical care they provide, they are vulnerable to some of the worst abuses imaginable, and lack the power to negotiate for basic rights and benefits. Isolated in their employers’ private homes, most domestic workers risk their livelihoods to ask for benefits other New Yorkers take for granted.

Until the Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights is passed, domestic workers will suffer in the shadows of homes throughout New York State, just as they have for generations. Now is the moment to recognize the work, protect the workforce, and change the course of history.

If you end this legislative session without passing the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, some employers of domestic workers will go on vacation like they always have, without paying any vacation time or severance pay to their domestic workers. Harriett, a nanny, was asked to take the summer off unpaid, when her employers went away for the summer. He then told her during this unpaid vacation that she would no longer be needed. Employers will continue to treat workers as disposable and neglect domestic workers’ own families whose livelihoods depend on regular paychecks.

If you end this legislative session without passing the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, some employers of domestic workers will continue to verbally, emotionally, and physically abuse their workers, sometimes locking them in their homes and forcing them to work for horrifying wages and periods of time. Marichu was a housekeeper and nanny from the Philippines who worked 18 hours a day and 7 days a week, for only $100 a month - a mere 6 cents an hour. Employers can continue to deny their domestic workers a day of rest; overtime pay after 40 hours; and sick pay when they fall ill.

If you end this legislative session without passing the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights,, some employers of domestic workers will deny their workers the right to take care of their health and well-being. Caroline, another housecleaner, was made to return to her job only 4 days after breast surgery; forced to work on holidays because she was not American, and was terminated without notice as her boss pushed her off the porch and kicked her, calling her racist slurs. If you leave Albany before this bill is passed, some employers will continue to deny the humanity of domestic workers.

Just last week, the Assembly Codes Committee passed a bill supporting the end to exclusions of domestic workers in the existing law. We are counting on the Senate to pass an even stronger bill and bring the type of reform and people-focused legislation we have been counting on all along. We believe that the Senate is committed to passing this historic piece of legislation - the Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights has already passed through the Senate Codes Committee. In addition, our 27 co-sponsors in the Senate have officially committed their support and leadership on the issue. We know the Senate understands this importance of this legislation and we’re counting on you. Do not end this legislative session without passing this urgent piece of legislation.

Urgently,

Initiating Organizational Signatories: Adhikaar for Human Rights and Social Justice, Andolan Organizing South Asian Workers, Damayan Migrant Workers Association, Domestic Workers United, Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, Unity Housecleaners of Long Island

To endorse as an organization, please email: domesticworkersuntied@gmai

l.com
To sign on as individual: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/884/t/6342/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=1891

ASSEMBLY TO VOTE TODAY!

NEWS CONFERENCE

ASSEMBLY TO VOTE TODAY ON BILL TO INCLUDE DOMESTIC WORKERS IN LABOR LAWS -- NANNIES REACT IN THE PARKS, CALLING ON SENATE TO PASS FIRST DOMESTIC WORKERS BILL OF RIGHTS

Nannies, Housekeepers and Caregivers Demand that Women?s Work is Protected

New York, NY June 22, 2009? Tomorrow New York?s nannies, housekeepers and caretakers will gather in Washington Square Park, to educate other domestic workers on a new Assembly bill to include domestic workers in existing the labor laws. A significant reversal of a long history of exclusion and discrimination, domestic workers will support the Assembly?s efforts while urging New York State Senators to go further, including basic labor standards like notice of termination, paid sick days and paid holidays.

At tomorrow?s news conference in Washington Square Park, a traditional meeting place for nannies and caregivers, domestic workers will be joined by employers, labor leaders and other supporters to discuss the next steps in the Senate to establish basic labor standards, set a strong national precedent and pass the first Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

Today?s Assembly ?inclusion bill? covers overtime after 40 hours per week, one day of rest per week, inclusion in state human rights and collective bargaining laws, and inclusion of part-time domestic workers in disability laws. It also mandates the Commissioner of Labor conduct a study on the feasibility of domestic workers achieving standards and benefits like those in the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in the absence of law.

The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights guarantees health care, notice of termination, severance pay, sick days, and other basic labor protections to over 200,000 domestic workers throughout New York. The New York State Senate Codes Committee has approved the full Bill of Rights and recently Governor David Patterson publicly stated that he will sign the bill once it is passed in both houses.

Recently members of Domestic Workers United took part in a week-long series of speak-outs and vigils in Albany and New York City where workers called on legislators to reverse the long history of excluding domestic workers from labor laws, and to establish basic rights and benefits for employees in private homes. The week of events culminated in a March for Respect where domestic workers, employers and their children marched through downtown Manhattan.

WHAT	News conference
WHO	Domestic Workers United, nannies, housekeepers, caregivers Domestic Employers, Labor Leaders
WHERE	Washington Square Park- UNDERNEATH THE ARCH West Village, Washington Square Park - Take any train to West 4th Street
WHEN	Tuesday, June 23, 11:30am

PATERSON ON RECORD: WILL SIGN BILL IF PASSED IN ALBANY!

The NYS Senate and the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

Dear Friends,

On Monday, June 8, just as the buses carrying domestic workers and supporters drove away in celebration of a successful Albany mobilization for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, we received the news about the NY State Senate. Like everyone, we were shocked, concerned and not sure how to understand what this could mean for the passage of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in Albany this legislative session. The dust is settling, and we wanted to send you a message about where we think things are today (which of course could change at any moment).

This Bill of Rights was never a partisan bill; this bill is about respect, justice and basic human dignity. We have always approached it this way. Our five long years of organizing and consciousness raising on this Bill of Rights has paid off. We have 27 co-sponsors in the Senate, including 3 Republicans - Senators Padavan, Monserrate, and Espada. We have met with all of the senate offices within the last month or so, including Senator Skelos's key staff (the new Majority Leader), and discussed the the issues in depth. As far as we know, they have no issues with the Bill of Rights, and a majority of the NY State Senate would in fact support the passage of the Bill of Rights. Domestic workers were suffering and vulnerable before this happened, and our determination to win is stronger and clearer than ever. And as far as we're concerned, this Bill is getting to the floor in both houses this legislative session. It can happen - we can make it happen.

At this troubling time, our job as a movement is to refocus the attention of the media on the people of New York, and what we need done. This is a time of economic crisis, and the working people of New York are hurting, with domestic workers among the most vulnerable. With only days left in the legislative session, domestic workers cannot wait any longer. So, let's do what we do best - ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE. We have two important events coming up this weekend - our overnight, 24-hour vigil from Friday through Saturday morning and our "Children and Families March" from City Hall, up Broadway to Sara Roosevelt Park in the Lower East Side, Speaker Sheldon Silver's District. Let us bring our voices, our creative energy and our passion for justice to make these events the largest, most powerful actions for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights to date. See you in the streets this weekend!

Feel free to email us at domesticworkersunited@gmail.com, or give us a call with any specific questions (212) 481-5747.

Friday-Saturday, June 12 - 13 - 24-HOUR VIGIL FOR THE DOMESTIC WORKERS BILL OF RIGHTS
Many domestic workers, particularly live-in workers, work around the clock without rest. We're asking all New Yorkers who support domestic workers rights, to stand together for 24 hours straight in a symbolic show of support for the passage of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights - so that domestic workers can receive overtime, job security, basic respect and recognition.
8:00 am - 8:00 am
City Hall - across from 250 Broadway
12:00 noon Friday June 12 - Press Conference
Take the N/R to City Hall, or the 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge
RSVP, and sign up for a shift, aijendwu@gmail.com, or (212) 481-5747

Sunday, June 14 - NY CHILDREN AND FAMILIES MARCH for DOMESTIC WORKERS RIGHTS
Bring your entire family, community and congregations to this Sunday afternoon, after-church, "march for peace and justice in the home" to show how many people of faith support and are connected to domestic workers. With children leading the march, many generations will march together with one common message and theme. Let's send a strong message to the NY State Legislature and the Governor that we won't stop until they honor, respect and protect the work that makes all other work possible in New York.
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
City Hall - across from 250 Broadway
Take the N/R to City Hall, or the 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge
RSVP, particularly with groups to joycedwu@gmail.com or (212) 481-5747