"Freedom, change and empowerment"

The passage of the Domestic Worker’s Bill of Rights is a historic moment for New York’s working class. Once the governor signs the bill late summer and it goes into effect 90 days later, it will have a huge impact on the lives of New York’s domestic workers. It is important that we continue working to educate the entire domestic workforce and all employers about this new legislation. Everyone needs to know that they will soon be protected under labor laws! We asked some domestic workers: What does the bill of rights mean to you?

“FREEDOM, Change and empowerment! Recognition for the work that we do. Respect for the work that we do. We are not invisible anymore. ” –Pat Francois

“Finally, I got what is due to me! I feel liberated. This is what we were asking for; to make sure that people get what they really need.” –DWU member

“Finally domestic workers are seen as real workers and protection for this workforce has come at last!” –Allison Julien

“After 6 years of fighting for rights of domestic workers, I’m just elated.” –DWU member

Members of DWU participated in a march on July 29^th protesting Arizona’s SB 1070. Organizations and coalitions from all over New York gathered and marched across the Brooklyn Bridge in a nation-wide day of protest against the bill that would legalize discrimination and racial profiling. The march came with the encouraging news that Judge Susan Bolton of Federal District Court issued a preliminary injuction against portions of the law. The picture above is DWU members and friends participating in the march.

In the spirit of solidarity, members of DWU also participated in an immigrant workers rally for justice at Flaum Appetizing Corp, a kosher food processor and wholesaler. For more on this event, read this article.