November 2, 2012
Congratulations Household Management Graduates!
Domestic workers often engage in daily activities, such as running personal errands for their employers, scheduling appointments for family members, and preparing meals for their employers and their employers’ guests, yet are often not able to formally incorporate these responsibilities into their work contacts and agreements. In September, DWU members participated in our Household Management 101 course, and learned how to market their managerial skills, as well as cultivate new ones to help better market themselves as professionals.
DWU Household Management 101 and 102 teaches domestic workers the real-life skills needed to secure better employment. Members learned:
• Personal presentation: How to look and speak like a professional
• How to improve their interviewing techniques
• Cultivate interpersonal and communication skills needed to negotiate for higher wages and better work conditions
• Learn how to write an excellent resume
• Know their rights as employees!
DWU member Ann Marie explains the ways DWU’s professional trainings have been vital to her own personal growth:
“DWU trainings teach us our worth as workers, and that if we’re not happy with our current jobs, we can have something better. They give us the skills, the knowledge, and the certification that enables us to be able to go to an interview and say, ‘look, these are my credentials,’ just as you would in any other industry. I can now negotiate fully for what I think I’m worth.”
At DWU we are passionate about empowering workers to stand up for their rights, as well as providing courses that can cultivate the confidence and skills needed to professionalize and bring positive change.
Celebrating DWU’s New Office!
On September 20, we were thrilled to celebrate DWU’s new home with our allies, donors, members, and friends at DWU’s fundraiser office warming party. The contributions made, big and small, are vital to our success. The support of our community ensures we have the resources necessary to build people power, and advocate for the rights of domestic workers – whose work makes all other work possible!
That night guests saw our office outfitted for a fabulous affair and heard from board members, staff, employers, and children cared for by domestic workers talk about why implementing the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights and continuing the work of raising standards is vital to this industry.
DWU sends a heartfelt “thank you” for all who joined us to celebrate our new office. It was wonderful to see everyone’s smiling faces and to join together in good spirit!
To watch a testimonial by DWU Board Member and Ambassador Jennifer Barnard, click here. To watch Donna Schneiderman speak out about the importance of implementing the Bill of Rights, click here. To listen to Abby speak out in support of her nanny and all invisible workers, click here. Lastly, to learn about the next phase of our work, a shared vision between workers and employers for a Code of Care, click here!
June 7, 2012
Justice for Pat
"It's been an honor to have you all here," said Pat today to the loyal supporters who attended her trial for a fourth day. We hope to finally see justice for Pat when the trial resumes Monday morning at 9:30am.
June 6, 2012
Pat's Trial Continues
The courtroom was full today with more than 50 supporters from Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, Adhikaar, Damayan Migrant Workers Association and the National Alliance all taking the day off from their jobs to support Pat. "There are so many people here and across the country praying for Pat" said Joycelyn Gill-Campbell.
"I am here because one day I could be in Pat's shoes. These types of abuses happen very often to domestic workers, but most are afraid to complain," said DWU member Lizet Palencia. DWU Board member Vilma Rosen also expressed her solidarity: "I am here today primarily to show my loyalty towards Pat and, second, because I believe in the dignity of all domestic workers. I'm supporting Pat during this hard time and I know she would do the same for me."
Pat was so happy to receive a card signed by the members of Damayan, and pictures of the ladies from La Colectiva de Mujeres wearing purple yesterday in California to express their support during morning recess.
The trial continues tomorrow 500 Pearl Street. To attend contact Joyce@domesticworkersunited.org
June 5, 2012
Pat's Trial
DWU member Pat Francois showed tremendous courage yesterday when she told her story of being verbally and physically assaulted by her former employer before a jury in federal court. Over 40 domestic workers and allies attended the first day of the trial wearing purple, Pat's favorite color. Acknowledging their support Pat stated "all the supporters in the room are boosting my morale. They are my strength."
Friends and allies spent a second day at 500 Pearl Street on Tuesday June 5, with domestic workers from Damayan, Adhikaar, the NDWA and DWU filling the courtroom. "We are here to be with Pat and to show our support for justice, and for the dignity of all domestic workers everywhere. We are part of a family, and we come together to support each other," said Linda from Damayan. Having familiar faces in the courtroom is increasing Pat's confidence after almost two full days of testimony. As she explained, "having all these women here makes me feel stronger, and feel like I can fight back."
The trial continues tomorrow morning at 9am. Join us and show you support Pat!
December 15, 2011
White House and Department of Labor Call for Fair Labor Standards for Home Care Workers
Today is an historic day, because all of the organizing among workers and allies to bring dignity and respect to care work has paid off. The White House and the Department of Labor have announced proposed rules to extend overtime pay and minimum wage protections to home care workers. Long excluded from the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1974, home care workers may finally get the rights that they deserve for the important work they do. The Department of Labor will now be taking comments on the proposed regulatory changes for 60 days. Individuals and families who will benefit from these changes must come forward and tell their stories. We call on all domestic workers, consumers, and anyone who has a loved one who needs in home care to join us in urging the Department of Labor to narrow the companionship exemption.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the proposed rules.
CLICK HERE to take action through the Caring Across Generations campaign, led by the National Domestic Workers Alliance and partners.
WATCH a moving tribute to Evelyn Coke, a home care worker who took her case all the way to the Supreme Court.
And the Award Goes to...Today's Help!
DWU Member Meches Rosales celebrates the nominations of Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer for their starring roles in the film The Help.
Today, I join thousands of domestic workers, children and parents in congratulating actresses Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer for their Golden Globe and SAG nominations. I hope these talented women understand the powerful impact their creative work is having on domestic workers across the nation and the families who employ us.
I am a proud domestic worker, originally from Guatemala. In my seven years as a nanny, and even before then in my home country, I have witnessed and experienced for myself the harsh treatment and exploitation that domestic workers often endure. We are isolated, mostly working by ourselves behind closed doors. We are the invisible ones who make it possible for our employers to go to work and enjoy leisure time. We care for the most important elements of our employers’ lives.
To read more, CLICK HERE and visit the Ms. Foundation Igniting Change Blog.
TAKE ACTION today for domestic workers:
Help us drive a national conversation about the film and the issues that it raises about the value of care work and the legacy of domestic workers' struggles. Together we can create respect and ensure protections for domestic workers across the nation, especially our right right to work in a safe and dignified workplace.
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