Paterson Signs Landmark Bill of Rights For Domestic Workers

Governor David Paterson signed the Domestic Workers' Rights bill into law Tuesday morning.

It guarantees overtime pay, a minimum of one day off every seven days, three days of paid leave per year, and protections against sexual harassment and racial discrimination.

The bill also mandates that a feasibility study be done to see if there is a possibility of these workers unionizing.

The law covers the estimated 270,000 domestic workers – including nannies, housekeepers and caregivers – employed statewide, and is being hailed as a civil rights victory since the majority of the workers are not only women, but also women of color.

(...) The law applies to everyone regardless of their immigration status. Workers also do not need to be "on the books" to be protected by the legislation.

Domestic workers will now also be able to take their employers to court and the state Department of Labor and the attorney general will able to sue on their behalf, as well.