Catherwood LibraryILR School

Seattle is reviewing the possibility of implementing protections for domestic workers to combat rampant labor rights violations among some of the most isolated and vulnerable groups of workers including caretakers and housekeepers. The proposed legislation, called a domestic workers bill of rights, would establish basic protections against minimum wage violations and guarantee workers’ the right to take breaks as well as the right to protect their private property while on the job regardless of employment status or type of contract. The legislation would also establish a local standards board, made up of workers, employers, government employees, and other stakeholders who would come together to enforce the bill of rights. According to a survey conducted by the Seattle Domestic Workers Alliance, more than half of domestic workers do not have written contracts. Unfortunately, domestic workers are not covered under the National Labor Relations Act, so it is the responsibility of every state to ensure there is legislation in place to protect these workers. Legislators will vote on the bill at the end of the summer.