{"id":357831,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/domestic-workers-bill-of-rights.html"},"modified":"2025-03-13T17:27:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T22:27:00","slug":"domestic-workers-bill-of-rights","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/domestic-workers-bill-of-rights.html","title":{"rendered":"Legal Protections for Domestic Workers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Legal Protections for Domestic Workers<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lisa-burden-j-d\/\">Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            March 13, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>While federal laws have historically excluded domestic workers, some states have enacted their own protections. These state laws provide various rights and benefits, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and protection against discrimination and harassment. Introduced federal legislation to expand protections for domestic workers is yet to be enacted.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>Domestic workers provide home and personal care, including childcare and house-cleaning services. Unfortunately, many domestic workers suffer exploitation. These workers are disproportionately women of color and immigrant women.<\/p>\r\n<p>Housekeepers, caregivers for the elderly, and nannies all provide valuable services to families who need help. If you feel your labor rights have been violated as a domestic worker, legal help is available. Contact a local <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/employment-law-employee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">employment law attorney<\/a> today to understand your options.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article explains worker protections for domestic workers. You\u2019ll learn:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Which states have laws in place protecting domestic workers<\/li>\r\n<li>Issues with current labor laws for domestic workers<\/li>\r\n<li>How introduced federal legislation could expand protections for domestic workers<\/li>\r\n<li>How to get legal help and find an employment law attorney<\/li>\r\n<li>And more<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Legal History and Background<\/h2>\r\n<p>In many cases, they have limited options for legal protection. When the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/fair-labor-standards-act.html\">Fair Labor Standards Act<\/a>&nbsp;became law in 1938, it excluded&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/agencies\/whd\/direct-care\/faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">domestic workers<\/a>. This changed in the 1970s. The workers were also excluded from the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nlrb.gov\/guidance\/key-reference-materials\/national-labor-relations-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Labor Relations Act of 1935<\/a>&nbsp;(NLRA).<\/p>\r\n<p>The NLRA gave workers the right to unionize and organize for better working conditions. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/legal.thomsonreuters.com\/en\/insights\/articles\/what-is-title-vii-civil-rights-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Civil Rights Act of 1964<\/a>, a landmark anti-discrimination law, doesn&#8217;t include small employers. As a result, employers can discriminate against domestic workers based on attributes such as gender, race, or national origin under federal law.<\/p>\r\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/workplace-safety\/workplace-safety-osha-and-osh-act-overview.html\">Occupational Health and Safety Act<\/a> (OSHA) also excluded domestic workers from protection. The 1970 labor law established a worker&#8217;s right to a safe work environment.<\/p>\r\n<p>According to a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/14z9pDg6saCljXEfLX-W3ZA7z3qAdr9D2\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2021 National Domestic Workers Alliance survey<\/a>&nbsp;of domestic workers:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Only 16% of domestic workers have a written agreement with their employer.<\/li>\r\n<li>Over one-third of domestic workers don&#8217;t get meal and rest breaks. And only 34% of those who get them get paid for them.<\/li>\r\n<li>23% of domestic workers don&#8217;t feel safe at work.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>That&#8217;s why several states and some cities passed domestic worker protection laws. The legislation provides them with employment benefits and legal protections. Lawmakers have introduced&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/116th-congress\/house-bill\/3760\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">federal legislation<\/a>&nbsp;to help protect domestic workers nationwide.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Who Is a Domestic Worker?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Domestic workers are paid household staff who sometimes live in their employer&#8217;s home. They include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Housekeepers<\/li>\r\n<li>Home health aides<\/li>\r\n<li>Caregivers<\/li>\r\n<li>Babysitters<\/li>\r\n<li>Nannies<\/li>\r\n<li>Caretakers<\/li>\r\n<li>Cooks<\/li>\r\n<li>Chauffers<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Issues With Domestic Worker Employment Laws<\/h2>\r\n<p>Employment is often unofficial. It happens without&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/in-house\/i-9-issues-when-hiring-foreign-workers\/\">filling out I-9 forms<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/working-in-the-u-s-.html\">checking immigration status<\/a>. Many domestic workers get paid in cash and &quot;under the table.&quot; Employers can avoid paying taxes or keeping employment records by using this work arrangement.<\/p>\r\n<p>As a result of their unofficial work status, domestic workers are vulnerable to abuse. Common problems for domestic workers include wage theft, harassment, physical abuse, and exploitation. Some live-in domestic workers may have to work around the clock, with little payment and no time off. Domestic workers may have few options after losing their jobs, getting&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/what-types-of-injuries-are-compensable-under-workers-compensation.html\">injured on the job<\/a>, or being mistreated.<\/p>\r\n<p>The FLSA applies to most domestic workers&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/agencies\/whd\/direct-care\/faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">and direct care workers<\/a>, such as certified nursing assistants, home health aides, personal care aides, and other&nbsp;caregivers. The law was amended in the &#8217;70s to include these workers. Federal law provides protections for minimum wage and overtime pay.<\/p>\r\n<p>There are exceptions. Casual babysitters and domestic service workers who provide companionship services to the elderly or those with illnesses, injuries, or disabilities don&#8217;t have to get paid the federal minimum wage or overtime pay. Live-in domestic service workers don&#8217;t have to get overtime pay.<\/p>\r\n<h2>National Domestic Workers Rights Bill<\/h2>\r\n<p>While the FLSA provides wage and hour protection, no federal law provides comprehensive protection for this workforce section. Lawmakers have introduced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/117th-congress\/house-bill\/4826\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">federal domestic workers&#8217; bill of rights laws<\/a>, but the proposals have yet to become law.<\/p>\r\n<p>The proposed legislation would bridge the gap created by the lack of legal protections under other laws. Lawmakers introduced The National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in 2019.<\/p>\r\n<p>If adopted, the National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights will include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/family-medical-leave\/family-and-medical-leave-overview.html\">Paid sick leave for domestic workers<\/a>&nbsp;to take care of themselves or their families<\/li>\r\n<li>Civil rights protections, including protections against workplace harassment and workplace violence<\/li>\r\n<li>Safety and health coverage under the Occupational Health and Safety Act<\/li>\r\n<li>Protection from sexual harassment<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/meal-break-and-rest-break-laws.html\">Rights to meal breaks and rest breaks<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Written agreements and policies<\/li>\r\n<li>Protection against losing pay because of last-minute cancellations<\/li>\r\n<li>Employers must provide written notice of termination and provide at least 30 days of lodging and two weeks of severance pay to terminated live-in domestic workers<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>States with Domestic Workers Rights Laws<\/h2>\r\n<p>While federal protections are lacking, several states have laws protecting domestic workers and direct care workers. According to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.domesticworkers.org\/programs-and-campaigns\/developing-policy-solutions\/domestic-workers-bill-of-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Domestic Workers Alliance<\/a>, 11 states, the District of Columbia, and several cities have approved domestic workers&#8217; bills of rights and protections.<\/p>\r\n<p>New York was the first state to pass a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-york-law\/new-york-domestic-workers-bill-of-rights.html\">Domestic Workers Bill of Rights law<\/a>&nbsp;in 2010. Since then, other states and cities have passed similar laws. States with domestic worker rights laws include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>California<\/li>\r\n<li>Connecticut<\/li>\r\n<li>Hawaii<\/li>\r\n<li>Illinois<\/li>\r\n<li>Massachusetts<\/li>\r\n<li>New Jersey<\/li>\r\n<li>Nevada<\/li>\r\n<li>New Mexico<\/li>\r\n<li>New York<\/li>\r\n<li>Oregon<\/li>\r\n<li>Virginia<\/li>\r\n<li>Washington, D.C.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Common State Law Requirements<\/h2>\r\n<p>The provisions of each law vary by state. Generally, domestic workers&#8217; rights protections extend many existing labor law benefits, specifically for domestic workers. Examples of domestic worker bill of rights provisions include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/wage-and-hour-laws.html\">Minimum wage requirement<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/minimum-wage-and-overtime-basics.html\">Overtime<\/a>&nbsp;over a certain number of hours in a week<\/li>\r\n<li>Day of rest minimum<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/time-off-from-work.html\">Paid time off<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/family-medical-leave\/paid-family-and-sick-leave-laws.html\">Sick time or time off to care for family members<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Workplace discrimination protections<\/li>\r\n<li>Sexual harassment protection<\/li>\r\n<li>Disability coverage<\/li>\r\n<li>Workers&#8217; compensation insurance<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/whistleblowers.html\">Whistleblower protections<\/a>&nbsp;and protection against retaliation<\/li>\r\n<li>Work agreements and policies in writing. Employers must often provide domestic workers with a written contract covering wages, sick leave, benefits, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Obligations for Employers<\/h2>\r\n<p>Employers hiring domestic and direct care workers should check the FLSA and state law to understand their obligations. This may include providing a written employment agreement. It could include providing the worker with policies on work hours, time off, vacation, and sick leave.<\/p>\r\n<p>The U.S. Department of Labor has&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/agencies\/wb\/Domestic-Workers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sample agreements<\/a>&nbsp;you can use to create contracts. Some employers may have to pay into disability insurance and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-basics.html\">workers&#8217; compensation insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Filing a Claim for Domestic Worker Rights Violations<\/h2>\r\n<p>If you have questions about complying with domestic worker or direct care worker laws, talk to an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/legal-help-and-resources\/hire-an-employment-lawyer.html\">employment law attorney<\/a>&nbsp;for advice. If you&#8217;re a domestic worker and believe your employer is violating the law, you can file a claim to enforce your rights. Find a local&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/employment-law-employee\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">employment law attorney<\/a>&nbsp;today to learn more about labor protections.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" 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<span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some employment legal issues can be solved without an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium 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