State Senate Labor Committee Approves Bill for Domestic Workers’ Rights

A bill that would secure labor rights for domestic workers is a step closer to becoming a reality.

Last week, on July 6, the California State Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee voted 5-2 in favor of AB 889, known commonly as the .

Sponsored by Assemblymembers Tom Ammiano and V. Manuel Pérez, the bill would set rigid guidelines for employment, protecting all domestic workers who work in private homes — including nannies, housecleaners, caregivers and maids — whether hired through an agency or by an individual employer. It will, however, exclude In-Home Support Services members, close family members and babysitters under the age of 18.

“This legislation helps us to bring a critical workforce out of the shadows and into the light of day,” Pérez said in a press release. “Domestic workers must be assured the rights and protections that all California workers deserve.”

According to a California Domestic Workers Coalition fact sheet, housecleaners are entitled to overtime pay, but domestic workers classified as personal attendants who spend more than 80 percent of their time caring for children, the disabled or the elderly have no right to overtime pay.

With AB 889, all domestic workers would be entitled to the same protections that other workers have. Among its actions, the bill calls for basic guidelines for wages, breaks, overtime, vacation and paid sick days.

One of the groups leading the statewide movement is Union City-based , who joined with more than 150 bill supporters in Sacramento during the labor committee meeting last week.

“There’s a really high concentration of women who are doing domestic work in Union City,” said Katie Joaquin, who leads FAJ’s Homecare Worker Project.

The group has helped local domestic workers via services and workshops, including resident Patricia Aceberos. In , Aceberos shared her experience of being exploited by employers, working long hours and earning only $6 an hour.

According to Joaquin, Aceberos is just one of more than 200,000 housekeepers, nannies and caregivers in California who are subject to unfair regulations, exploitation, mistreatment and abuse.

“We’re more than halfway throughout he process. We feel we’re prepared for the fight ahead,” Joaquin said.

The bill will now go before the Senate Appropriations Committee in early August. If passed, it will make its way to the Senate floor sometime in September, Joaquin said.

Advocacy groups statewide are gearing up and will hold a week of action from Aug. 8 to 12, according to Joaquin.

“We invite the participation of other domestic workers to share their stories and know that they’re not alone, to encourage them to join with the other domestic workers in advancing their rights and really break new ground in new territory where domestic workers are recognized as a legitimate force,” Joaquin said.

The statewide effort is part of an international movement.

Last year, New York passed its version of a domestic worker bill of rights. Just last month, the International Labour Organization gathered for the International Labour Conference in Geneva where leaders adopted a convention for domestic workers’ rights. It sets forth international regulations for overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, pay and the right to cook one’s own food.

“California now is really in position to pass these regulations that are in line with the international community,” Joaquin said.