NY Domestic Workers Bill Effective Today

by: Jeremy Burton

Tue Nov 30, 2010 at 15:19:52 PM EST

NY's new domestic workers bill of rights, about which we've said much over the past several months, takes effect today.

Among other provisions, this new law gives domestic workers:
•    The right to overtime pay at time-and-a-half after 40 hours of work in a week, or 44 hours for workers who live in their employer’s home;
•    A day of rest (24 hours) every seven days, or overtime pay if they agree to work on that day;
•    Three paid days of rest each year after one year of work for the same employer;
•    Protection under New York State Human Rights Law, and the creation of a special cause of action for domestic workers who suffer sexual or racial harassment; and
•    Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage for domestic workers who work more than 40 hours per week.

Congratulations to our long time partner & grantee Domestic Workers United, to their allies including JFREJ, and to the people of New York!