Campaign Victories

On June 2, 2011 the California Assembly voted 41-19 in support of AB 889, the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights.

 “Today’s vote was a historic step forward for the rights of domestic workers in California. For decades domestic work has been excluded from both state and federal labor laws and worker exploitation in this industry has remained invisible and unmonitored. AB 889 will end that by establishing the same basic protections under the law that many of us take for granted,” said AB 889 co-author Ammiano.

“This legislation helps us to bring a critical workforce out of the shadows and into the light of day.  Domestic workers must be assured the rights and protections that all California workers deserve,” said V. Manuel Pérez, co-author and chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy.

"Pues esa victoria significa que vamos poco poco en el camino de luchando para ganar estos derechos que no han sido reconocidos en este trabajo digno," said Maria Reyes of Mujeres Unidas y Activas.  "This victory signifies that we're moving step by step on the path to victory to win rights that have never been recognized in this dignified work."

"The Bill of Rights creates helpful guidelines for employers of domestic workers.  Employers have a vested self-interest in this campaign- by working to support the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, we are investing in building communication and trust with workers who support some of the most intimate parts of our lives, providing home care to people with disabilities and elders, or caring for our children and our homes." Jessica Lehman, employer of a personal attendant in her home and a member of Hand in Hand: Domestic Employer Association.

• History of the Campaign
• Campaign Victories
• Resources for Household Workers
• Key Coalitions
• MUA’s Theory of Change (PDF)