Last month, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar joined Representative Pramila Jayapal and 103 Members of Congress to reintroduce the National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. This legislation aims to extend workplace rights and protections to the 2.2 million domestic workers in the United States, who are currently excluded from key labor laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
“The National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights continues Democrats’ commitment to ensure legal protections for hard-working Americans around the country,” said Rep. Escobar. She emphasized that it is time to enshrine labor movement wins into law for everyone without loopholes.
Domestic workers often face economic challenges due to their exclusion from labor laws. In 2023, their typical annual earnings were $20,926, insufficient for renting a one-bedroom apartment anywhere in the U.S. Additionally, four in five domestic workers lack sick days, and one in three do not receive breaks during work.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Civil Rights Act and FLSA to provide domestic workers with overtime pay, sick days, meal and rest breaks, privacy protection, and safeguards against discrimination and harassment. It also proposes creating resources for better implementation of these rights and establishing a National Domestic Worker Hotline for employment assistance.
