Domestic Workers United (via La Fuente)

Domestic Workers United [DWU] is an organization of Caribbean, Latina and African nannies, housekeepers, and elderly caregivers in New York, organizing for power, respect, fair labor standards and to help build a movement to end exploitation and oppression for domestic workers. In an industry with virtually no labor protections and where workers are extremely isolated and historically powerless to affect any positive change, DWU has successfully organized hundreds of such workers to secure basic labor protections.

In 2010 this resulted in a successful campaign in New York for the passage of the first Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in the United States. DWU is continuing to work with state and federal regulatory agencies to implement and enforce these newly one rights, including receiving a minimum wage and overtime, paid sick days, and access to health care coverage. DWU also is a leader in the national Domestic Workers Alliance that is organizing for similar legislation in California and for support from the Department of Labor.

DWU, along with the campaign in California (see Mujeres Unidas) and potentially in at least two other states, demonstrates that independent worker organizing, with strong support from organized labor and other allies, can succeed in organizing what had been seen as an invisible, marginalized segment of the workforce.

2011 grant: $30,000 for enacting and enforcing Domestic Workers Bill of Rights campaign.

Related to: Independent Worker Organizing; Domestic Worker Organizing.

Visit the DWU website at www.domesticworkersunited.org.