State Senate Passes Bill to Protect Domestic Workers

An estimated 200,000 domestic workers in New York are one step closer to receiving labor protections and benefits.

The State Senate has passed a version of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. The bill gives full-time nannies, housekeepers and caregivers for the elderly seven paid sick days, five vacation days and six paid holidays. It also requires employers to give worker two weeks notice before they're let go.

The Assembly passed a similar bill last year. It doesn't explicitly give these added benefits, but it does recognize workers under existing labor law and gives them the right to unionize.

Priscilla Gonzalez, from Domestic Workers United, says that unionizing isn't practical for domestic workers, because they're usually the only employee in a home.

The two houses must now reconcile the bills before a final version can be sent to the governor for approval. In the past, he's supported it.

Critics of the legislation say it makes hiring a nanny, housekeeper or caregiver too expensive for the average family.