Domestic workers in D.C. demand dignity

From: Street Sense

In November 2022, Washington, D.C. passed the landmark Domestic Workers Employment Rights Amendment Act, providing over 9,000 nannies, housekeepers, and home health caregivers with extended anti-discrimination protections and the legal right to written contracts. However, organizers with the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) emphasize that a law on paper is only the first step. Because domestic work takes place behind closed doors and has historically been undervalued, many workers—who are predominantly women and immigrants—continue to face wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and exploitation.

To bridge the gap between policy and practice, the NDWA actively conducts community outreach at bus stops, libraries, and churches to educate workers on their legal rights and empower them to negotiate fair terms. Beyond individual support, the organization offers regular programming, including CPR, safety, and “Know Your Rights” workshops, alongside partnerships with legal groups to protect workers from employer retaliation. By connecting both employees and employers with resources, advocates aim to transform domestic labor into a recognized, respected profession grounded in safety, equality, and dignity.

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