CHICAGO—(ENEWSPF)—January 12, 2017. The Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA) joined Arise Chicago, Latino Union of Chicago, AFIRE Chicago and other members of the IL Domestic Workers Coalition and the National Domestic Workers Alliance for a press conference today to “Sweep Away Exploitation” for IL’s 35,000+ Domestic Workers. Amidst a national climate of fear and tension for many immigrant communities, it’s more important than ever to get the word out about the newly enacted Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights. This law, effective January 1, 2017 expands basic labor rights for a majority immigrant women workforce of nannies, housecleaners, and home care workers. #DWDignityIL17 #Unity,
Decades after the passage of the 1938 federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which excluded domestic workers and was mimicked by many states, including Illinois, Gov. Rauner signed House Bill 1288 into law on August 12, 2016 granting Illinois domestic workers the same protections that other workers have had for generations.
After a five year campaign, Illinois home cleaners, nannies, and home care workers will now have basic workplace protections under state law.
The newly enacted law, sponsored by Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-8th District) in the Senate, and Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-24th District) in the House, gives nannies, housecleaners, home care workers, and other domestic workers the same employment protections that workers in other industries have by amending four state laws that currently exclude domestic workers. This includes the Minimum Wage Law, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the One Day of Rest in Seven Act, and the Wages of Women and Minors Act.
The new law will ensure that all domestic workers receive the state minimum wage, protection against sexual harassment, as well as a day of rest for workers employed by one employer for at least 20 hours a week.
Additional photos from today’s event can be found here.
Source: http://www.latinounion.org
