NDWA NEWSLETTER  |  DECEMBER 2023

We need your support on a critical issue affecting the rights of au pairs and, consequently, all domestic workers nationwide.

Au pairs are live-in childcare workers who come to the US on temporary J-1 visas in order to work and study. Currently au pairs, like other domestic workers, have workplace protections under some state and local laws. Things like minimum wage, overtime pay, sick leave, protection against harassment and discrimination, and more.

The State Department wants to change the rules and take away these hard fought rights, like protection from harassment and discrimination, and even workers' comp. These rules create an au pair underclass, leaving them vulnerable and undermining protections for workers across various sectors.

Sign our petition to show you stand in solidarity with au pairs and all domestic workers. 

On November 2, the Department of Labor took a crucial step in supporting domestic workers by publishing sample employment agreements tailored specifically for them and their employers.

The use of these agreements is not mandatory, but they serve as a powerful tool for both domestic workers and employers, facilitating open discussions between both parties and fostering a more respectful, professional employment relationship.

Take a moment to download and share these sample agreements. By doing so, you are helping to ensure that domestic workers get the recognition and respect they deserve.

The White House recently hosted a livestream to celebrate the American Rescue Plan and its investment in Home and Community-Based Care.

The event included a panel moderated by NDWA President, Ai-jen Poo, and NDWA Organizer, Diondre Clarke, and highlighted Care leaders and workers and the ongoing journey to advocate for fair compensation, respect, and better working conditions. 

The American Rescue Plan allocated substantial funds to aid states in enhancing and expanding their home care programs. This funding was critical to attracting, retaining, and equitably compensating the dedicated workforce in the care sector.

Currently, all 50 states are utilizing these funds to bolster their long-term care systems, recognizing the significance of expanding access to home-based care. 

Check out the recording of the livestream to learn more.

As we approach the holiday season, it's a great time to express gratitude for the hardworking individuals who contribute to our homes. 

If you employ someone in your home—whether it's a nanny, housecleaner, or home attendant—consider giving them a holiday bonus as a special thank you for their dedication throughout the year.

An average year-end bonus is typically one to two weeks' pay, but your generosity can extend even further if you choose! In addition to the bonus, NDWA and our partner, Hand in Hand, recommend a 3.5–5% Cost of Living Adjustment Raise (COLA) to help address rising costs like gas, food, and daily expenses.

For more insights on raises and bonuses, check out our comprehensive 2023 Guide to End of Year Raises and Holiday Bonuses.

On December 20, 2022, domestic workers in Washington D.C. made history by winning a domestic workers bill of rights. The DC Domestic Workers Bill of Rights was the 13th bill won by the power of domestic worker and employer organizing. 

The bill made into law what we have always known: it is absolutely fundamental and essential to include domestic workers in labor and civil rights laws, to ensure they have protections against discrimination and harassment as well as safe and healthy working environments.

Learn more about the domestic worker fight on our interactive timeline.

Join our SMS list: Text NDWA to 33843

 This email was sent by the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the nation's leading voice for dignity and fairness for the millions of domestic workers in the United States.

45 Broadway, Suite 320 | New York, NY 10006 | DomesticWorkers.org

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