John:
March marks the anniversary of the New Deal, a series of reforms celebrated for reshaping America’s economic landscape. Even though it did a lot of good, the New Deal intentionally and cruelly excluded some very important, hard working people—domestic workers. So, while we remember this important anniversary, we also need to think about those who were left out and how we can make things right for everyone.
In the 1930s, the New Deal brought hope to many by introducing critical labor protections. The exclusion of Black domestic workers was deliberate and intended to preserve the Jim Crow era racial and economic disparities of the times. This exclusion wasn't accidental—it was rooted in the deep racial and economic biases of the time.
Lawmakers at the time saw Black domestic workers, who primarily worked for wealthy southern families, as easily replaceable and deserving of few rights. They intentionally designed New Deal programs to bypass domestic workers, further marginalizing them and perpetuating the economic dependence of Black families on white employers. This included preventing domestic workers from unionizing so they couldn't build the political power necessary to advocate for better treatment.
To this day, this legacy of exclusion means many domestic workers still lack fundamental rights—like fair wages, safe work environments, and benefits most workers are assured.
The anniversary of the New Deal isn't just a moment for reflection; it's a call to action. It underscores the urgent need for the National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. The bill is the first comprehensive national legislation to provide basic labor rights such as safe working conditions, fair wages, and protections from discrimination and sexual harassment for domestic workers across the country.
Take action today to correct long-standing injustices and sign our pledge in support of the National Domestic Worker Bill of Rights. By signing the pledge you're not just supporting domestic workers; you're also saying their hard work matters and deserves respect. And you’re helping build a world where everyone, no matter their job, gets the fairness and protection they deserve.
While the New Deal laid the groundwork for the rights many workers enjoy today, it’s our responsibility to ensure these rights reach everyone. Join us on this important mission to empower domestic workers nationwide.
Together, let’s rewrite history for the better, ensuring a future where every worker gets the respect and protection they truly deserve.
Thanks for all that you do,
Care Team
National Domestic Workers Alliance
Thank you for being a dedicated supporter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance!
We're working day and night to win respect, recognition, and labor rights and protections for the more than 2.5 million nannies, house cleaners, and homecare workers.
The majority of domestic workers sit at the center of some of our nation’s most decisive issues because of who they are and what they do: they are women – mostly women of color, immigrants, mothers, and low-wage workers. They are impacted by almost every policy affecting the future of our economy, democracy and country.
Domestic workers can lead us toward a new, inclusive vision for the future for all of us -- and your grassroots support is the fuel that can get us there.
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.
National Domestic Workers Alliance | 45 Broadway, Suite 2240 | New York, NY 10006 | DomesticWorkers.org
The National Domestic Workers Alliance, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 35-2420942). Donations to NDWA are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.
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