NDWA NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2025 |
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HONORING THE WOMEN WHO BUILT THIS MOVEMENT
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March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the resilience and power of women who have shaped history—including the domestic workers who have fought for dignity, fair wages, and recognition for generations.
From the 1881 Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike, where Black laundry workers organized for higher wages and respect, to the leadership of Dorothy Bolden, who founded the National Domestic Workers Union in 1968, domestic workers have been at the forefront of the fight for justice. Their work—often unseen and undervalued—has always been essential, and their organizing has paved the way for today’s fights for fair pay, labor protections, and healthcare access.
Today, domestic workers are continuing this legacy, leading campaigns to win stronger labor protections, better wages, and access to healthcare. We stand on the shoulders of these women, and we will keep fighting to ensure their contributions are honored—not just in history, but in policy. |
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OVER 40,000 MESSAGES SENT, BUT THE FIGHT ISN'T OVER |
The fight to protect Medicaid has never been more urgent. Millions of families rely on Medicaid for healthcare, and thousands of domestic workers depend on it to survive. When Congress threatened devastating cuts, NDWA members and supporters took action—and our impact is undeniable: - Over 40,000 messages sent to Congress demanding they protect Medicaid
- More than 2,500 personalized stories shared with lawmakers
But this fight isn’t over. Congress is negotiating behind closed doors, deciding whether millions will lose Medicaid. The House and Senate are finalizing their budget plans, and we are just weeks away from a critical vote.
HOW YOU CAN FIGHT BACK
Medicaid isn’t just healthcare—it’s the foundation of home care jobs. It funds home care for 2 million seniors, covers nearly half of all births, and ensures that caregivers—predominantly Black, Latina, and immigrant women—get paid for their essential work. We have a small window to stop this healthcare purge. Lawmakers need to hear from you now—before the deal is done. Your voice can pressure them to reject these cuts before it’s too late.
Take action now: Email your representative. Tweet at them. Demand they protect care. |
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WORKERS TAKING THE FIGHT FOR MEDICAID TO CONGRESS |
NDWA members are making sure the voices of care workers and Medicaid recipients are heard—at the highest levels of government.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries chose NDWA member Leslie Bernedo to speak at a major budget press conference in D.C. Leslie, a domestic worker and mother, relies on Medicaid for her own healthcare and her 9-year-old daughter’s autism therapy.
“Medicaid is not simply a healthcare program—it is a lifeline for families like mine,” she shared.
NDWA member Alicia Cleveland joined U.S. Congresswomen Nikema Williams and Jennifer McClellan for the joint address to Congress. Alicia's presence helped amplify the voices of care workers and Medicaid recipients as lawmakers push for drastic Medicaid cuts.
These workers are standing up for all of us—now it’s time for us to stand with them. Take action today. |
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Philly Workers Are Winning: 14 Co-Sponsors for the POWER Act! In February, NDWA members packed City Council chambers to demand stronger labor rights enforcement—and made waves! 14 City Council Members are now co-sponsoring the POWER Act—enough to override a veto! Workers delivered powerful testimonies on how this bill will protect them from retaliation and strengthen labor rights enforcement. What’s next? - Late March/Early April: Final City Council vote
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Spring: Victory celebration (because we WILL win this!)
This first win is powered by workers and allies like you—thank you for showing up and speaking out!
Maryland Home Care Workers Demand a Seat at the Table
For too long, home care workers have had no say in how their wages are set. That’s why NDWA members are leading the charge for the Interested Parties Advisory Group (IPAG) bill—a game-changer that will give workers direct input on Medicaid rate-setting.
When home care agencies get paid more, workers should, too. But right now, agencies and executives call the shots, while workers are left struggling to make ends meet. The IPAG bill will ensure workers have a voice in these decisions—so they can fight for fair pay and better working conditions.
Maryland lawmakers are debating this bill now. If you live in Maryland, take action today. |
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THIS MONTH IN DOMESTIC WORKER HISTORY |
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