Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights

Know Your Rights

Among other provisions, this law gives domestic workers:

  • The right to overtime pay at time-and-a-half after 40 hours of work in a week, or 44 hours for workers who live in their employer’s home;
  • A day of rest (24 hours) every seven days, or overtime pay if they agree to work on that day;
  • Three paid days of rest each year after one year of work for the same employer; and
  • Protection under New York State Human Rights Law, and the creation of a special cause of action for domestic workers who suffer sexual or racial harassment.

In addition, the law directed the Commissioner of Labor to study the practicality of extending collective bargaining rights to domestic workers. The department completed a Report on the Feasibility of Domestic Worker Collective Bargaining.