On January 12, 2023, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law the New Jersey Domestic Workers Bill of rights.
After three years of campaigning, legislative visits, and fierce advocacy by domestic workers, employers, and allies, we won a domestic workers bill of rights in New Jersey. Over 50,000 domestic workers now have rights across the state.
Some highlights from this legislation include:
- Paid breaks and meal times
- Mandatory written agreements between domestic workers and employers
- Protections against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation
- Advance notice of termination and other protections for live-in workers, such as privacy rules and anti-trafficking safeguards
- Provisions to facilitate enforcement and educate workers and employers about the new law.
In New Jersey, Hand in Hand members came together over several years to make this victory real. Actor and comedian Steve Way visited the state legislature many times to share his story as a disabled person who employs caregivers.
New Jersey is the eleventh state to win a domestic workers bill of rights, and it won’t be the last. We won’t stop fighting until every one of the 2.3 million care workers in the United States is covered by the policies we all deserve—and then we’ll push for even more!
Are you an employer of a nanny, house cleaner, or home attendant looking to support the domestic worker rights movement in New Jersey? If so email erica@domesticemployers.org to get involved.