Domestic workers celebrate passage of bill granting them new labor protections

A bill that aims to grant domestic workers the same basic labor protections as other workers in the state is heading to Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk.

The Assembly approved the bill 47-26 on Monday, the last day of the current legislative session, with supporters of the bill applauding and cheering its passage. It passed the Senate last month.

“It’s been a long journey for us, and we’re definitely very happy to see it pass after four and a half years,” said Jenifer Garcia Pelaez of New Labor. “Our persistence kept this bill moving.”

Immigrant advocates have been pushing for the legislation, known as the “New Jersey Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights,” for years. Sen. Richard Codey (D-Essex), its prime sponsor, said he wanted to see the measure advance before he retires from the Legislature Tuesday.

Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake (D-Essex), another sponsor, called the bill “a piece of legislation that is going to be historical here in New Jersey.”

If Murphy signs the bill, it would offer protections to more than 50,000 domestic workers who have long been carved out of some labor laws. Domestic workers under the law include caretakers, housekeepers, organizers, gardeners, drivers, or other domestic service workers, and can include full-time and part-time employees, independent contractors, or temporary workers. The bill excludes dog walkers, house sitters, people whose primary work is house maintenance such as roofers or plumbers, and home health care aides paid through public funds.

A 2020 report from the Center for Women and Work at Rutgers University found that more than 80% of domestic workers are paid in cash, and half reported being victims of wage theft. The vast majority of domestic workers are women, and many are Black, Latino, or Asian-American/Pacific Islander.

Sandy Castro, a domestic worker from Lakewood, was one of the dozens of activists celebrating the bill’s passage in the Statehouse Monday. She said the action makes her feel more appreciated as someone who works long hours performing manual labor.

“It’s a very big win for us. It feels good to see it come to fruition after sacrificing so much time, so many days, to continue this fight,” she said.

Castro called the protections “impactful” because now workers can feel empowered to stand up for their rights.

Under the measure, employers would be barred from paying workers less than the state minimum wage — $15.13 an hour — and must provide paid breaks and time for meals. Employers would also be required to enter into written contracts with domestic workers.

The bill would also create a board to monitor and review the implementation of the legislation and make recommendations to improve it. And the measure would protect workers from retaliation for reporting unsafe working conditions.

Business groups opposed the bill, saying that despite its good intentions, it would unfairly overburden employers.

At least 10 other states have moved to protect domestic workers, including California, Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts.