By: Richard L. Smith
Today, January 8, 2024, the New Jersey Assembly is scheduled to make a historic decision on the New Jersey Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights (S723/A822), potentially transforming the lives of over 50,000 domestic workers in the state.
This pivotal vote, occurring on the last day of the current legislative session, follows the Senate's approval of the bill on December 21, 2023.
The bill's passage would mark a significant milestone in labor rights, granting domestic workers the same basic labor protections and civil rights as other workers in New Jersey.
Key provisions of the bill include guarantees to protect domestic workers from unsafe working conditions and retaliation, mandatory meal and rest breaks, a weekly day of rest, and required employment contracts detailing working hours and pay rates.
Special safeguards for live-in domestic workers, such as rights to privacy, personal document possession, and adequate notice of termination for housing security, are also outlined.
Senator Richard Codey champions the bill; Codey is in the Senate, and Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake is in the Assembly.
The bill enjoys widespread support from over 106 organizations across New Jersey. Groups like the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) and its affiliates, including Adhikaar, Casa Freehold, Lazos de America, Unidad Latina en Acción, New Labor, and Wind of the are leading the advocacy spirit.
Dolly Bonilla, executive director of Casa Freehold, emphasizes the critical importance of this legislation, noting the long-standing deprivation of rights for domestic workers.
She believes the bill will significantly improve the lives of around 50,000 domestic workers in the state.
The New Jersey Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights represents a crucial step towards equality and justice for women and workers.
Its passage would end the marginalization of a vital segment of the workforce, while failure to pass it would perpetuate their ongoing struggles.
As the vote approaches, anticipation and hope run high among advocates and domestic workers alike.