S. 3396: Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act

The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act is designed to improve the protections and rights of domestic workers. Here are the key provisions of the bill:

Enhanced Protections and Rights

The bill establishes various rights for domestic employees, including:

• Overtime Pay: Domestic workers are entitled to receive overtime compensation for hours worked beyond the standard work week.
• Termination Notices: Employers must provide advance notice before terminating domestic workers.
• Written Agreements: Employers are required to provide written contracts to domestic workers detailing their terms of employment. Importantly, these agreements cannot include predispute arbitration or nondisclosure clauses, which may limit workers' rights.
• Earned Sick Days: Domestic employees must be allowed to earn and take paid sick leave.
• Notification of Scheduled Hours: Employers must inform employees of their scheduled work hours to ensure clarity and predictability in work schedules.

Anti-Discrimination Measures

To protect domestic workers from discriminatory practices, the bill includes provisions that:

• Prohibit discrimination based on immigration status.
• Assume retaliation if adverse actions are taken against a domestic worker within a specified timeframe after a complaint or report is made.

Domestic Employee Standards Board

The bill establishes the Domestic Employee Standards Board, which is responsible for:

• Setting health and safety standards for domestic workers.
• Establishing enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with these standards.

Study on Employee Benefits

Another important aspect of the bill mandates a study focusing on:

• Domestic employees' access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement savings.
• Identifying barriers that prevent domestic workers from participating in such benefits.
• Comparing the benefits available to domestic workers with those offered to other employees in different sectors.
• Recommending innovations and reforms to enhance benefit accessibility and portability for domestic workers.

Implementation and Enforcement

The bill also lays out provisions for funding and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that the rights and protections established are upheld. Employers will be required to maintain records of employment agreements for a period of three years, allowing for oversight and accountability in the treatment of domestic workers.

Relevant Companies

None found.