2023-08-04 12:00:48
Women who lead organizations that group domestic workers supported the bill of rights that protects them and that is in force in Virginia and DC, but at the same time they asked that this legislation be extended to the entire country.
The approach was made during a round table meeting with Senator Tim Kaine, on the afternoon of Tuesday the 1st in Richmond, the capital of Virginia.
“We are an essential part of the backbone that cares for our seniors and the children of millions of families,” said Yanet Limon-Amado, Virginia state director for Care in Action.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who represents Virginia, let them know that he is the sponsor of a bill he introduced in the Senate, which specifically supports the direct care workforce and family caregivers.
At the end of the round table, Kaine promised to analyze with her work team the possibility of presenting a National Declaration of Rights of Domestic Workers, before making a decision, for which she will continue to dialogue with the organizations in which they form part.
The leaders present spoke about the challenges they face in the workplace, “due to decades of exclusion from basic labor protections.”
Amalia Salvador, a caregiver and house cleaner, said that over the past few years she has met “many wonderful people and I have been part of families that have welcomed me with generosity,” although she also noted that she has faced difficulties and challenges in the path. “We work long hours, putting in the time and effort to make sure homes are welcoming, but the pay and working conditions don’t always reflect the value of our work, even though we do it with love and care,” she said.
Present were leaders of Care in Action, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, Hand in Hand and Dreamers’ Mothers in Action.
In 2021, Virginia was the first state in the South to pass a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. In late 2022, Washington, DC followed suit.
Thanks to the initiative, as highlighted in the meeting with Tim Kaine, domestic workers enjoy paid vacations and sick leave.
1691154622
#Federal #law #protects #rights #domestic #workers