Chicago’s Domestic Workers Make Headway in Springfield This Week, Lobbying for State’s First Bill of Rights

Media Contact: Marzena Zukowska
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(Chicago, IL) — Last week, a delegation of 30 domestic workers from Chicago traveled to the Illinois State Capitol, advancing efforts to pass the Illinois Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (HB1288), legislation that would guarantee domestic workers across the state with basic employment protections. The delegation, made up of nannies, housecleaners, and home care workers from the Illinois Domestic Workers Coalition and other allies, met with co-sponsors Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) and Representative Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) about the progress of the legislation, which is now awaiting an amendment and a vote in the Senate.

“The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights will help establish a baseline of protections for domestic workers in Illinois,” said Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago). “The plan will ensure this valued workforce receives the same rights and protections as other workers and will be able to provide for their families. It passed with bipartisan support in the House and we hope for the same in the Senate.”

“Domestic workers have been a critical part of our homes and economy, freeing up the time and attention of working families across this state. And as a working parent, I have experienced first-hand just how important their work is,” said Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero), bill co-sponsor. “The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights would be a historic moment for Illinois, helping to not only professionalize the industry, but also elevate the quality of care for our working families.”

While federal law has been amended, workers in most states are still not covered by basic workplace protections, a result of 80-year exclusions dating back to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Since 2011, domestic workers in Illinois have built momentum to pass HB1288, which sets standards such as minimum wage, freedom from sexual harassment, and assurance of a day of rest for the sector’s 35,000 workers.

“This is my second time traveling to Springfield to lobby for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights and receive recognition from lawmakers,” said Józefina Majerska, a home care worker and member of Arise Chicago. “As domestic workers, we oftentimes work for low wages, no days off, and without the rights afforded to other workers. We are at the Capitol asking Senators to not forget about us, to take our efforts seriously, and to support this important legislation.”

The passing of HB1288 would make Illinois the 7th state to extend rights to domestic workers, joining Massachusetts, California, New York, Oregon, Connecticut, and Hawaii.

About the Illinois Domestic Workers Coalition

Since 2011, the Illinois Domestic Workers Coalition has been seeking to pass a Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights in Illinois. The Coalition is powered by three domestic worker organizations, including Latino Union, AFIRE, and Arise Chicago, along with allies and community groups, such as the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, the Heartland Alliance, Women Employed, SEIU/HCII, and The Chicago Coalition of Household Workers. The Coalition is supported by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), the nation’s leading voice for dignity and fairness for the millions of domestic workers in the United States. For more information, please visit: www.respectallwork.org.