Dear Senator Kehoe:

We strongly support Assembly Bill 889, which would extend labor rights to domestic workers in California. We believe that the passage of the bill will benefit not only the lives of domestic workers, but also but also result in the provision of better care for individuals and families that domestic workers care for.

California’s more than 200,000 domestic workers are comprised of housekeepers, nannies, and caregivers for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Caregivers help the elderly and individuals with disabilities live independent lives with dignity. San Diego is home to a large number of domestic workers, Latino, African-American, and Asian-American, who feed, clothe, bathe, and provide other critical assistance to their employers. Many also assure that the home and children of a household are cared for through cleaning and care. These women are predominantly women, racially and ethnically diverse, foreign born and poor.

While performing stressful and physically demanding jobs, domestic workers typically earn less than minimum wage with no health benefits. They are also denied meal and rest breaks, work uncompensated overtime, face unsafe working conditions, and subjected to discrimination, verbal, and physical abuse.

We support AB 889 because it recognizes the pivotal role that domestic workers play in the California economy, working to ensure the health and prosperity of California homes. Please join us in support.