Respecting the Dignity of Domestic Workers

Lynn Campbell and Maria Lima from the Brazilian Immigrant Center, at the Public Hearing in Hartford.

Legislation that would give certain basic labor protections to Connecticut domestic workers, including home care workers, has passed the state legislature and is awaiting a signature from Gov. Dannel Malloy. 

Currently, Connecticut law excludes people who work "in the domestic service of any person" from a host of labor protections, including:

• coverage under the state's minimum wage,
• eligibility for paid sick days and time-and-a-half overtime pay, and
• the ability to bring sexual harassment or discrimination complaints against their employer.

Unfortunately the bill that passed was watered down and, if signed, will only address the latter exemption: allowing domestic workers to file sexual harassment and discrimination complaints with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.  

We feel this is a big step in a positive direction, however, and look forward to continued work with the Brazilian Worker Center, the Naugatuck Valley Project, the CT Catholic Conference, and other allies working together to address the issue of workers' rights.

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