We did it! Massachusetts Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Becomes Law



The New Labor law gives Domestic Workers Rights to:
 

- Be Paid for All Working Time

- Guaranteed Days of Rest

- Sue if Injured by Coworker

- Limits on Deductions for Food & Lodging

- Privacy for all Domestic Workers

- Protection Against Labor Trafficking
- A Written Evaluation
- Unpaid Maternity Leave 
(8 weeks for one child & 16 for two/twins)
- Ask for a Written Employment Contracts for 16+ hours 

- Document Retention & Receive Notice of Rights

- Notice/Lodging/Severance before Termination without Cause for Live-ins

- Protection against Retaliation

- Access to MCAD for Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Complaints
 


The Bill's labor protections have been a long time coming. Due to Jim Crow racial segregation in the 1930s, domestic workers were intentionally excluded from fundamental labor law protection during the Depression when most other workers gained new labor rights under federal law. For domestic workers in Massachusetts, that exclusion is now corrected. Massachusetts is the fourth state in the United States to pass a law recognizing that domestic workers too deserve protection under our labor laws. We praise Massachusetts legislators and our Governor for their support. In addition, this achievement could not have been possible without all the workers, friends, supporters, allies, endorsers, funders, and media partners, who made up this broad movement for change. 
We would like to offer a special thanks to Steve Tolman, President of Massachusetts AFLCIO, who prioritized this Bill, making it a priority effort for the state labor federation, and also to the SEIU's for their dedicated efforts on behalf of the Bill.
We are looking forward to working with you to make sure that all workers and employers learn about this new law.
BIC Executive Director Natalicia Tracy reminds that, “Inspired by the New York Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights, it took audacity to start this campaign in 2010, and it took all of us working together to make it happen. It will also take all of us working together to make sure the Bill of Rights is genuinely implemented.”
The Brazilian Immigrant Center is the co-founder of Mass Coalition for Domestic Workers. We worked closely with our allies including National Domesitc Workers Alliance and the Greater Boston Legal Services, where Monica Halas supported us as our legal counsel and legislative mentor. Thank you very much to all! 


A GLIMPSE OF OUR HISTORY

BIC Standing with Fire Bull Workers







WElCOME TO THE BRAZILIAN IMMIGRANT CENTER (BIC)

Together we stand for social and economic justice
WE STAND TOGETHER AGAINST RACIST AMENDMENTS. WE ARE AGAINST SB 2061

State House- Natalicia Tracy, Executive Director
Our hearts go out to everyone and anyone who is affected by them. The immigrant community, however, has a lower crime rate than the community in general, and this applies to DUI’s as much as to other crimes.
WE IMMIGRANTS ARE OPPOSED TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITY OF ANY KIND,
BUT it is wrong to use these tragic incidents to scapegoat all of us AS IF WE ARE CRIMINALS WHO DO NOT BELONG HERE!
We belong here as much as anyone else who has family here, who has friends, who pays taxes, who works, who supports our city and our state.
Immigrants take care of Americans, their children and their houses; make lots of money for Massachusetts businesses; have American children in school with other American children; live in American neighborhoods; have lots of Americans in their families; shop and spend money in American stores; start lots of businesses that help our economy grow; pay lots of taxes: income, payroll, sales, excise, and real estate; and, have lower crime rates than the general population
So, IS IT REALLY FAIR, IS IT JUST, to pass amendments and laws that demonize, criminalize, and persecute these people WHO CONTRIBUTE SO MUCH?
We can’t let that happen here in Massachusetts!!!! HE HAD ENOUGH RACIST BEHAVIOR AND EXCLUSION IN THE MAKING OF THIS COUNTRY.
WE STAND TOGETHER AGAINST RACIST AMENDMENTS. WE ARE AGAINST SB 2061