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Mayor Jenny Durkan Applauds City Council Committee for Advancing A Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

Seattle (July 19) – Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today applauded Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda and the other members of the Housing, Health, Energy & Workers’ Rights Committee for advancing a “Domestic Workers Bill of Rights” legislation that will help protect Seattle’s domestic workers. The legislation would help ensure domestic workers receive proper rest and meal breaks, minimum wage, and are able to retain their personal, original documents. The proposed changes would apply to domestic workers regardless of classification. Protections for domestic workers will be implemented and enforced by the City’s Office of Labor Standards.

If enacted, Seattle would be the first city in the United States to have a Domestic Worker Bill of Rights.

“Economic opportunity means protecting our workers through fair wages and fair rights. As I said in my State of the City address, Seattle led the way on the $15 minimum wage, and now we need to lead the way on a Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, too. I have met with domestic workers and heard how important these protections are for them and their families. They work tirelessly in jobs that can be very tough. They deserve these basic rights and protections,” said Mayor Durkan. “For months, we have been working with community members, workers, and Councilmember Mosqueda to make a Domestic Worker Bill of Rights a reality in Seattle. I applaud the members of the committee for this responsible vote, and I thank Councilmember Mosqueda for her leadership on protecting our workers through this proposal. I look forward to working with the full Council to get this done.”

According to the Seattle Domestic Workers Alliance, there are approximately 33,000 domestic workers in Seattle, including nannies, house cleaners and home care workers.

In her February 20 State of the City speech, Mayor Durkan committed to working with Councilmember Mosqueda on legislation to protect domestic workers.

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