Know your rights as a domestic worker in Washington, DC

In December 2022, D.C. domestic workers made history by helping to pass the DC Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Under this new law, you now have basic legal protections that you did not have before — regardless of your immigration status.

Key Rights Under the DC Bill of Rights:

• Written Contracts: Your employer must give you a written agreement that includes your pay rate, schedule, duties, and other important terms. This Spanish/English Sample Contract is specifically tailored for domestic workers in DC. You can also find the contract template in French.
  
• DC Minimum Wage: The minimum wage in Washington, D.C., is $17.95 per hour for all workers, effective July 1, 2025.
• Anti-Discrimination Protection: You are protected from discrimination and harassment based on race, gender, religion, immigration status, and other protected characteristics. Learn more about the protected characteristics.
• Protections against Retaliation: Your employer cannot threaten to fire, call immigration, or call the police on you for exercising your rights or complaining about discriminatory treatment.
  
• Health & Safety Protections: Your employer must provide a safe work environment and necessary safety equipment. Get our Guide to Health and Safety for your Workplace.

What can I do next?

• Get the downloadable summary of your DC Rights here in English / Spanish.
• Do you think your rights might be violated in your workplace?
  Talk with our organizer, Larissa, to discuss options.
• We have a DC Know Your Rights info session every month. Share your phone number below and we will contact you.