On May 1, 2020, Philadelphia domestic workers made history when the Philadelphia Domestic Workers Bill of Rights was passed. Under this law, nannies, house cleaners, and caregivers working in Philadelphia earned critical workplace protections regardless of immigration status.
- Written Contracts: Domestic workers are required to receive a contract in English and their preferred language if they work five or more hours per month for the same employer. You can find out more about your right to a written contract or get a Sample Contract here.
- Meal and rest breaks: You have the right to take paid rest breaks and an unpaid meal break during your work, with extra pay if your breaks are interrupted. Find out more about your rights for meal and rest breaks.
- Advance Notice of Termination: You must be given two weeks notice before you are terminated from your job, or paid out for those two weeks. Find out more about advance notice of termination.
- Protection from Discrimination: Your employer cannot take negative action against you because of your race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information and status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence. Find out more about your protections from discrimination.
- Privacy Protections: It is illegal for employers to film you or have cameras in private areas like a bedroom or bathroom. Many employers like to have cameras in common areas, and that is their right. But you have rights too. You have the right to keep possession of your personal identity documents.
- Increased protections for live-in workers: If you live where you work, you have all of the rights listed on this page. You also have the right to 4 weeks of advance notice before termination and a day off after working 6 days straight.
- Paid sick leave: You have the right to take paid time off to care for yourself or your families. Domestic workers in Philadelphia are entitled to accrue at least one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, capped at 40 hours per calendar year, which can be used for health reasons or preventative care.
- Protection from Retaliation: It is illegal for employers to retaliate against you when you use your legal rights or file a complaint against them. Find out more about your protections from retaliation.
- Do you think your rights might be violated in your workplace? Contact us below.