TODAY: NY State Senate Votes on Domestic Workers Bill of Rights -- Make Your Voice Heard!

It's not too late to let members of the New York State Senate know that you support the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights!

In advance of the vote in the NY State Senate today, members of Ms. Foundation grantee Domestic Workers United, and their allies, will be fanning out across the Capitol to urge Senators to vote YES. This important bill will guarantee the 200,000 plus domestic workers in New York State access to basic workplace protections like: overtime pay; coverage under employment discrimination laws; paid sick leave and vacation time; and the right to at least one day off per work week -- among other things.

This morning, allied groups and the bill's sponsors will hold a press conference in Albany to draw attention to the upcoming vote; in the afternoon, domestic workers and supporters will lead a procession to the Senate chambers calling for rights, respect and recognition.

So how can you help? Sign a petition in support of the bill at the NYCLU site or at Change.org. And follow the proceedings online by checking out DWU's Facebook page or by subscribing to their Twitter feed. Make sure your voice is heard!!

Photo: by Elizabeth Rappaport. (detail) Domestic Workers United March, New York City, October 2008.