Jewish Activists Help Domestic Workers Win First-of-Kind Job Protections in Montgomery County

After two years of grassroots organizing by Jews United for Justice (JUFJ) and thirty other organizations, the Montgomery County Council unanimously passed bill 2-08 on Tuesday, guaranteeing domestic workers in Montgomery County the right to a written contract with their employers, the first such law in the country.

 "As Jews inspired by the word of Deuteronomy (24:14) ‘You shall not abuse a needy and destitute laborer, whether a fellow Israelite or a stranger in one of the communities of your land...' members of Jews United for Justice have worked hard to win protection for domestic workers" said Darya Mattes, Program Director of Jews United for Justice.  "Because domestic workers are often immigrant women who work alone, they are at great risk of being exploited on the job.  This bill is a historic step forward to protect domestic workers from abuse, while giving employers piece of mind by clarifying responsibilities and expectations through a written contract."

For the past two years, JUFJ members have put their Jewish ideals into action by canvassing at metro stops, collecting signatures from supportive Montgomery County residents, and writing letters citing Jewish texts to elected officials. In 2006, domestic workers spoke in local synagogues as part of JUFJ's annual Labor on the Bimah program, and in 2007, 200 people gathered at JUFJ's annual Labor Seder to focus on domestic workers' rights as a modern-day struggle for freedom.

"Again and again we heard members of the Jewish community saying that they want to do well by their workers, but don't know what is expected   The model contract that the county is developing as part of this bill will act as a guide and make it easy for employers of domestic workers across the County to be high quality employers." said Jacob Feinspan, Executive Director of JUFJ. 

Just this week, pressure from Jewish activists mobilized by JUFJ was instrumental in the overwhelming passage of the legislation.  A few days before the vote, several Council members were undecided or firmly opposed, but eleventh hour phone calling and letter writing from JUFJ members and coalition allies in Montgomery County helped make the vote unanimous.  

In a hastily-scheduled vote Tuesday morning, every councilmember voiced her or his support for this legislation. The new law will require household employers to offer a contract detailing job duties, working conditions, compensation, and time off to their domestic employees-- defined to include nannies and housekeepers working more than 20 hours per week.  Bill 2-08 requires a signed contract or a signed waiver if both the employer and employee prefer an informal arrangement. Violators may be fined up to $1,000 for non-compliance.