The National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) is the nation’s leading voice for dignity and fairness for the millions of domestic workers in the United States, most of whom are women. We work for respect and inclusion in labor protections for domestic workers, including nannies, house cleaners, and home care workers. We are powered by 70 affiliate and chapter organizations across the country. NDWA’s DC Area Chapter has a base of about 600 workers, many of whom live and work in Virginia.
The coronavirus emergency has had devastating consequences for domestic workers. Many are essential workers who have continued providing care throughout the pandemic, often without access to PPE.
NDWA strongly supports the proposed Emergency Temporary Standard/Emergency Regulation. The Governor and the Department of Labor & Industry (DOLI) should be proud of their leadership in producing this critical regulation. Virginia’s domestic workers will benefit immensely from this proposal.
To improve the proposed emergency regulation, NDWA urges DOLI to secure additional resources for robust outreach and education in the 10 most commonly spoken languages in Virginia. Language access is paramount to fully realize the regulation’s protections.
Virginia’s domestic workers need emergency health and safety regulations to keep them safe at work. NDWA commends the Health and Safety Codes Board for undertaking this important work, and supports the proposed emergency regulation.