New report shows a lose-lose for domestic employers and workers
We released a first of its kind study in New York, with heart & creative exuberance our movement is known for
“There are only four kinds of people in this world — those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” — former First Lady Rosalynn Carter
In the past two weeks, Hand in Hand and the National Domestic Workers Alliance have visited both New York’s State Capitol and NYC’s City Hall to release My Home is Someone’s Workplace: Re-envisioning Domestic Employment in New York State, a first-of-its-kind, in-depth look at the demographics, needs, and challenges of New Yorkers from Astoria to Albany who employ someone in their home.
The data in the report confirms what we know from thousands of conversations with employers: That nannies, house cleaners, and home attendants play a crucial role in enabling New Yorkers to live our lives, balance work and family, and live with dignity at every age or physical ability.
It also reveals why the work of Hand in Hand is so crucial: We all need clearer guidelines on being a fair employer. Most of us seek to hire the support we need in isolation, even though, all around us, others are going through the same thing.
- About 1 in 5 New Yorkers employs a domestic worker (that’s nearly 2.7 million of us)
- Almost 70% of employers set the terms of employment on their own, with fewer than 10% using any resources or information to do so
- Fewer than 30% know about New York’s Domestic Worker Bill of Rights
- Yet a majority said they would be interested in joining an organization like Hand in Hand
- Most employers can’t afford all the hours of support they really need, and most would also pay more if they could afford to
Last summer we asked you to contribute when we released our California report to support more research, and you answered. Thanks to our members, a year later, our New York report provides even more of the data policymakers say they need to see to act on our issues.
While this paints a vivid picture of NY in this moment, this is really part of a larger national story about who we are and how we take care of each other — from paid family leave to the 2018 federal budget to “repeal and replace” of the Affordable Care Act.
This is such a significant moment for us all. What began as an idea about a way to create deeper interdependence and dignity just a few years ago is now a legislative-influencing movement, changing the way we all think, talk, and advocate for support and care.
We all need care — none of us goes it alone through life.
To address the challenges facing both employers and domestic workers, the report includes several recommendations on ways that New York State can both expand access to care for families and improve workers’ wages and working conditions.
We’ve joined many other wonderful organizations to create the Caring Majority Coalition to fight for these improvements. More on that will be coming soon.
Right now, many seniors and people with disabilities in New York State may lose services, either due to the 2018 federal budget, which includes $800 billion in proposed cuts to Medicaid, or as a result of potential “repeal and replace” of the Affordable Care Act.
The Caring Majority coalition is calling for quality, affordable care and support at home for all those who need it — especially older adults and people with disabilities who often depend on these essential services to live full and independent lives.
Specifically, the report recommends that New York State expand publicly-funded programs like Medicaid and the Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) so that all seniors and people with disabilities can access the full home care services that they need to live independently in their communities.
The report also recommends further investment in the direct-care workforce, including improving job quality through legal reforms and enhanced enforcement of existing legal protections for domestic workers.
Our thanks to the researchers, to the domestic employers who shared their stories and their data, and most of all, to each of you, for the change you’re helping make, from your living room to the halls of power — and here’s to more!
Here are a few highlights from the experience:
Check out all the rest of the story here:
