BALCONY Urges Governor Paterson to Sign Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

NEW YORK, NY (06/16/2010)(readMedia)-- BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York (www.balconynewyork.com), today (Wednesday) announced its endorsement of a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (S2311D/Diane Savino) passed by the State Senate on June 1. BALCONY urges Governor David Paterson to sign this critical legislation, which would provide long overdue justice to over 200,000 domestic workers who make New York State their home.

These workers - maids, nannies, and elderly care assistants - are often disrespected and undervalued despite their contributions to our families and homes. Most receive no overtime pay, health insurance, or vacation time. 67% of them make less than the living wage of $13.46 per hour.

"This critical legislation would apply standards and guidelines for employers of domestic workers. Additionally it would provide for domestic workers' inclusion in state labor laws from which they have been historically excluded," stated BALCONY Co-Chair Alan Lubin.

BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, represents more than 1,000 New York businesses, labor unions, and trade associations. BALCONY seeks common ground in the public policy debate in New York to spur economic development through the adoption of business/union friendly, socially responsible common sense laws that maintain and improve the quality of life for working New Yorkers.