Domestic Workers Deserve Dignity and Protection

Across Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, tens of thousands of domestic workers—nannies, home health aides, and house cleaners—care for our children, support our elders, and keep our homes running. The majority are women of color performing essential labor that keeps South Florida functioning.

Yet, despite their critical contributions, domestic workers remain among the most unprotected and underpaid workers in Florida. In Miami-Dade County alone, over 60,000 domestic workers labor without written contracts, benefits, or legal safeguards. Many are excluded from basic state-level labor protections, including safety standards, paid leave, and the right to collectively bargain.

This systemic exclusion leaves them vulnerable to wage theft, overwork, discrimination, and abuse—with little to no recourse.

It’s time to ensure that domestic workers across South Florida are seen, valued, and protected under the law.

The Problem

Domestic workers—many of whom are immigrant women of color—are systematically excluded from basic labor protections, reinforcing long-standing racial and economic inequities.

Most work without contracts, paid sick leave, or health insurance. Many face wage theft, harassment, and unsafe conditions—with little recourse and constant fear of retaliation.

In Florida, domestic workers earn a median wage of just $11.85/hour—nearly 50% less than the state average. Yet they remain largely invisible under state labor laws.

This is especially urgent in places like Monroe County, where tourism relies heavily on domestic labor, but protections are scarce. We need enforceable rights—not just to ensure fair treatment, but to affirm the dignity, safety, and value of this essential workforce.

The Solution

We are proud to support the campaign for a Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights—a groundbreaking local ordinance in Miami-Dade County, with efforts underway for similar protections in Monroe County.

In coalition with the Miami Workers Center, WeCount!, and community allies, we are advocating for legislation that ensures: Written employment agreements

• Fair wages, paid leave, and benefits
• Protection from harassment, retaliation, and discrimination
• Multilingual education and outreach
• Strong enforcement and legal recourse

Our union leaders have helped organize meetings with county commissioners, secured a legislative sponsor, and are mobilizing affiliates to build public support as the ordinance advances through the Miami-Dade County Commission.

This legislation is a vital step toward justice, respect, and dignity for South Florida’s domestic workers.

Resources

Immigrant & Domestic Worker Rights

Know Your Rights: Protecting Immigrant Workers – NELP
Learn how federal labor laws protect all workers, regardless of immigration status. This guide from the National Employment Law Project (NELP) outlines rights and how to report abuse without fear.

Support the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights – Miami-Dade Campaign
Join the fight to ensure fair pay, safe conditions, and dignity for the 60,000+ domestic workers in Miami-Dade County. The proposed ordinance will provide essential labor protections.

Know Your Rights: Worker Power Guide – Miami Workers Center
This guide empowers workers to understand and defend their rights on the job, including how to organize, file complaints, and connect with legal and advocacy support.