OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The House has approved a measure that seeks to protect domestic workers from retaliation, sexual harassment and discrimination.
The measure, which was requested by Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson, passed on a bipartisan 59-39 vote Tuesday and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The bill provides domestic workers - who include nannies, house cleaners and gardeners - with protections afforded to other workers, including protection against sexual harassment and discrimination. It also prohibits employers from holding on to personal effects, including legal documents such as passports and prohibits the monitoring of workers using the bathroom or changing clothes. It also creates a task force to study other potential benefits, such as paid time off and sick leave, safety standards, and plans for effective outreach and education.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington has at least 100,000 domestic workers.
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