Los Angeles Domestic Workers' Rights Attorney

Domestic workers are treated improperly by their employers all too frequently. If you would like to learn more about your rights as a domestic worker or believe that you have a claim against a current or former employer, reach out to KSJM today.

Michael G. Jacob and client signing a document

Domestic Workers' Rights

Domestic workers, including housekeepers, nannies, and caregivers, play a crucial role in many households. Despite their significant contributions, domestic workers often face unique challenges and unfortunate vulnerabilities in the workplace. Understanding your rights and protections under the law is essential to ensure fair treatment and compensation. If you are facing issues related to your rights as a domestic worker, reach out to the experienced attorneys at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison. We’ve been holding employers accountable and ensuring that workers are treated fairly for more than 30 years, and we’ll be excited to work with you and ensure that you’re treated properly. To get started, reach out to our Los Angeles offices and set up your no-risk initial consultation with a member of our team today.

How California Protects Its Domestic Workers

California has enacted specific laws to protect domestic workers and ensure their rights are upheld. The Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, implemented in 2014, is a significant piece of legislation that provides essential protections for domestic workers in the state.

Overtime Pay: Domestic workers are entitled to overtime pay. For live-in domestic workers, overtime pay is required for hours worked over nine hours in a day or 45 hours in a week. For non-live-in domestic workers, overtime pay is required for hours worked over eight in a day or 40 in a week and double time for hours worked over 12 in a day.
Rest and Meal Breaks: Domestic workers have the right to meal and rest breaks. They are entitled to a 30-minute meal break for every five hours worked and a 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked.
Minimum Wage: Domestic workers are entitled to receive at least the state minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum wage.
Protection from Retaliation: Employers are prohibited from retaliating against domestic workers for asserting their rights, such as filing a complaint or taking legal action.

Common Issues Faced by Domestic Workers

Domestic workers often encounter a number of issues related to their employment. Because domestic workers are often employed by single individuals, these employers feel as though there is less accountability when it comes to their actions. These are some of the most common issues domestic workers might encounter.

Wage Theft

Employers of domestic workers frequently think they can get away with failing to pay minimum wage, overtime, or even compensating employees for all of the hours they’ve worked.

Lack of Rest and Meal Breaks

Rest and meal breaks are required for domestic workers, just like they’re required for any other worker. Many employers of domestic workers fail to provide required rest and meal breaks.

Harassment and Abuse

It’s unfortunately entirely too common for domestic workers to face harassment, abuse, or unsafe working conditions due to a perceived lack of employer oversight.

Retaliation

Just as it is for an employee at a business, it is illegal for employers to retaliate against domestic workers for asserting their rights or reporting violations.

Why Choose Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison?

For more than 30 years, KSJM has been dedicated to supporting workers in complex employment disputes with a team of highly experienced attorneys that has earned itself a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. We understand that issues relating to domestic workers’ rights can be complex and daunting and that it’s easy to feel as though you don’t have any real voice in the matter. When you work with our firm, we don’t just give you a voice—we give you a legal cannon. If you are a domestic worker facing issues related to your employment rights, contact a Los Angeles domestic workers' rights attorney at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison today. We’ll offer you a completely free initial consultation to help you understand your rights and decide on your next steps. Reach out and schedule your appointment today.