The Future of Work for Domestic Workers in the United States: Innovations in Technology, Organizing, and Laws

Abstract

This study explores how domestic worker organizations such as unions, non-profit organizations, coops, and immigrant rights groups are innovating in the context of the future of work. These organizations and the workers they represent are using innovations not only in organizing DWBOR campaigns but also in creating new digital platforms with portable benefits, strengthening efforts to prevent wage theft, and reconceptualizing collective bargaining strategies to address the poor working conditions experienced by domestic workers. We use a qualitative approach focusing on interviews with New Jersey advocates and other stakeholders involved with domestic workers to provide a novel depiction of how they are engaged in different kinds of collective action in the pursuit of greater domestic worker rights. These interviews provide insight into these four types of innovations that are designed to improve the terms of employment for domestic workers and ensure that their remuneration matches the value of their work.

Keywords: domestic workers, home health aides, labor standards, collective bargaining, working conditions

JEL Classification: J2, I1