Solidarity & Care: Domestic Worker Activism in New York City

Alana Lee Glaser's book Solidarity & Care examines the process of how domestic workers organized against precarity, isolation, and exploitation to help pass the 2010 New York State Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, the first labor law in the United States protecting in-home workers. It chronicles how these women fought to improve working conditions and endure racism, punitive immigration laws, on-the-job indignities, and unemployment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Temple University Press,U.S.

The members of the Domestic Workers United (DWU) organization, consisting of immigrant women of color employed as nannies, caregivers, and housekeepers in New York City, came together with a strong determination to fight for dignity and respect in their work. Their mission was to bring about meaningful change and improve their working conditions. Alana Lee Glaser delves into the compelling story of how these domestic workers organized against precarity, isolation, and exploitation to help pass the 2010 New York State Domestic Worker Bill of Rights. This groundbreaking labor law was the first of its kind in the United States, providing protection and rights to in-home workers.

Solidarity & Care explores the powerful political mobilization of diverse care workers who united and supported one another through education, protests, lobbying, and storytelling. These activists employed narrative and emotional appeals to forge a coalition of religious communities, employers of domestic workers, labor union members, and politicians. Their efforts resulted in the initial passage and subsequent enforcement of the new law.

Through oral history interviews and ethnographic observation during DWU meetings and protest actions, Glaser meticulously chronicles the courageous battles these women waged to improve their working conditions. She also sheds light on the challenges they faced, including racism, punitive immigration laws, on-the-job indignities, and unemployment, which often led to eviction and food insecurity. The lessons learned from Solidarity & Care, coupled with the DWU's precedent-setting legislative success, have significant implications for workers across various industries.

All royalties from the sale of this book will be donated directly to the Domestic Workers United organization, continuing their vital work in advocating for the rights and well-being of domestic workers. By purchasing this book, you are contributing to a more just and equitable society where all workers, regardless of their occupation, receive the respect and dignity they deserve.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781439922453