Melanie Arroyave, Labor Studies

Advisor: Yalidy M. Matos, Political Science & Latino & Caribbean Studies

This project uses a mixed-methods approach to explore the impact of states with domestic workers bill of rights (DWBR) to states without DWBR, and how that impacts immigrant domestic care workers in relation to the quality of patient care. A high proportion of domestic workers are predominantly female immigrants. New York is the very first state in the nation to pass DWBR followed by eight other states, but does not include the neighboring state of New Jersey, which shares a diverse demographic and a history of progressive legislation. Labor force legislation and data indicates New York’s DWBR has resulted in higher quality of treatment to both immigrant domestic care workers and patients. New Jersey’s lack of labor legislation and enforcement for domestic care worker protections indicate domestic care workers are exposed to exploitative practices and patients are at risk of experiencing lower quality of care. More in-depth policy analysis suggest that New Jersey’s patient quality of care can be addressed by a “domestic worker bill of rights” as passed in eight other states or by targeted domestic care work legislation that includes increased wages, benefits, and job responsibilities.