By Bob Katzen

The House 156-0, approved a bill that would annually establish June 16 as Domestic Workers’ Rights Day to honor all domestic workers who work in private homes and in recognition of Massachusetts’ historic enactment of basic labor standards in the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights.

“Domestic workers are more likely to experience wage theft, outright exploitation and unsafe working conditions precisely because their labor happens out of public view and outside traditional workplace structures and this bill was filed in an effort to bring visibility to this vital industry,” said sponsor Rep. Priscila Sousa (D-Framingham). “Providing visibility — intentionally and publicly — is not just symbolic. Awareness is safety. Awareness is survival. When domestic workers are counted, acknowledged and celebrated, we make it easier for them to know their rights, to assert those rights and to seek help when their rights are violated.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes