Washington expands workplace protections with Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights

Washington State has enacted new protections for people who work inside private homes. Governor Bob Ferguson signed legislation today commonly known as the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights, extending labor protections to workers such as nannies, housekeepers, cooks, and gardeners across the state.

The law is intended to address long-standing gaps in employment protections for domestic workers—many of whom historically fell outside key labor laws that protect workers in more traditional workplaces.

Estimates suggest roughly 100,000 domestic workers are employed in Washington, performing essential services for families and households. The new law establishes clearer standards for wages, working conditions, and workplace rights.

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Who is covered by the law

Under the law, a domestic worker generally includes anyone performing paid domestic work in a private residence for four or more hours in a month, subject to certain exceptions.The legislation applies to individuals who perform domestic work in private residences, including jobs such as:

• Nannies and childcare providers

• Housekeepers and cleaners

• Personal cooks

• Gardeners and household managers

• Other workers performing domestic services in private homes

Key protections under Washington’s Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights

The new law establishes several important protections for domestic workers.

Minimum wage and overtime

Domestic workers must be paid at least Washington’s minimum wage and overtime compensation when they work more than 40 hours in a week. These wage protections help ensure workers in private homes are treated similarly to workers in other industries.

Written work agreements

Employers must provide a written agreement outlining the terms of employment, along with a notice explaining workers’ rights under the law. Written agreements can clarify expectations around pay, hours, duties, and working conditions.

Advance notice before termination

The law requires advance notice before termination of employment in many situations. In general, employers must provide:

• Two weeks’ notice for most domestic workers

• Four weeks’ notice for live-in workers

Employers may also provide severance instead of notice.

Protection from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation

The legislation also prohibits hostile work environments, harassment, and retaliation against domestic workers.

Importantly, the law allows domestic workers to bring claims under the Washington Law Against Discrimination when discrimination occurs in compensation or termination based on a protected characteristic.

Additional workplace protections

The bill also includes several protections designed to prevent abuse or coercion in private household employment, including prohibitions on:

• Confiscating a worker’s personal documents or property

• Using certain types of invasive surveillance in private spaces

• Requiring forced arbitration or non-disclosure agreements in some circumstances

  
  

Workers may pursue remedies through administrative enforcement or civil claims if these rights are violated.

Why this law matters

Domestic work is essential to many families and communities, but workers in this sector have historically been excluded from certain labor protections. Washington’s Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights is intended to bring domestic work closer in line with broader employment protections while also establishing clearer expectations for households that employ domestic workers.

What employers should know

For families who employ household workers, the new law means it is important to ensure employment practices comply with state requirements. This may include:

• Providing a written employment agreement

• Ensuring wages and overtime comply with state law

• Understanding anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation obligations

• Providing required notice before termination

  
  

Clear communication and documented agreements can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce legal risk.

Questions about employment rights in Washington?

Employment relationships, whether in a corporate office or a private home, are governed by complex laws. Workers who believe their rights have been violated, or employers who want to ensure they are complying with Washington law, should consider speaking with an experienced employment attorney. If you have questions about your rights, reach out to Stockwell Law Firm. We can help.