The legislation now heads to Governor Youngkin’s desk for signature
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 21, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Daniela Perez, [email protected]
The legislation now heads to Governor Youngkin’s desk for signature
Richmond, Va. – In a historic victory for domestic workers across Virginia, SB 897 and HB 2469 officially passed both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly this week. This legislation ensures live-in domestic workers receive the same overtime pay protections as other workers in the state and will benefit thousands of families who rely on this type of care to support aging relatives, individuals with disabilities, and parents with young children.
Care in Action, the national advocacy organization fighting for the rights, wages, and protections of domestic workers, applauds this critical step toward economic justice and fair labor practices.
Jewel Gatling, Virginia Organizing Manager for Care in Action, issued the following statement:
“For too long, live-in domestic workers—overwhelmingly women of color—have been denied the basic labor protections that so many others take for granted. This victory is not just about wages—it’s about dignity, respect, and ensuring that the people who care for our loved ones are no longer treated as second-class workers under the law. By passing this legislation, Virginia is making it clear that every worker deserves fair pay for fair work. Domestic workers have always been essential, and this legislation recognizes their value by closing an unjust loophole that left them vulnerable to exploitation. Care in Action is proud to have fought for this moment, and we urge Governor Youngkin to sign this legislation to ensure live-in domestic workers have the protections they deserve.”
“Employers in Virginia will benefit from policy guidance that supports fair and ethical workplaces,” said Erica Sklar, Lead National Organizer for Hand in Hand. “This is information that employers are already seeking and clarifies working conditions for employees and employers alike. Hand in Hand is thrilled to see these policies pass, and employers will be better prepared to create and sustain good jobs for domestic workers with these policies in mind.”
A Major Step Forward for Domestic Worker Rights
Domestic workers have historically been excluded from federal and state labor protections, leaving them vulnerable to wage theft, exploitation, and grueling work hours without adequate compensation. The passage of SB 897 and HB 2469 builds upon the suite of legislation in the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, passed in 2021, which extends workplace health and safety protections, including protections against harassment and discrimination, to domestic workers and includes domestic workers in Virginia minimum wage and overtime protections. However, live-in domestic workers were excluded in 2022 when Virginia realigned overtime standards to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
Key Provisions of the Bills:
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Care in Action is the policy and advocacy home for women who care, working on behalf of more than two million domestic workers and care workers across America. Among the fastest-growing sectors in our economy, domestic workers are also among the most vulnerable and undervalued. As a mostly women and majority women of color workforce, this growing constituency consistently and overwhelmingly supports progressive values in American political life. Learn more at www.careinaction.us.