How domestic workers can ask for help in the IE

In the Inland Empire, where thousands of domestic workers labor behind the scenes to keep households running smoothly, CHIRLA San Bernardino is making a significant impact. Dedicated to uplifting and advocating for domestic workers in the region, this organization provides essential resources, legal assistance and a strong community network for those often overlooked in the workforce.

Domestic workers—including house cleaners, childcare providers and home care attendants—form a crucial part of the economy, yet many face exploitation, unfair wages and lack of legal protections. A 2018  report by the UCLA Labor Center and the California Domestic Workers Coalition indicated that the sector “is staffed primarily by immigrant women of color,” estimating that 87% of house cleaners in the state are Latinx, earning a median of $10.79 per hour.

“We, as CHIRLA, got involved in this advocacy work on behalf of domestic workers because a lot of our immigrant community, mainly women, and most of the time, without a legal status, this is the type of work they do. So, two needs came together […] the situation of not having an immigration status and then that their work in a complicated industry [...] susceptible to being victims of wage theft, abuse [and] unjustified firing,” said Mireya Suarez, community organizer at CHIRLA San Bernardino in Spanish.

She emphasizes that part of their mission is to equip workers with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for their profession, wages and overall working conditions. This reinforces the notion that their work is valuable and deserves proper recognition and respect regardless of their immigration status. 

One service they provide is assisting workers in recovering unpaid wages. Suarez explains that the initial step in these cases is to help workers calculate the hours they have worked. Many workers may not be aware of the total amount they are owed, particularly those who work irregular hours and do not maintain a record of their hours. After this calculation, the organization contacts the employee to initiate the mediation process. “Most of the time, we have recovered [the money] this way, by doing this mediation between the worker and the employer,” she said.

Retaliation poses a significant challenge for domestic workers, often deterring them from filing complaints about unpaid wages. This reluctance stems from fears related to their immigration status or language barriers that hinder effective communication with their employers. To address this situation, CHIRLA holds workshops throughout the year where they instruct participants on how to draw up a contract and to have these agreements with their employers “[...]from the beginning or if they are already working there, we animate them to have the courage to tell their employer, ‘We need to have a work contract between the two of us for the good of both,” explained Suarez.

Those interested in participating in  the workshops should connect with the organization via email at msuarez@chirla.org to stay informed about upcoming sessions. In the meantime, a valuable resource to consider is the “Housecleaner’s Guide to Developing a Work Agreement with Your Employer,” which is filled with essential information and includes a sample work agreement.

Another tool provided by the organization is the handout titled “Know Your Rights For Housecleaners," created by the California Domestic Workers Coalition, of which CHIRLA is a member. Available in both Spanish andEnglish, this document outlines crucial information, such as minimum hourly wages, calculations for overtime and double time, paid sick leave and meal and rest breaks. Additionally, it provides links to other essentials, including a timekeeping booklet that workers can print out.

The community should stay informed

Employing a domestic worker comes with important responsibilities, and staying informed is key to building a fair and respectful working relationship. Resources like those provided by Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network can be invaluable in helping employers understand their legal obligations and best practices. Their website offers key materials like the guide Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a House Cleaner, work agreement templates, time sheets for employers and health and safety information.

 In the aftermath of wildfires, both domestic workers and their employers face the challenge of cleaning homes affected by smoke, ash and other hazardous debris. This type of cleaning poses serious health risks, making it crucial for employers to understand the dangers and take steps to protect their workers. To help navigate these risks, Hand in Hand and the California Domestic Workers Coalition have created abest-practices handbook. This resource provides essential guidelines on safety measures, protective equipment and proper cleaning techniques to minimize exposure to harmful substances.

By utilizing these instruments, California employers can comply with legal requirements while fostering a positive, professional and mutually beneficial work environment. This not only protects their household but also upholds the dignity and rights of those who contribute to its smooth operation.

The current political turmoil

“Right now, I can tell you that there is a lot of fear among domestic workers,” said the organizer, but she is confident that, in the same way they have taught them what their rights are as workers, they have also taught them what their rights are as immigrants without status. Additionally, they have fostered a sense of community among the workers by organizing support groups and meetings where individuals can “talk to each other [and] unburden,” share their experiences, and gain insight from the ways others have navigated similar challenges, consolidating their collective resilience. 

“Although it is a very powerful industry, we always say that if the domestic worker doesn’t perform their work, the mom or dad of that household would have difficulty going out to work. If they have young children or if they have an adult who needs more attention or more care or someone with special needs, these people would not be able to go do their job if they didn't have a domestic worker,” said Suarez.

There are many ways to support this vital cause, whether through donations, volunteering or raising awareness. Domestic workers in the Inland Empire deserve dignity, respect and protection. Thanks to the dedication of nonprofits like CHRILA, they are empowered to stand up for their rights and make their voices heard.

To learn more about how you can help, visit www.chirla.org or follow them on social media for updates on their latest initiatives.