We are sad to share that Governor Newsom vetoed SB 1257 (Durazo) yesterday, September 29, 2020, denying California’s 300,000 domestic workers the right to workplace health and safety protections.
Since last night, our worker leaders across the state have been sharing messages of sadness and indignation, and also unwavering steadfastness, power, and resilience.
Anabel Garcia, a domestic worker leader with ALMAS of the Graton Day Labor Center who was exposed to toxic ash and smoke when she cleaned houses in the aftermath of the 2018 fires in Sonoma County, shared this reaction. “I feel very sad. I feel that the governor is abandoning our community when we need him the most. Just like other workers, we domestic workers have families that depend on us and are waiting for us at the end of the day to make sure that we come home safe. I don’t know how the Governor could hear our stories and still decide that we don’t deserve to be safe and healthy at work. Many house cleaners like me are going to feel the pressure to work in dangerous conditions again as part of the clean-up of the most recent wildfires, so I know we have to keep fighting until we have the guarantee of health and safety protections.”
Through his decision, Governor Newsom has upheld a long legacy of racism, xenophobia, and sexism, and he has missed an opportunity to lead the country to correct this historic wrong. While we feel a great deal of sadness and anger, we also know we will continue to organize for the health and safety of our communities, and together, we will win.
We feel deep admiration and love for all of the workers, employer allies and people like you who have supported and been a part of the movement for domestic workers rights in California. Throughout this year, and despite the many challenges 2020 presented, we have organized a beautiful campaign that has reflected the dignity, strength and leadership of domestic workers.
Protest Action October 1st in San Francisco and Los Angeles
Tomorrow, Thursday, October 1st, we will join together to express our deep disappointment with the Governor’s decision with a public protest in front of the California State Buildings in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Please Join Us!
There will be a short program of speakers sharing what the consequences of the Governor’s veto will be for their work and their health and the health of their families. With this action, we will show the continued strength of our movement and demonstrate that we will keep fighting!
- Los Angeles Action- 8am at the Ronald Reagan State Building, 300 S Spring St, Los Angeles
- San Francisco-12pm at the Earl Warren State Building, 350 McAllister, San Francisco CA
Share the flier for the action with friends and family on Facebook and Twitter.
Click here to read our press release in response to the veto.