We’re still feeling the joy and energy from the launch of our permanent Domestic and Residential Care Workers and Employers Education and Outreach Program (DWEOP) in late spring!
In a critical collaboration, our domestic worker and employer leaders from 16 community based organizations across California will work together with legal, tech, cultural artists, and academic partners and the California Labor Commissioner’s Office to combat wage theft and create healthier and more just working relationships in our industry.
Our launch event was a beautiful, powerful moment. Together, we took a huge step toward uplifting the dignity and rights of domestic and residential care workers in our communities.
Check out the photos from the day. Thank you to photographer Joyce Xi! And take a look at the short video, produced by Riccardo Mejia/Richie Roo Productions
Here’s a quick look at what we accomplished together:
- We gathered 150 workers, employers, advocates, and allies
- Shared powerful stories from domestic workers and care leaders and about our partnership with the Labor Commissioner’s Office
- Laid the foundation for trainings, resources, and outreach for both new and long-time movement organizers
- Celebrated the strength, resilience, and leadership of a workforce that holds our families and communities together
After years of advocating for this program, we won monies in 2019 to put this first-of-its-kind pilot program in place to address wage theft and other workplace violations.
In 2024, our coalition reached a major milestone by concluding the pilot after more than 600 worker trainings and workshops, almost 300,000 contacts with domestic workers, more than 74,000 contacts with domestic employers, and recouping nearly a half a million stolen wages back into the pockets of workers.
It would not be an understatement to say our coalition efforts were a success! Together, we did all of this in just 3.5 years of the pilot.
In 2023, domestic worker and employer leaders from across California traveled back and forth to Sacramento to share their stories and expertise on the industry with elected and appointed officials about the need to make this program permanent. In July 2023, Governor Newsom signed the state budget, growing the allocation of funds and officially making the program permanent
The victory of this program becoming permanent ensures that the voices of those most affected lead the way and comes from the incredible organizing and advocacy of workers, member leaders, organizers, and employer leaders of the California Domestic Workers Coalition.
The launch of our permanent DWEOP program was the culmination of these efforts.
From heartfelt testimonials to rich conversations about justice, equity, and care, this launch was just the beginning — and we’re so excited for what’s next.
We’re building something big, bold, and rooted in love and dignity — and we’re so grateful to be building it with you.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Kimberly Alvarenga
Director, California Domestic Workers Coalition