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Morning Brief: LA’s Underpaid Domestic Workers
A new study from the UCLA Labor Center spells out the dire circumstances for domestic workers. Domestic Workers Coalition
Good morning, L.A.
It’s perhaps no surprise to find out, thanks to new research out of UCLA, that California’s domestic workers – house cleaners, nannies, care providers and more – are underpaid and face poor working conditions.
Looking at government data from 2018, researchers found that many such laborers earned $10 an hour; two dollars less than the state’s minimum wage. On top of that, most domestic workers are categorized as independent contractors, meaning that they aren’t eligible for health care, unemployment benefits, paid time off and more.
The majority of domestic workers are Latina immigrants.
According to Saba Waheed, UCLA Labor Center research director: “We are a state and a country that doesn’t provide enough support in order for the workers to really have the level of income that they should for the kind of work that they’re doing.”
Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.
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What You Need To Know Today
Coronavirus Updates: L.A. County announced another day of staggering coronavirus numbers, with 12,731 new cases.
L.A. Protests: For the 20th consecutive day, protesters gathered outside Mayor Eric Garcetti's residence to oppose any appointment for him in the Biden Administration.
Policing The Police: The LAUSD Board must make final determinations about how to implement a $25 million cut to school police (about 35%), which they will vote on at Tuesday's meeting.
Labor Rights: California’s domestic workers – one-third of whom are in L.A. – are underpaid, and face poor working conditions.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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