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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.
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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.
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.
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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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Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
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