Philadelphia’s new Domestic Worker Bill of Rights became effective on May 1, 2020. Domestic workers include nannies, house cleaners, caregivers, and others who provide services in the home. 

Philadelphia’s new law, passed on October 31, 2019, requires among other things that nannies, house cleaners, and other household employees be provided a written agreement expressly outlining the terms of their employment, such as pay rates, work schedules, and benefits.  The new law also guarantees that nannies and other in-home workers accrue paid leave and sick days even if they work for multiple employers.   Although the City was unable to set minimum wage and overtime requirements because of existing state and federal laws, the new law provides significant protections to the estimated 16,000 nannies and other domestic employees who work in Philadelphia, including two weeks’ notice before terminating an employment contract (four weeks if the nanny or other domestic worker is live-in), except in cases of “significant misconduct.”

Both household employers and employees can learn more about the new law at the City’s Domestic Workers Bill of Rights resource page, which includes a complaint form nannies can file if they believe their rights under the new law have been violated.

Household employers can also contact the Office of Benefits and Wage Compliance at the Mayor’s Office of Labor for compliance assistance.  For more information, email domesticwork@phila.gov or call (215) 686-0802.

Please note: Philaldelphia’s COVID-19 Business Activity and Stay at Home Order remains in effect as of May 4, 2020.  For the latest information, visit phila.gov/COVID-19  or text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to receive updates to your phone.