Domestic Worker Rights

Starting January 1, 2022 domestic workers in Chicago have the right to a written contract!

Effective January 1, 2022, all Chicago employers of nannies, care workers, and home cleaners must provide their workers with a written contract in their preferred language. You can find sample contracts here.

Per Chicago Municipal Code, 6-100-020, any domestic worker, regardless of status (employee or independent contractor), must be provided a written contract as of January 1, 2022.

These rights are afforded to domestic workers regardless of immigration status, race, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

	Domestic Workers have the right to make the minimum wage As of August 1, 2021 all domestic workers must earn a minimum of $15 per hour. If you believe you have been paid below the minimum wage, contact the Office of Labor Standards in Chicago by calling 311 or file a complaint
	Domestic workers have a right to paid time off. If you work for a single employer for 80 hours over a four month period, you are entitled to earn paid sick leave. If you believe you rights to paid sick leave have been violated, contact the Office of Labor Standards in Chicago by calling 311 or file a complaint.
	Domestic Workers have the right to a day off. If you have not had at least 24 hours off in 7 days, contact the Illinois Department of Labor 312.793.2800 or file a complaint
	Domestic Workers have the right to overtime pay. If you work more than 40 hours in a calendar week and do not receive overtime pay, contact the Illinois Department of Labor 312.793.2800 or file a complaint. You can also contact the Office of Labor Standards in Chicago by calling 311 or file a complaint
	Domestic Workers have the right to a break. If you have not received a 20-minute break for every 7.5 hours worked in a shift, contact the Illinois Department of Labor 312.793.2800 or file a complaint.
	Domestic Workers have the right to be free from sexual harassment and discrimination. If you experience sexual harassment in your workplace, you can email a complaint form to IDHR.Intake@illinois.govor for more options visit IDHR’s website. You can also file a complaint with the City of Chicago’s Commission on Human Relations (CCHR)
	Domestic Workers have the right to a written contract As of January 1, 2022, all domestic workers have a right to a written contract. If you are being refused a contract, you can contact the Office of Labor Standards in Chicago by calling 311 or file a complaint.