HOUSTON (FOX 26) -
Thousands of Houston-area people make their living ensuring other people's homes run smoothly.
But a new study suggests domestic workers are working harder and getting less for the effort. The survey of more than 2,000 domestic workers from across the country, including Houston, paints a picture of low wages, ever-growing responsibilities and longer hours.
Labor laws do not guarantee minimum wage, overtime pay or job protections for domestic workers.
"Because of, perhaps, the informal nature of this work: a lot of domestic workers, nannies, caregivers and house cleaners don't have those types of benefits which are really crucial to them," Fe Y Justicia Worker Center's Laura Perez-Boston said.
The study does offer some recommendations to improve circumstances for domestic workers, including guaranteeing minimum wage, and overtime along with effective remedies for any discrimination, harassment or abuse.
