Domestic workers in Connecticut are rallying for stronger protections and support as they face ongoing challenges, including wage theft and exploitation. During a recent Labor and Public Employees Committee public hearing, Zoneda Cayetano, a domestic worker and member of the Conerico Worker Center, shared her harrowing experience of working 90 hours without pay. She described how her employer manipulated her time, leaving her waiting for hours without assurance of payment. "I felt sad. Sometimes, I cry," Cayetano expressed, highlighting the emotional toll of her situation.

Cayetano's testimony underscored the urgent need for House Bill 1428, which aims to enhance outreach and education about domestic workers' rights. This bill seeks to allocate $500,000 annually for the next two fiscal years to support these initiatives. Tatiana Bejar, director of local organizing programs at the National Domestic Workers Alliance, also spoke in favor of the bill, emphasizing that many domestic workers remain unaware of their rights, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.

The proposed legislation comes at a critical time, as over 30,000 domestic workers in Connecticut have gained new rights since the passage of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in 2015. However, Bejar noted that without proper education and resources, these workers may struggle to navigate their rights effectively. She pointed to successful programs in states like California and New Jersey, which have invested significantly in domestic worker education and enforcement.

The committee members acknowledged the importance of supporting domestic workers, recognizing their vital role in caring for families and maintaining households across the state. As the hearing concluded, the call for action was clear: Connecticut must take the lead in protecting the rights of domestic workers, ensuring they receive the support and recognition they deserve.