It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since Care.com, the National Domestic Worker’s Alliance and Hand in Hand launched the Fair Care Pledge. But, sure enough, it has been an entire year — and it’s definitely one to celebrate.
From the very outset, it was clear this was the start of something big. When President Clinton announced the Fair Care Pledge last June, the Clinton Global Initiative described it as an “exemplary approach to addressing critical domestic challenges.”
Challenges like the growing demand for domestic care in the United States as Millennials start families, Boomers retire and more people live longer than ever before. And how to support a workforce able to meet that demand at a time when care is undervalued and domestic workers are often earn low wages and are excluded from basic labor protections.
We knew those were the challenges when we launched this groundbreaking initiative. What we didn’t anticipate was that President Clinton would issue another challenge: To get 25,000 families to take the Fair Care Pledge.
To address the care challenges impacting families and caregivers, the Fair Care Pledge sets out three job quality standards for those who hire someone in their home: fair pay, clear expectations and paid time off. But, in order to truly make a difference, families have to commit to the pledge.
The response, so far, has been inspiring. Since its launch, the Fair Care Pledge has had nearly 150,000 signatures. That means 150,000 households have committed to giving their nannies, housekeepers and home attendants the support, resources and workplace standards that they deserve.
The pledge would not have the impact it does without trailblazers, like you, signing on.
We know it can be difficult for families to take on the role of household employer. In fact, even seeing themselves as an employer – seeing their home as someone’s workplace – is an adjustment for many. But signing the Fair Care Pledge is a huge first step toward creating a positive and respectful working environment in the short-term, which improves the quality and sustainability of care for the long-term.
When you commit to fair pay, it means that your employee has what she needs to support herself and her family. Some of you may have used the employer budget calculator and factored taxes into the equation.
When you create an atmosphere with clear expectations and good communication, you’re building a strong foundation for a healthy relationship between you and your caregiver.
When you commit to providing paid time off, you’re giving your caregiver the support to be the best she can be by allowing her to take time off when she’s sick or needs a vacation without fear of losing income … or her job.
Nearly 150, 000 signers is amazing. But, this is just the beginning.
As the demand for care continues to grow, we must work together to improve the professionalism, respect and working environment for domestic workers. If we don’t start to value care, we might not have the supply to meet the demand.
If you’ve signed the Fair Care Pledge, thank you for valuing care and its role in all of our lives. If you haven’t signed the pledge yet, please consider doing so here.
