By Adrian Phillips

Governor Paterson today signed the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights into law at the Dwyer Cultural Center in Harlem before a crowd of domestic workers who were visibly overjoyed.

The law, which takes effect in 90 days, will provide rights to the estimated 270,000 nannies, caregivers and housekeepers in New York.

“They have been the skeleton and underpinning of our success,” Paterson said. “They are the wind beneath our wings, and we have totally disrespected them, until today.”

New York becomes the first state to pass such comprehensive laws for domestic workers. Just like other workers domestic employees are now entitled to one day of rest and an eight-hour workday. There are also new protections against sexual harassment and other abuses, which the workers can combat by suing their employers.

“This is a great day,” said Barbara Young, a Domestic Workers Union member. Although she was pleased, she emphasized there is more work to be done. “I’ve been to Albany 25 to 30 times already,” Young said.

“One day off is not good enough,” said Marlene Champion, who was accompanied by Avery Fingleton, the eight-year-old girl whose parents employ her. “For my sisters without a voice, this is just a foot in the door.”