New York Gov. David Paterson on Tuesday signed into law the first extensive domestic workers’ rights measure in the nation, which he said will correct historic injustices.  “I am grateful to the sponsors for their extraordinary efforts to enact this landmark bill, and most of all to those domestic workers who dreamed, planned, organized and then fought for many years, until they were able to see an injustice undone,” Paterson said.  The measure will guarantee overtime pay for domestic workers, as well as time off and protections against sexual harassment.

An estimated 200,000 people are domestic workers in New York City. An advocacy group says there are frequent reports of verbal or physical abuse by employers, and two-thirds of the workers said they never received overtime pay. There are an additional 60,000 to 70,000 domestic workers statewide, many of whom are female immigrants.

“The day is finally here,” said Barbara Young, a Manhattan nanny speaking on behalf of Domestic Workers United, an organization of nannies, housekeepers and care providers for the elderly. “When I think about all the domestic workers who worked without recognition for so many years, I am so proud of what we accomplished. Caring for children means so much to me and to the future. Those of us who do this work deserve dignity and respect.” (click on link to read full story)