Effective 1/1/22: Domestic Workers in Chicago Have the Right to a Written Contract

Effective January 1, 2022, all Chicago employers of nannies, care workers, and home cleaners must provide their workers with a written contract in their preferred language. The contract must include the wage and the work schedule agreed upon by the employer and the domestic worker. This mandate ensures accountability, transparency, and predictability for domestic workers so they can plan for themselves and their families.

Employers of domestic care works are responsible for creating a safe, fair, and equitable workplace. The new mandate means all Chicago employers of domestic workers must provide their workers with a written contract in their primary language, as requested by the worker, regardless of their status as an employee or independent contractor. A domestic worker includes any person whose primary duties include housekeeping, nanny services, caregiving, personal care, or home health services.

An environment of collaboration and dialogue should be created to ensure that the terms of the work agreement are mutually agreeable. The contract should be reviewed and signed in person by the worker, the employer, and a witness. The contract can be printed or be provided in a printable communication in physical or electronic format, such as an e-mail. Contracts should be reviewed annually and when there is a change to the job description or scope of work (e.g., the birth of another child, additional household chores/tasks). Clear, transparent expectations generate higher quality work.

All Chicago worker protections are enforced by the BACP Office of Labor Standards (OLS). The OLS is dedicated to promoting and enforcing Chicago’s labor laws, including Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Leave, Fair Workweek, and Wage Theft Ordinance.

Resources

• Sample Contracts

• Press Release

• Chicago.gov/LaborStandards for Chicago's Labor Law

• Chi.gov/Care provides information for care workers and employers

• Domestic Worker Rights

• Resources for Domestic Workers

• Resources for Households

• Your Home is Someone’s Workplace campaign

• Chi Biz Strong Ordinance

If domestic workers are being refused a contract, they can send an email to BACPlaborstandards@cityofchicago.org, call 312-744-2211 or file a complaint online.