Albany lawmakers have finally moved on a bill that would protect domestic workers. But the whole point of the bill should not get lost in the reconciliation process between the Senate and Assembly.

For years, Domestic Workers United has led a campaign for basic rights for these workers. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights they have advocated for would correct a long injustice, at least in New York.

Bowing to discrimination, the authors of the federal National Labor Relations Act of 1935 left out domestic workers and farm workers, many of who are Hispanic. Because of this, these workers are not entitled to basic protections that others receive. This includes paid sick leave, vacation days and holiday pay. Without these basic benefits and protections, workers are left vulnerable to abusive employers.

Days ago, the senate passed its version of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. This bill goes much further than a watered-down version passed in the Assembly last year. The Assembly's bill leaves out key provisions, such as notice of termination and paid sick leave.

While we are glad to hear that the legislature is moving close to the finish line, the final product must not be a token gesture to domestic workers. The bill signed into law should reflect the senate's version.

A strong law would ensure that working Latina mothers, who are among the thousands of domestic workers in New York, would not be forced to choose between pay and when they need to take time off to care for their own children. It would give many firm ground to stand on in the face of mistreatment by employers.

A strong law would do more than bring overdue protections to a marginalized workforce. It would also make New York the first state in the nation to have such a law.

Domestic workers have waited too long – decades in fact – to be treated fairly. Assembly and Senate leaders and Governor David Paterson must deliver a bill of rights that fully respects them and that sets an example for the nation.