Committee advances confirmations to Domestic Workers Standards Board; appointees urge outreach and ordinance amendments

The Seattle City Council Human Services, Labor, and Economic Development Committee on July 2 recommended confirmation of four appointees to the Domestic Workers Standards Board after hearing the candidates describe priorities including outreach and changes to the city ordinance.

Chair Alexis Mercedes Rinck opened the committee and moved the recommendation; the clerk recorded a 3–0 vote to forward the appointments to the full City Council for final consideration on July 14.

The board liaison, a city policy analyst who introduced the board, told council members the Domestic Workers Standards Board is a 13‑position board created when the Council passed the Domestic Workers Ordinance in 2018 and that the group works to advise the Mayor's Office and City Council on labor standards and implementation. "The Domestic Workers Standards Board is a 13‑position board that was created when Council passed the Domestic Workers Ordinance back in 2018," the liaison said.

Appointee Danielle Budd, who identified herself as Position 9 on the board, listed experience in the international labor movement and organizing training and said she wants to expand rights, protections and access to benefits for domestic workers in Seattle and Washington state. "I bring to the board 3.5 years of working experience in the international labor movement," Budd said.

Estefana Harry, a caregiver and board member representing caregivers, CNAs and medical assistants, said workers still face violations and fear reporting noncompliance. "The violation of their rights. There are a lot of organizations that are not complying with the law and people are afraid to come up to say something about it," Harry said, urging efforts to make reporting safer and to educate workers about their rights.

Serhii Fulytka spoke through a Ukrainian interpreter and urged outreach to help the board estimate the number of domestic workers in Seattle and to connect those workers to support and information.

Councilmembers asked how the Council should engage with the board. Vice Chair Foster asked for practical expectations; appointees and the liaison emphasized clear, timely communication, translated materials and coordination with the Office of Labor Standards to ensure outreach reaches workers who need it.

Appointees also said the board is working on proposed amendments to the Domestic Workers Ordinance that would add stronger protections against retaliation for workers taking time off, enhanced employer record‑keeping requirements and other changes that the board said will require continued funding and support from the Office of Labor Standards.

Procedurally, Chair Rinck moved to amend the packet for appointment 03516 to include a signed notice of appointment; the amendment was made by unanimous consent and the committee then recorded a 3–0 vote in favor of the recommendation to confirm 03516 and 03517–03519. The clerk noted the confirmations will be sent to the July 14 full Council meeting for final action.

The committee adjourned after completing the appointment business.