Domestic workers would gain new protections under Washington bill
Ana Rosa Bello broke down in tears as she recalled the repeated abuse she has endured as a housekeeper in Seattle.
Bello described wage theft, discrimination, threats to her and her family, withheld documents, and being unfairly fired. But, as a single mother, she said she’s had no choice but to keep working and endure these conditions to provide for her family.
“It’s difficult to talk about this,” she said in Spanish, taking a deep sigh.
When Bello started out as a housekeeper about four years ago, she said she worked independently and lived in the house where she was employed, an experience she described as isolating. Bello worked from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, and said she was not allowed to spend time with her family. She also said she was never paid because her employers claimed to use her salary to cover her room and board.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/03/31/domestic-workers-would-gain-new-protections-under-washington-bill/