Many employers still unaware of NY nanny law

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York's Labor Department has investigated 80 cases since the nation's first domestic worker bill of rights became law in late 2010 and recovered $250,000 in unpaid wages for nannies, housekeepers and caretakers.

Department spokesman Leo Rosales says getting the word out about the law remains a major hurdle in regulating the largely underground industry.

Authorities have reached out to community groups, employer organizations and foreign consulates to find those affected.

California could become the next state to adopt such legislation if the governor signs a similar bill in the next few days.

Other states could follow, with efforts underway in Illinois, Washington, Massachusetts, Hawaii and Maryland to adopt their own domestic worker bill of rights.