New Chicago Rule Effective Jan. 1 Requires Anyone Hiring A Domestic Worker To Provide A Written Contract

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Under a new rule for the City of Chicago that takes effect Jan. 1, anyone who hires a domestic worker must provide them with a written contract in whatever language they choose.

Domestic workers include home health care workers, nannies, and house cleaners.

The contract must include whatever wage and work schedule is agreed upon by the employer and domestic worker.

"I grew up watching my mother work hard, day in and day out, as a home healthcare aide, so that others could live their lives," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a news release. "That's why I know domestic workers are the backbone of this city and deserve to be protected. With this mandate, we will continue to deliver these protections by making Chicago the largest city in the country that requires a written contract for domestic and household employees."

Any domestic worker who does not get a contract can file a report with the city's Bureau of Labor.