They come into homes as strangers, and in the best scenarios become cherished employees or even part of the family. In the worst scenario, they work too many hours, are underpaid, and even abused. More than 200,000 domestic workers are employed in New York according to Domestic Workers United, and many of them work here in Rye as nannies caring for the children of busy professionals.

A bill recently passed in the state Senate could change the way they work. The bill would provide a Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights providing domestic workers with paid sick days, vacation days and holidays, overtime pay, and 14 days' notice or severance pay before termination.

In Rye, the bill is being well received. Sarah McNamara, Director of Matching and New Products at Au Pair Care, a national agency that matches au pairs with families, says the agency believes providing caregivers workplace protection makes sense and is an investment that will benefit parents and their children.

Au Pair Care currently provides au pairs and host families with strict guidelines regarding number of hours the au pair is allowed to work, sick days, insurance, and vacation days.

As southern Westchester's local area director Barbara Brown gives support to families and au pairs to ensure the guidelines are followed and to help with any necessary problem solving.

"I make a point to spend time getting to know my au pairs and host families," Brown said. "As a former au pair from Holland, I know firsthand how important the role of someone in the area director position can be in making sure everyone is treated fairly and has a safe and fulfilling au pair experience."

McNamara said the agency rarely sees issues with work environments, in part due to the in-home interview and screening of host families before they welcome an au pair.

Kim O'Connor, a Rye Resident, who currently has an au pair from Au Pair Care, also supports the bill.

"I'm delighted domestic workers finally may have equal protection, but I am concerned about the potential backlash and curious about the effects it will have on undocumented workers," O'Connor said.

The new bill would apply to undocumented workers, although it is not known how enforceable that aspect of the bill would be and if workers here illegally would report employers who violate the law.

O'Connor has had a nanny in her household for ten years, although she has only had one with Au Pair Care since December. She said she and her husband have always tried to pay nannies fairly based on their knowledge of fair labor laws.

Area nannies echoed the sentiments of O'Connor and Au Pair Care. About six nannies outside of the Rye Free Reading Room discussed the bill. None of the six were affiliated with Au Pair Care and all declined to give their names for fear of angering their employers. The nannies had on average been working for ten years and said they thought they bill was great.

"I think it's one of the best bills ever passed," one of the nannies said.

All six said they often work more than 50 hours a week without additional compensation. A couple mentioned they worried about how the bill would effect those workers paid off the books, and undocumented immigrants.

"I believe all human beings should be treated with respect and compassion, and have been puzzled that domestic workers don't have equality under the labor law," O' Connor said.

Before the bill becomes law, the State Assembly, which passed a similar bill last year, and the Senate would have to reach an agreement and the governor would then have to sign it.