Building Worker Power
View Damayan’s history through our interactive timeline
WHAT WE DO
Damayan is a grassroots organization that serves and empowers low-wage Filipino migrant workers living and working in New York City and New Jersey, especially undocumented domestic workers and labor trafficking survivors or modern day slaves.
We were established in 2002 by a group of Filipina domestic workers experiencing employer abuses, like illegally refusing to pay minimum wage, termination without cause or notice, and working overtime without compensation.
Most of our members are undocumented, so Damayan helps them know their rights so they can protect themselves and live without fear. For those eligible, we help them secure legal immigration status. We also focus on labor rights so they learn how to overcome employer mistreatment, such as winning stolen wages, and advocate for better working conditions, such as just wages and benefits.
Our Numbers
Show Our Power
1500+
Members
200+
Workers mobilized over 10 years for annual general assembly
$1M+
in recovered wages for members
36+
workers assisted in escaping from exploitation
34
families reunited including 68 children and 24 spouses
3
settlements won for wages against diplomat traffickers
71
T-visas won
Our STORIES of RESILIENCE
“I was working for a total of 102 hours a week with the same salary of $345.” - Sherile Pahagas
GET INVOLVED
We need you. Join our movement for fair labor standards and social justice.
