I am a nanny. I have been a nanny for six years. I don't have any formal nanny education as I studied to be a journalist for three years. I have worked for good families and not so good families. The good families, as luck would have it- have ended up moving on me (twice) and one mother decided to stay home after she had her second. This sent me spiraling into the arms of a not so good family. There, I had to start over to build respect with my employer and set boundaries. It was tough. Nannies, I ask you-why can't we unionize? Jessika Auerbach wrote in USA Today, "Without these women, many of whom are mothers themselves, it's fair to say America's economy could grind to a halt. In the absence of a nanny union to call a strike, however, there is little chance that their power will ever be fully recognized". Jews United for Justice is working to pass a Domestic Worker Bill of Rights in Montgomery County, Maryland. In NY State, 55 immigrant groups, labor unions and other organizations are trying to change that by pushing for legislation that would require a minimum wage of $14 an hour for the state’s domestic workers.
I am not an immigrant. I am an educated professional. I want to unionize with other like professionals. Anyone else with me on this? I think the below should be standards. What else?
- The nanny will be paid 52 weeks per year.
- The nanny will have (a minimum of) two weeks vacation at her choosing
- The nanny will have (a minimum of) the following days off, New Years Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, July 4, Thanksgiving and the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas eve and Christmas Day.
- The nanny will have (a minimum of) 5 sick/personal days.
- The nanny will receive (a minimum of) time and half for all hours over 40 per week.
- If a day is given off, the nanny will at no time be requested to make the time off at any other time.
- The nanny will be told when there are nanny cameras, closed circuit cameras or other recording devices in use in the home.
- The employer will sign a non disclosure agreement barring her from discussing any personal things the employers may have learned about the nanny during the course of interview and employment.
- The nanny will at no time be required to use her own vehicle to transport the employer's children.
- The nanny will at no time be required to watch the children of any other person, including relatives and friends without extra pay.
- The nanny is not a housekeeper and should not be expected to perform the tasks of the housekeeper at any time.
- The nanny is not a dog walker and should not at any time be required to walk the dog, feed the dog or clean up after the dog. (Or Cat).
- In the event that the family goes on vacation and takes the children with them, the nanny is off. Yes, even if this means the nanny is getting bonus vacation time. The employer may not require the nanny to house sit or pet sit.
- The nanny will be provided health insurance, the expense of which should be paid, at least 75% by employer.
- The nanny will be provided a safe vehicle to transport the children in.
- The nanny will be provided three weeks notice in the event the employer wishes to terminate the nanny services. At which time, the employer will provide the nanny with an accurate letter of reference.
- The nanny will at all times be referred to as either "Mary" or "Ms. Jones", and at no time will be called "Nanny" or "Nanny Mary".
- The nanny will receive an increase of (a minum of) 40% her current salary for each additional child born.
107 comments:
Although I think that this is a wonderful concept, unfortunately, I can't imagine it being successful. Even though many labor unions exist, there are still plenty of companies/individuals willing to use undocumented day laborers who will work for a fraction of the cost. Ultimately, responsible parents will elect to go with unionized nannies (one would hope) and all the rest would go with the cheaper alternative (the way they already do). There are many people (myself included) who do not have access to the benefits you listed in your posting, including the amount of vacation time, base salary, and 52 weeks of guaranteed pay and I work in the professional realm. When I worked as a nanny, I had a fantastic salary and benefits (paid on the books) because it was clear I would not take a job that did not offer them. Now that I am starting on a new career path, I have to make exceptions and gain seniority before I have access to those kind of benefits. Many companies do not offer health insurance to their employees, let alone contribute to their premiums, as an example. Qualified nannies should already be making that kind of money and receiving those kind of benefits. I have also (unfortunately) heard endless horror stories about nannies who stood up for themselves against (borderline) abusive employers and found themselves unemployed butI wonder why these people are surprised? Families that are looking to take advantage of caretakers are not going to change , regardless of whether or not the law does. I would suggest that qualified nannies make their requirements clear upon interview, sign legally binding agreements that will protect them in case of a discrepency, and demand legal payment. If you consider yourself to be a professional nanny, function as one!
'I'm just saying' ... said it all.
A clear and concise answer, and I don't see a Nanny Union ever happening for the reasons stated above.
.... maybe in a perfect world?
Sorry, honey, you're just not worth that much to me. Get a life, get another job. I can't afford you.
That will never happen since most nannies are paid off of the books. Also if these requirements were put in place by a union you would see many more day care centers popping up to compete as they would be able to charge more. You have to understand that people can only afford to pay so much. There is a tipping point where you ask for too much and hence end up with nothing.
Professionals are by definition not unionized. A professional organization and licensing board such as the AMA, State Bar Association, etc. is more appropriate to eliminate the unqualified (and therefore would be unlicensed) "nannies" from the market, protecting families and children, making it illegal to hire anyone who does not meet licensing standards for full time childcare positions, and leaving only those who can and do command the type of benefits you list above. Isn't that the requirement in Great Britain where the nanny profession is far more respected?
This seems unreasonable to me. Some of the things you mentioned are not offered in jobs given to people who earned a college degree or even masters degree. Doesn't it make more sense for the nanny and employer to work out their own terms in a contract? E.g. I don't have Good Friday off, and if my nanny isn't religious I don't see why she'd want that to be one of her limited holidays. She'd probably prefer have an extra floater to take when she pleases. Also, my boss occassionally asks me to do something outside of my job description, for example help him order Broadway tickets on-line for a client coming to town. This certainly didn't upset me as we have a good working relationship and I don't expect my child's nanny to be upset if I ask her to be at our home one day at a certain time to recieve a package (during normal working hours) or stop by the pharmacy to pick up my child's prescription (obviously I would pay for it). My child's nanny is a wonderful, warm person and I try to make her job as pleasant as possible. In return, I know she does little extra things to make my life easier. I would be very sad if this changed to the sort of relationship where she responded to a request with: "I don't have to mail that letter for you when I pass the mailbox - just ask my union rep" ...and I didn't buy her fun stuff for her birthday and work a little faster on a Friday to get home early when I know she has a big weekend planned.
Sounds like commie talk to me.
It's a great idea but (by your own admission) you wouldn't be in the union since your education is in journalism not childcare.
And here's the other thing about it, right now union workers are picketing outside my husband's office, they've been there for several weeks and they haven't been paid.
Remember the air traffic controllers?
Be careful what you wish for, women who can actually afford a good nanny are smart and well educated, they'll find a way to get what they want when they want it.
Good luck with that.
Eeew Alecto I read your blog and you're NEVER HOME and you sound perfectly horrible describing your "brood" as ungrateful?
Your children are lucky you work, too much exposure to you might turn them into sanctimonious assholes like you.
The irony is that the type of people who could make this happen for all nannies are the same people who wouldn't really benefit. I'm a professional nanny in NYC. I make $90K a year and for that amount of money the family I work for knows that I'll work whenever they need me & they'll never hear me quibble over extra money for travel, overtime, dog walking, or whatever.
I feel bad for nannies who are taken advantage of, but I wouldn't want to sacrifice my paycheck for their security. Selfish, I know, but true.
Connor,
So you mean something like a "you get what you pay for" situation, coupled with a "you can command only the salary and benefits that are commensurate with your expertise, experience and therefor, value, as an employee" situaton that is mutually beneficial to both sides? What a novel concept!
People who are willing to pay well for the best possible care for their children are already doing so. The best nannies are already working for those same people and commanding those high salaries and benefits.
To unionize would only force people to pay those top tier rates to lesser quality nannies who cannot otherwise rationally expect to earn those salaries and benefits on their own merits. The best nannies have every option available to them in choosing their employers.
The others might want to go in for some additional education to EARN the right to a higher level of pay scale...just as people in other professions must do.
I am all for the idea of some sort of board certification as somebody mentioned above.
Oh, Sue. Alecto's blog said "not Quite" ungrateful if I remember correctly. That's not the point though, is it, Sue? You just like to attack people personally and convince yourself that every decision you have made is the best and you also know what is best for everyone else. Take your preaching elsewhere, honey, we are all sick of it. And I plan to post as Anon or you will attack me too.
I love this! Being a nanny, I have many of these things..(and some I do not) I don't know if this proposed idea could ever be a reality..but it would be nice!! ;)
It all sounds great in theory, but sadly, school teachers in this country don't get that good of benefits! Probably many corporate VP's don't get that good of benefits. I think that nanny's are worth a great deal. Not that much though.
I make over 100,000 as a nanny. And I agree with the person above. I see my situation as unique. Something given to me because of what I give back to the people I work for. Isn't that how is it should be?
Also, I am at a loss when I hear WOHMs complaining that the nanny is out sick again. This could cost the mother a job. You nannies need to suck it up and get to work if you have the sniffles. Most likely you caught it from the child anyway, so I doubt you have to worry about giving it to the children.
I don't know many nannies who would deserve all of this. If you want a great job, you have to find a great family and get in there and do a great job. The end.
According to your benefits, a family would have to shell out about $65,000 a year for a nanny (that's just the salary for 50 hours a week plus health insurance, doesn't include back up care for nanny's vacation) So a parent earning $100,000 a year in their job would pay all their take home pay to the nanny (since their take home pay would be about 65K a year) So nanny jobs would be hard to come by in most families. In my job, I only made 85,000 a year so I would just quit my job because it would cost me more to hire a nanny than I would make. Also, with these perks, everyone would want to be a nanny. Especially the 3 weeks notice prior to termination. I've never heard of this in any job. In my husbands job at a bank, when you are let go, you are told and then immediately escorted back to your desk to collect your personal belongings (while watched over by security) and then you are escorted out of the building by security. Also health insurance is negotiated at a group rate for hundreds of employees (not possible for an individual). A nanny union will result in more people not hiring legal nannies.
School teachers only work 9 months of the year. And I went to school to be a teacher. I graduated and have a degree. I took a job as a nanny because of the perks and pay. And I still get to work with and teach children.
Win-Win.
If you make 85k a year, you are middle class. What the hell are you doing with a nanny. Middle class people trying to live beyond their means are the reason there are so many disgusting nannies on the street. And there I use the term nanny loosely. A nanny is a professional childcare person who is by definition well paid. So quit boo hooing over your piddly salary and get your snotty brats in daycare where they belong. You make me sick.
Or keep your shotty nanny, but stop calling her a nanny. No real nanny would work for a mom who made 85k a year. I'm laughing my ass off. Off, I say. I am laughing it off.
There is something in the works...it's not a union, but it's better. Nannies who have a college education - at least associates degree are being recruited. There's training involved and a revamp of the system.
If we band together we can do this;
They are looking for only nannies who are motivated however; because the job descriptions take it to the next level- )this does not mean more work hours.
It involves professional work, training, standardization, benefits, and a plethora of other things.
For nannies who are interested in hearing more send an email to
alkigifting@yahoo.com.
Leave name and a number you can be reached.
Recruiting begins in January for the pilot program.
Attention: Marcella (recruiting officer)
1:30 is feeling a little defensive today. Perhaps she was raised by a "nanny" in a trailer court?
In some parts of the country, 85,000 is nothing to look down at. If both parents work they could be living quite well in the midwest or parts of the south. Not everyone lives in Manhattan or San Fransisco.
I agree 85k is nothing to look down at, but a professional nanny makes a MINIMUM of 45k a year, on the books. A nanny is not for someone who makes 85K. A lot of women, especially in Park Slope cannot afford nannies and hire these awful brutes off the boat-their only experience being that they left their own tiny children back on the island (ie deserted them) to come here and make an American dollar. And these Park Slope mothers dare to call these vile women nannies. Look at the harm they do. They are dumbing down an entire generation. A generation of children will no longer understand the principles of the Kings English.
1:03 PM
There's a woman with children saying "Sorry, honey, you're just not worth that much to me. Get a life, get another job." Can you imagine what goes on in her home? Further she has the nanny (that she obviously hates) supervising visitation in some manner with an ex (I gave up on reading because the whole home is a train wreck).
Really? A woman with that attitude hires a nanny to care for children and I'M the one who is the bad guy?
Really?
Rethink it. A nanny posted a question a hideous women who happens to have squeezed out a couple of kids was rude and dismissive.
It's mothers like her that ensure a website like this exists.
Why? Because they probably hire women who aren't properly educated to do a job that the children's own mother doesn't see as valuable.
It's shameful really.
And yes I am 100% certain that raising my own children is the right thing for them.
By the same token I am reasonably certain that if you decide to work or need to work and hire a good nanny and TREAT HER WELL that your children will have the childhood they're entitled to.
If you think that you've been attacked then so be it.
I agree with much of what has been posted here, but I feel that many people must be missing the boat -- the OP's set up would seem to include only citizens of the US. So her scenario would weed out many foreigners who have come to the US and are unable to secure any other job besides a "nanny" job that pays off the books, but they are not truly "nannies" or even child care professionals in any sense of these words.
However, the OP's list includes too much. How is it unreasonable to have the nanny feed the cat twice a day? It is unreasonable not to have the nanny do this. It is a one minute process that would be expected of any adult left in the home, left in charge for the day. And there were far greater issues too. There are so many professions where health insurance is not provided. Hair care people, for example, rarely get health insurance from their employers. Any small time operation may or may not provide health insurance. Although it is a good idea that nannies receive all these benefits that are listed, I think it is not realistic that they are a requirement that must be met. But I'm all for requiring people to have a basic minimum of education in order to work as a nanny, and to license people or to control the profession. There are so many poor quality "nannies" out there that should not be in these jobs. They are just not qualified and the kids are the ones that suffer.
why is nanny work compared to hair care?
so a nanny should be at the bottom of the barrel? Is that right.
Are your children right down there with her?
You all are crazy. Thsi is a nannys world. Parents need nanniea and not the other way around.
The sooner we get that the better it will be
I agree with " I'm just saying". This all sounds sooo dreamlike, but I don't think it will ever be successful.
I can hear employers now,saying " we've hired this person to fit our needs..blah blah. I happen to be in a very lucky position with the family I'm working with. The pay isn't great, but the communication and connection is good.
I would LOVE to see this bill pass...and I'm in Montgomery County, MD
I agree with Connor. I've made it to a certain tier, a union works on a pay scale and why would I want to be pigeon holed? My husband works union, and once he hit the top tier, no more actual raises other than COLA.
In my opinion, people who get these horrible jobs either don't have the resources to quit immediately to find another position because they didn't have the fore thought to save money. They also may be stuck because of the area they live in. I've been very lucky to find a well paying job in an area that typically didn't pay well, but was forced to move once that job ended. You go where the jobs are to preserve your way of life.
Get some self esteem people, quit your job, find one that works for you and gives you what you want. Learn to negotiate and to get a written agreement in the beginning. You get what you give in the end.
Holy cow, one comment about not being willing to pay that much for a nanny and some wonky aunt from Harrison comes to my site and tells me she hopes my nanny kills me in my bed? Damn, woman, get some meds.
Hey, Alecto, I just read your blog and found it funny and truthful- well, what I read because I lose interest quickly. Now I had better go back and read the killer comments. Even more fun!
Darn! Can't read it anymore.. care to invite me in?
Alecto,
I think you are ashamed of your own self. You employ a nanny you hate. You leave the porch light off in hopes that she will trip and break her ankle. You must know that if you had two sticks together she could sue you. But I digress. You moved out to Weston because you couldn't afford Greenwich. Or Harrison. And yes, I hope your nanny kills you in your sleep.
Whoo hoo! I love your ideas! I have a college degree in childhood studies, but chose to be a nanny, and I do consider myself a professional. It would be nice to be viewed as such.
As a nanny, I would LOVE to see all these wonderful sounding benefits come my way.
And before I shoot your ideas down, I want to mention the National Association for Nanny Care (NANC), which is currently working on developing a tiered credentialing system for nannies.
The drving force behind NANC is the fact that other professionals (Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, eyc.) have tests to pass and continuing education to complete in order to become and remain a member of their profession.
The plan is to publicize NANC as setting a standard for nanny care, so that parents will eventually choose to hire only NANC certified nannies, knowing they are the professional nannies.
Now, much as it pains me to say this, your idea will do much more harm than good. Why?
The top 10% of wage earners will be able to afford all the high end benefits and salaries for their nannies.
The majority of familes will hire "nannies" who have no clue there even is a "union", and actual wages will then drop even further for illegal or unqualified workers. Making them even more attractive to parents who can't truly afford nanny care.
The nannies who work for all the families that WANT the best but could never afford to pay the price you outline will either go with daycare, or choose to stay home. Those nanny jobs will disappear.
So ultimately, your plan will result in poorer (and more poorly paid) care for many kids left with "non-union nannies", a select set of high end nannies, and a huge number of unemplyed nannies that were doing a terrific job but got fired because their employers couldn't afford 40% increases for each additional child.
And because I am curious....under your plan I'd be making more than 60K a year, and I would get to tell my bosses that I would no longer do anything I currently do that makes their lives easier.
So I'd be looking for a new job.
Wonder how much I could make as a daycare teacher?
Because daycares could pay even lower wages under your plan than they do n ow, because of all the former nannies who would be looking for work.
Or I could go to grad school, accumulate horrific debt, and earn less than I do now as a therapist.
Nah...sorry, I can't get on board with your plan.
justsaying at 2:08,
This is a mutually dependant world - if a nanny wants to work, she needs parents to work for, yes?
And truly terrific employers are not exactly as common as houseflies!
When a nanny and her employers see themselves as a team, everyone benefits. When they see each other as the enemy, everyone loses.
It's cliched, but it's also true.
It's not as if a nanny can get all snooty, quit, and just waltz off to a better paying job with better employers the next day. At least not where I live and work!
In New York State there is an organization called Domestic Workers United (http://www.domesticworkersunited.org/) that has proposed a Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights to the New York State legislature. More at http://www.domesticworkersunited.org/campaigns.php
There are other ethnic groups who would want their holiday off not just the ones listed. It will never pass.
ROFLMAO! Who needs CEO's and PhD's when you can just skip the ivy leagues and be a nanny for the same pay and benefits?
If you want to create a huge pool of unemployed nannies and a huger pool of underqualified illegals willing to work under the table, this sounds like a great idea.
If you want to guarantee that no parent who earns less than $20/hr before taxes will ever consider hiring a legal nanny, this is a great idea.
If you want to be laughed at for your entitled attitude at expecting 1000% more benefits than most corporate employees in this country will ever receive (3 weeks paid vacation and 75% of medical premiums covered????? Not likely!) this is a fantastic idea.
Requiring the employer to offer you access to a group medical plan which you may opt into at your own expense would be standard and it would be extra nice if they made a contribution. Many companies do neither.
401k and profit-sharing plan would be a reasonable expectation.
What if a teacher wants to hire a legal nanny and she/he is unemployed for 3 months of the year? They can't hire a nanny without paying 52 weeks salary for 40 weeks of work?
Since you're asking, I think some of these demands are ridiculous, compared to what most employees expect from their employers.
i will sell my construction company and become a nanny if that ever goes down. good luck dear.
regarding 1:30's comment...I said I made 85K a year. I didn't imply that was our entire HHI. My husband also has a job which pays much better. My point was that having a nanny our situation would mean we had less $ leftover if I kept working than if I became a sahm. OK, so even if I did put my kids in daycare, that's one less nanny job available then too.
Cali mom--you think profit-sharing is a reasonable expectation for a nanny? How much profit do you make from your family?
In the context of all the other demands listed in this proposal, and taking into account the fact that a double income copuple/family is able to earn SOME sort of profits above and beyond their living expenses only by having FT childcare, yes. But since many companies don't even offer this benefit, it is very unlikely this would ever become standard for nannies.
I won't detail my household finances to you, but I can tell you that if I had to pay a nanny %65k/yr plus cover the costs of their medical insurance along with the $750/mo I currently pay for my own family, they'd probably have to pay into MY profit sharing, LOL!
And 1:30, you are truly revolting, no matter how much money you claim to have. It'm very glad to know you have a nanny and I can only hope that her or his influence on your unfortunate children is greater than yours, because you are a no-class a$$hole. And because you deserve to know that you are secondary to the nanny in your children's life.
I am a nanny and I dont want a union. Unions are dinosaurs anyway. My husband was in a few and all they ever did was take dues out of his check each week, nothing else.
Nannies need to learn self respect and accept jobs that pay what they are worth. But we must also be realistic about what a family can honestly afford to pay.
If you are working illegally because you are here illegally I have little pity for you. You are breaking the law and so is your employer. You pay no taxes, you have no rights except the most basic ones that should be afforded to all human beings. And those do not include earning a 20.00 per hour wage tax free!
I went back to teaching to get benefits for my family, and we are currently working without a contract because they can't come to an agreement on benefits. As it is my lame teacher's salary barely gives us extra money after our nanny is paid. She is an amazing woman, but if I had to pay her benefits, we'd be at a deficit. I'd have to quit my job and find another way to pay for medical benefits for my family. How 'bout we fix that problem first?
OK -- the more I think about that 3 week termination notice, the more upset I get. My nanny is spectacular, but if I did have someone working in my home with my CHILDREN who I no longer felt comfortable with for whatever reason, there is no WAY that person would then be given charge of them and my home for 3 more hours let alone 3 weeks -- especially after she'd been given a termination notice. I mean, honestly!
There is some confusion here about how unions work. The union sets MINIMUM wage scales. As an employee you can always try to negotiate for a higher salary, (Tom Cruse gets many millions above the Screen Actors Guild scale, and perks not required by the union for example.)
You can choose to do things that a union restricts as long as there is no coercion on the part of the employer. I love my work families pets, and help care for them because I offered to. That is very different from a family requiring something that is not child related.
The biggest difficulty with a union would be enforcing compliance. Employers of union members have contracts with the union. How would that work with individual households?
I would like to see and end to nannies being paid off the books. Also more quality daycares with government funding, and bigger deductions for childcare expenses to make good care available and affordable for low and middle income families. That would eliminate many of the worst nannies, and raise the level of care for children. There will always be well paying nanny jobs available for highly qualified nannies.
Rather than a union, I think licensing is the direction we should be going.
OP, thanks for starting a very interesting dialogue, I agree with most of your list. I do think 75% of health insurance, and a 40% raise for additional children is too high, even in Manhattan.
A Nanny
Is that for real Marcella?
Why isn't there a number to call. I'd like to be on board. I have a BA degree.
c'mon recruiter answers please
Marcella is a hoax.
And the NANC is nothing more but a group of agencies that want to put a positive PR spin on nannies. They don't care about nannies, but profiting off of them. That would be fine, but don't hide behind a psuedo agenda. I needed a nanny and knew what I wanted so I went to a former professional nanny who currently works as a headhunter of sorts. It cost e 15,000 for my nanny and she makes 94,000 per year. She has been with us 4 flawless months. Once she passes six months, we have to provide her health insurance. It isn't a union, but there are many of us employers who don't have the patience or time to sift through a stew of unqualified nannies and want someone that is going to work in our home. If you are a nanny, I would think this is the best way to go. Get yourself discovered. The headhunter works as a middleman of sorts to negotiate everything so by the time the nanny is in your home, she knows that you expect a little extra help here and there but are willing to do x and y. For example, we travel a minimum of 7 weeks per year with the children. We will provide the nanny 3 weeks of paid vacation for the first year, but would like her to housesit. The reason isn't that we are trying to save money, the reason is that there is no one we could possibly trust more than the person we trust with our children. After one year, the nanny gets 4 weeks, then after two years, she gets 5. I am hoping if she is still around by that time, she will have a vested interest in who is coming in and out of the house and want to atleast "supervise" the person and be an emergency contact. That is what we hope for. I understand not many people can afford 15,000 for a nanny, but if you cannot afford the highest caliber of nanny to take care of your children, shouldn't it be you?
to the anonymous commenter who said, "if this ever passes, i will quit my construction company and become a nanny"
are you for real?
If you are a professional nanny, you should already be making a minimum of 60K with benefits (esp in the tri state NY or CA areas).
If you aren't a professional nanny,
a nanny union isn't going to save you from the housing crunch.
Cali Mom,
why on earth would a mom who makes 20/hr hire a nanny? Are you freaking kidding me? NO NO NO.
Nannies are for people who have money, were born in to money or make tons of money. Not for piddly dumbass posers.
And by the by, SF has the highest nanny salary in the country. I make 34 per hour. Where are you?
anon @10:12,
the three weeks notice is based on consideration. obviously in most cases, when you are outright firing the nanny, you should have her leave asap, but 3 weeks severence is what they are asking for. Personally, I think it should be more for live in nannies who move into your homes and trust in their employers not to go batshit crazy on them and get jealous of the relationship the nanny has with the child and kick them out of the house/fire them, etc. The nanny would need a new job and a new place. I say a minimym of 4 weeks severence for a live-in who has been with a family for six months or longer. Most of the other stuff is bullshit, but the way some of these employers treat their nannies is downright frightful. All I can say is karma. Karma, kramer. Karma.
tt, you might want to actually investigate before you condemn any organization.
NANC link:
http://tinyurl.com/3x4y3a
Yes, there are agency members. And Nanny Tax Services members, and other member businesses.
Why? Because, oddly enough, the NANNIES that have been developing this system can't pay for the test development, website, conferences, PR, and establishment as a non-profit on their own.
So, like any start-up, they have contacted and are working with established businesses to make their vision a reality.
As long as no one is going to be trying to force a credentialed nanny to find work only through a member agency, I fail to see how the agencies are the ones in charge of NANC.
As your situation aptly demonstrates, nannies are free agents, and can find work in any way they like.
nanc is a scam.
The scam of nanc is fueled by the agencies realization that nanny agencies are no longer needed. anything an agency can do, you cand do yourself, faster and easier.
puhlease. i'm not the or but even i know that!
pdld...
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!60K!! ROTFLMAOAPIMP!!!!
Thanks for the laugh!
Have you ever actually investigated the various nanny markets in the US? Not every city is San Francisco or NY, where the COL is off the charts insane.
Some very terrific professional nannies live and work in lower COL markets, and do just fine on less than 60K a year. Uf they were to get a bee in their bonnet and demand that they be paid like their counterparts in NY and SF, they would be out of work pretty darn fast.
I believe the president of a well known multi-office agency once said, "You have to be willing to put up with a lot to be a 100K nanny, but in high end markets, you can have a great job as a 60K nanny. And in lower COL markets, you can be a 40K nanny who is just as good as any 100K nanny anywhere else.
Again, thanks for the laugh!
But if you are a good nanny, why wouldn't you go where the market is so you can be paid your worth? Isn't that why the best teachers work at private schools? Isn't that why Jeter is with the Yankees and not the devil rays?
12:12, you are more than welcome to your opinion.
I hope more open minded people take the time to do their own research before they make their minds up about NANC or any organization.
After all, only the very easily led or the very foolish will accept "info" posted by an unidentified person in a blog as gospel truth.
So do check out the link folks. Don't take my word for anything either - see and judge for yourselves.
1) The nanny should have health insurance paid 50 percent by the employer.
2) The nanny should not have to spend time in the home with inlaws, specifically the grandparents, but not limited to aunts, uncles, great aunts and even Godparents.
3) The nanny will receive a call in advance of the parent returning home late. The nanny will come in those minutes late the next morning or be immediately paid for the late time, by the half hour. So, if you are late five minutes, you owe the nanny half an hour of OVERTIME pay.
4) If the family is thinking of getting a pet while the nanny is already working there, the nanny will have a right to set forth whether or not she wishes to be included in care of said pet.
5) The nanny will be provided two outfits per year. Ideally, these will consist of scrubs-like outfits. The nanny should be able to change in to them when she arrives to work, since we all know that good nannies do lots of arts and crafts and rolling in the grass.
6) The nanny will at no time take orders from any other member of the household staff. Should a housekeeper be in place, the housekeeper should know that she rnaks below the nanny in pecking order.
7) The employer will not at anytime give the nanny's number out to family or friends for purposes of employment, without the explicit consent of the employer.
8) The employers will reimburse the nanny for any article of clothing or possession that is damaged while in the employer's home or on the job.
9) The nanny will be guaranteed a minimum of one week's pay as a bonus every year.
10) The nanny will not be punished for humming Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, nor will she be asked to "wash that off" her forehead on Ash Wednesday. The employer will respect the nanny's beliefs as equally as the nanny respects the employers beliefs.
nanny training programs will mean MONEY in the pockets of the agencies and people who are backing this ridiculous nanc.
Are you kidding me?
I can look at a nanny and tell whether or not she is a professional or not. Whatever else I need to find out, I can do using the INTERNET. Background checks, credit checks, residence verification, cell phone search (illegal but quite telling), reference checks, google checks, myspace, etc. etc. etc.
12:15, I live where I do because making 100K in NY or SF does not mean you get to play with that extra 60K free and clear.
Let's look at COL comparisons for a smaller market (Atlanta) and SF:
A nanny making 40K in Atlanta: "The cost of living in San Francisco, CA is 96.1% higher than in Atlanta, GA. Therefore, you would have to earn a salary of $78,435 to maintain your current standard of living"
Is that even possible?? "Employers in San Francisco, CA typically pay 21.8% more than employers in Atlanta, GA. Therefore, if you take the same type of job in the same type of company in San Francisco, CA you are likely to earn $48,727."
WOW, I'd be earning 30K LESS THAN what I'd need to live....
And NYC....
"The cost of living in New York, NY is 107.2% higher than in Atlanta, GA. Therefore, you would have to earn a salary of $82,868 to maintain your current standard of living."
"Employers in New York, NY typically pay 19.0% more than employers in Atlanta, GA. Therefore, if you take the same type of job in the same type of company in New York, NY you are likely to earn $47,595."
WOW! Even worse! 35K in the hole!
And even if I wanted and got that 100K job in NYC, I wouldn't be a whole lot better off, would I?
Why? Because...
1) I would be living in NYC....not my idea of fun
2) I would be working 24/7 - see above post by TT about how her nanny has to housesit when they leave town. Not my idea of a great job.
3) I would NOT be living where I prefer to live, where my friends and family are, and where I am happy.
'Nuff said. :-)
P.S. Salary comparison info from the "Cost of Living Wizard Tool" at Salary.com
ah chick,
then you've never housesat for a loaded NY family. Great background for shooting nanny porn.
:)
and they're never the wiser.
Lotta money-not so lotta smarts-
LMAO
"Should a housekeeper be in place, the housekeeper should know that she rnaks below the nanny in pecking order."
are you the nanny that wrote in about the hosuekeeper who was being mean to you?
* i am guessing that anagram 'rnaks' is 'ranks', lol
anon 12:27
Wow...Illegal cell phone checks? Are you kidding me?
And just out of curiosity, when will you be doing all this research on the professional looking nannies you might hire? At your place of employment?
And BTW, I have met some very professional looking nannies who were absolutely ROTTEN, and some rather schlupy looking nannies who were damn good at their jobs.
Superficiality can get you into trouble...
What the heck, since we're all fantasizing wildly now. Here is a worker's bill of rights:
1) No employee shall be expected to tolerate any person they do not like at any time during work hours.
2) No employee shall be required to perform any tasks they personally find distasteful or boring
3) No employee shall be expected to follow directions from any person they feel is beneath them in intelligence, morals, physical characteristics or any other area of existence.
4) Each employee shall be compensated according to what they sincerely feel is necessary to maintain the satisfactory style of living that they have always wished to attain
Your fantasy schtick isn't funny or applicable. The US would crumble without the professional nannies. Crumble, I say. The hand that rocks the cradle RULES THE WORLD. Got that? So all you mamas who pass on the opps to rock your own baby's cradle get what you deserve.
Have a good day, all you all Aunt mommies.
cali mom
loved your post!!
Yeah Cali Mom, I thought it was pretty great too.
What has the world come to? And I don't mean nannies in particular. The point she makes is valid for the very pervasive attitude of much of our society in general.
What ever happened to any honest job being a good job? What ever happened to an honest day's work for an honest day's pay? What ever happened to showing respect for your employer and taking pride in your work? What ever happened to going the extra mile?
How did we come to expect that we need a blue ribbon for doing our JOBS? Or for simply doing the right thing? When did having a prestigious title and extra status take the place of good old fashioned self esteem that we EARNED by being honorable people...as opposed to being "publicly honored" people?
Every job has some very fun and pretty menial, boring aspects to it. How did we become so entitled as to think we are above performing our WHOLE jobs...the good, the bad AND the ugly parts? Holy crap.
Mom,
Although I agree with your post, I'd like to take a stab at the answer. Now, this is only my opinion. For starters ... my husband has worked his butt off for the same company for many years. It has changed ownership twice during his employ. Every owner is different, we get that. But just to give you an idea of "why" my husband has lost "that lovin' feeling" .... his Christmas bonus has gone from a bonus equal to 2 paychecks, to last Christmas - we got a Turkey. For the New Years party, they went from renting a Yacht, to a cash bar in a local restaurant (come on, no free drinks?). Ok, I know these are petty, but they were perks that everyone looked forward to. And it's only to name a few. There are other issues, but I think you get the idea.
Bottom line: My husband doesn't feel appreciated. However - he does NOT feel entitled - because he's still there, and still working his butt off. And he does it because he earns a decent living and he does have a great health/dental benefits package. I guarantee you though, if they mess with that, he will be gone and looking for another job.
It's all about recognition, incentive and appreciation.
marypoppin pills,
I agree wholeheartedly with what you say here also.
It needs to go both ways. I have always been of the opinion that a happy employee is a good and probably loyal-to-the-end employee.
I think employers who do not go out of their way to show their appreciation to their hardworking employees by both showing them respect and appreciation, and compensating them well financially are very short sighted.
It all goes back to the same thing I think...the loss of basic morals and values that our society considered the highest measure of character in years past, but that have somehow vanished in recent times. It's people across the board...not just employees...but bosses...and people in general. It's very sad, and while we are all grasping to look out for number 1, we are only hurting ourselves and each other.
I think there's a lot to be said for the "good old days," when people were generally content to have a modest home and a car that ran, and to raise our own children as though that was a given. It was a time when people valued and protected their own integrity. I think when that went, we started downhill.
I agree with Mom here. I believe when you take a job you are committing to do the best job you can and your satisfaction should come from knowing you are doing a good job. While there are some good thoughtful posts here, others are coming off as entitled and snobish. If you have the qualifications and experience to command the things you are listing, good for you, you should demand them and not settle for less. If you want and can demand these things and didn't ask for them, or worse, it was clear that they were not being offered and you took the job anyway, there is no reason to feel entitled to more--it was your choice.
Alecto,
Did you get your name from the Harry Potter books and if so couldn't you have picked a cooler character or are you just uncool all around?
While I admire your goals, as a working mother I don't get enough time off to cover the time you are suggesting here. Not everyone who has a nanny is some rich person with tons of expendable cash lying around. Most of us are working parents ourselves.
Mom,
I really do appreciate your thoughtful posts. You allow some of us to see both sides of the coin.
:)
I'm a nanny and 75% of that is ridiculous.
The reason I agree with you, 9:45, is that 90% of employees in America do NOT get these perks. Sure, we'd all like them. And of course the job a nanny does is EXTREMELY important. But to create a situation where only nannies and doctors would be able to afford to hire a nanny is kind of ridiculous. AND counter-productive.
Unless of course, you're pushing the agenda that only parents should be allowed to care for their offspring and you think that any form of childcare is evil.
hahahahaha
the nanny will not have a job
join the real world. we don't get these benfits so we sure aren't giving them out
Thanks marypoppin pills!
Of course nannies should have a union!
We need to VALUE the work quality nannies do in this country.
Let's encourage LEGAL, educated, skilled, dedicated, literate, compassionate nannies in their chosen profession.
I've been playing by the rules for over 20 years now...I'm American-born, college-educated, and I've been paying my taxes, being paid ON the books, paying for my own health & dental insurance, caring for children as if they were my own and behaving with honor and good intentions toward my employers...there are many nannies out there just like me who deserve the respect and job-security a union would provide---it's time for a union! Time for a change. The time is NOW. I've "paid my dues" throughout the years...and I'd be more than happy to pay my union dues in the future.
In spite of the naysayers and in spite of all the doubts anyone may have, I firmly believe this is necessary and inevitable.
Nannies unite!
I find it odd and extremely off-putting to see so many employers opposed to the idea of a nanny union.
We're not talking about the person who mows your lawn or walks your dog or details your car...we're talking about the person who spends the day with your most precious treasures: your children!
I wonder why you wouldn't want the very best for your nanny...why you wouldn't gladly pay her a bit more, give her a bit more time off, a bit more respect, a bit more in the way of benefits???
Ever wonder what will happen to a career nanny who has no pension? Who cannot afford to repair her car if it breaks down? Who is unable to pay her bills because she has no guarantee of a cost-of-living raise or bonus?
Do you even care what will happen to your nanny if she becomes seriously ill and she has no health insurance?
Do you even care?
She cares for your family...shouldn't you care a bit more for HER?
marypoppin pills,
To touch on your earlier post again.
My husband worked for a large law firm in California for many years.
Each year they gave bonuses at Christmas, which varied somewhat based on how well the firm did that year, but they tended to range from about $3000.00 for the youngest associates (the lower bonuses were fixed amounts, not dependent on firm profits, so you always knew what to expect based on your number of years worked...and we younger people really counted on that money)to over 100k for the top partners. One year they threw a huge 100th anniversary party...flew every partner and associate and their spouses in from all over the world (well over a thousand people), put them up in a fantastic hotel in Los Angeles for the weekend, and had an incredible, spare-no-expense party...all at firms expense, of course. That was in the summer. That Christmas they announced that they would not be giving Christmas bonuses that year because the firm "hadn't done as well as expected that year." You can imagine the uproar. Luckily for us, the news of the big slap in the face to its employees by one of the country's top law firms came out on one of the big legal trade journals and the firm feared so much for its reputation and future ability to attract the best candidates that they gave us the bonuses in the end anyway. They wouldn't have, except that it served themselves better to do so in the end.
The next year they did away with the long standing tradition of sending a Della Robbia wreath to every employee. It was a small thing, but everybody looked forward to it, and it hurt the relationship with the employees nonetheless. It was hilarious when we went to a Christmas party at one of the other employees houses and there was a white paper wreath taped to their front door that had written on it, "Ghost of Della Robbia Wreath Past."
And when we transferred from the Orange County California office to the Dallas office, we went from enjoying firm sponsored yacht parties in Newport Harbor to firm sponsored beer bowling in the hood...so I feel your pain there too! Not a big thing, but those perks mean more to employees than the bosses ever realize. It's those little extras that make you think "wow!" about your employer.
The more I read of these comments, the more I think that a nanny union is not only unrealistic, but it is also not really a good idea. Unionization only works for occupations that are highly standardized, like working in a factory, teaching, etc. It's easy to put forth a set of demands when every worker faces the same circumstances in their work.
But every family is different and has different childcare needs. Why force them to all employ the same nanny?
For example, some nannies have spouses who have family health/dental benefits from their job. There's nothing wrong w/a family not paying health benefits to a nanny who doesn't need them. I'm single, and so when I began interviewing I told families upfront that I would need 100% of my health insurance paid. I didn't think families who couldn't meet that demand were bad people or undeserving of a nanny, I just knew they weren't a good fit for me, and so I didn't waste either of our time by interviewing with them.
If you don't like the way you're treated by your employer, make a change. I'm continuously astonished by nannies on this site complaining about things they have control over. There was a nanny (now a mom, if I recall correctly) who wrote about being asked to acompany the family on vacation & then being informed right before the trip that she wouldn't be paid b/c the parents had bought her plane ticket. If that happened to me I would have told the mother immediately that I pay for my own vacations and I don't work while on them. If you want me to care for your children, I'm not on vacation, so you have to pay me.
More than a union, I believe nannies need to realize that no one is going to give them what they want out of the goodness of their hearts. If you don't stand up for yourself, it's kind of amazing to me that you'd expect someone else to do it for you.
This is the reason we see so many bad nanny sightings all because of the parental replies to this posting by a nanny with a good heart. Please parents you are entrusting your kids to nannies come on, even though you many not b able to provide all these benefits at least be willing to compromise. Making such nasty comments on ISYN about nannies in particular this really good post will not make the nannies see you in any better light. Get a grip, the nannies read these postings and just like you they will take them to mean something. You get angry at the bad nanny postings but how do you think they will react to your comments on this particular posts?
Guessing they will think what the parents are trying to say. (Try not to forget who your clients are):
1)Most of us can't afford it.
2)Even if we could, what you are asking here is far beyond reasonable and we would not agree to it.
3)Get too greedy and many, if not most, of you will be out of work as nannies and probably looking for low paying jobs in industrialized daycare facilities. (Not because we want to punish you, but because you will price yourselves out of reach for most of us.)
4)We will pay top dollar for top shelf nannies, and we think the rest of you need to quit trying to ride their coattails instead of taking the time to earn your own rightful place among the best.
5) Unionizing is too impersonal for such a relationship based industry.
6) Please do work together toward a licensing or accrediting program for nannies.
I think that's what nannies who see the parental posts here will think.
I think if there was a professional credential of some kind, a certificate or whatever; it would be nice.
That said, I do think it's reasonable for a nanny to expect a certain yearly salary that is competitive in the area in which she lives and is in accordance with her experience level. Health insurance would be nice and I do think things like sick days and paid vacation are nice perks that aren't unreasonable for an employer to provide. If you truly value your nanny, take care of her. How great of a nanny can you have when she's stressed about paying her bills because you'd like to pinch pennies by not paying her for random time you take off from work??
Mom,
"Ghost of Della Robbia Wreath Past" ... I can only imagine the reception! What a clever thing to do to bring a little lightheartedness to the party.
One more thought - if these Employers would add little incentives through out the year (or at least during the Holidays), most employees would reciprocate by working harder, complaining less and probably even have fewer sick days.
Another aspect of this issue. I hear many parents who are prepared to pay well complain that it is hard to find high caliber nannies. Top nannies earn more than teachers in tt private schools or preschools in NYC. If the standards were raised, through licensing or accreditation, the profession would gain more respect. Then more women who would make great nannies might be attracted to the profession.
130, seriously, you need to calm down. $85k can't afford a family a nanny? Sure. Right. Now, be a good girl and go take your meds.
Now, Sue Doe-Nim. Good for you to raise your own children. But why, then, are your on a blog about nannies? Wishing you had one? Or just bored?
1:27
Many of the posters on here are former nannies (like me), and are now SAHMs (like me). We have just as much an opinion as anyone else, and we also want to put in as much effort as possible in stopping any kind of child abuse.
This blog is cetainly not limited to just nannies.
'certainly' - sorry.
It's totally valid to wonder if a family making only $85K a year can afford a nanny. Think about it. Usually housing costs (rent, morgatge) make up close to 1/4 a family's income. So now they've got about $65K to work with. Then subtract all the other costs a family has like food, clothing, travel, etc. It doesn't leave all that much for a nanny's salary, even if you pay only $10/hour that's more than a quarter of the family's yearly income. (I don't imagine there are many nannies in this country who could survive on less than $10/hour.)
I'm not saying that it can't be done, but I'm not sure it's the most responsible use of $30K. There are many other childcare options.
I'm a nanny in a much smaller market, where cost of living is less than half of NYC or San Francisco. I receive everything on this list and plenty more. (I also have something you can't bargain for -- the respect and affection of my employers.)
I am college educated, experienced and wonderful at what I do. I chose this profession because I enjoy it, and I have not had any problem finding employers who value me. Even in smaller markets. I don't need or want a nanny union.
Nannies don't need a union. They need to respect themselves and be willing to spend a little extra time searching for the right job. They also need to negotiate all of these things UPFRONT. I have a work agreement, which was signed before I began my position. In it, my employers and I established everything that is on this list. That way, there were no surprises later. Nannies can't expect to begin a job without discussing these things, then spring them on their employers months later.
I'm also a Professional Nanny and also a mother. I have been a Nanny for 15 yrs now
This said ... Im thinking the original poster is in the throws of a 'bad family' You can have GREAT families, good families and bad families.
All i can offer is I dont see as a parent OR a nanny the idea of this union thing working. For 1... 40hr work week?? EVEN if the parents themselves worked 40hrs a week they should pay over time for their travel to and from home? Get real. Average time is 50 hrs a week for a nanny.. You want overtime pay put it in a contract darling like all the other professional nannies out there. You want these days off again thats what your contract is for! If you dont know what to ask for in a contract look around the internet there are several great sites where EVERYTHING is covered. I worked with one GREAT family till recently never had to ask for anything they just knew. My current family I love dearly they are wonderful and yet they are nanny knowledge green. (im their first nanny) Could i take advantage of this situation ya probably but then I would NOT be PROFESSIONAL.
Here is what i suggest. GET A CONTRACT put it all out on the table and negotiate what you want and what they want. Once that is there you know whats expected of you and they know whats expected of them. also a 40% increase per new child is way over inflated. You tyring to break your family that you are working with. I dont care where your located there is a profesional level of a nanny and some of the demands above make me as a nanny cringe inside. Some are great and I get them myself. For Example the holidays listed .. again IN MY CONTRACT. Sick pay, Vacation pay ..
IF you were to get a job from a corporation as a proffesional whatever you would have a contract with your expectations and their listed out. You want to be proffesional you must act as such
Well said, 11:25!
It WILL happen just as no one said a 40 hour week would not happen. Contact the I.W.W. Industrial Workers of the World who brought us our first labor rights. They can help you but stay off this site because these hags want slaves not ethics.
"Nannies don't need a union. They need to respect themselves"
Oh please, that get's trampled on very easily. This blog makes me sick.
It should be called "Jane Doe's Mammy Machine."
J-
a family that makes 85K cannot and should not afford a nanny. If that is their combined salaries, one of the parents should stay home and raise their GD kids!
Only in America.
Yvonne, GD kids? Lovely. I really hope you don't use that kind of language around your children. It's pathetic.
Last month it was nannies who didn't want to be called babysitters, this month it's nannies who don't want to be called nannies.
Nevermind the impracticalities and overreach of many of your demands. So, if you are watching the children alone and the dog or the cat has an accident or the litter needs changing, who is supposed to do it if you are freed from all responsibility that doesn't directly issue from the job of caring for the children? Your demands essentially mean that any family hiring a nanny MUST hire a maid as well since the nanny can't be expected to lift a finger for the most common of household situations. Many of your other demands are similarly short sighted. Nannies are domestic employees. The job includes a minimum of domestic responsibilities as a fact. That you don't see it that way makes you exempt from what I would see as common sense.
There is quite a big difference between an animal having an accident and the litter box needing to be changed. The first is unforeseen, and of course I, as a reasonable nanny, would take care of it were it to happen on my watch. The litter box, however, is something that needs to be tended to regularly by the person who owns the cat. If you want someone to change your litter box for you, 2:40, you do need a maid.
It'll never happen, enough said.
I am a nanny, and I love your idea. I think that, is if all of the nannies were to go on strike, things would go to hell. We do not get enough respect for what we do. we are rasing your children. why don't you show us more respect?
Hey what's wrong with the child/parents calling the nanny "Nanny"? I've been known as Nanny for many years and I find it to be a respectul term for the chilren to use just as they call their grandmother "grandma".
What constitutes a "professional" nanny? Seems like a lot of people consider themselves professional, but what exactly entitles them to use the term? Education? Experience?
This might interest some of you.
Twin Cities Professional Nannies. I know similar groups exist in other cities, the TCPN might be able to put you in touch with one in your area.
http://www.tcpnannies.org/home.asp
We can' change the world today, but don't give up the fight.Good pay/compensation for good work should be the norm. I have my charges call me 'Nanny most beatiful in the world'.. no one suffers and they don't mistakenly call me mom. Have fun!!
Are you a nanny in Oz? You want to run your employers home and expect to be paid? I can't stop laughing at this and I'm a nanny. Wow, tell me where to get the jobs in la la land so I can apply. first off 52 weeks pay is a joke when you demand so many days off. An increase of your above average demand to run a house that isn't yours and you won't take care of is beyond ridiculous much less demanding to know of nanny cams. Um ... they're there to make sure you actually do what they're over paying you for not for you to fake act just to sit around doing nothing all day. You are something else but thanks for the laugh.
I'm so with you on creating a nanny union. For too have been working as a nanny for more than 5 years ( 3 now in New York) and have dealt with similar situations.
I too agree with your demands and would like to be able to help other girls who start off with little or no experience.
It is unfair that we are( a lot of times) taking for granted, not paid in full for the services we provide and are expected to do more than what we signed up for.
I'm so with you on creating a nanny union. For too have been working as a nanny for more than 5 years ( 3 now in New York) and have dealt with similar situations.
I too agree with your demands and would like to be able to help other girls who start off with little or no experience.
It is unfair that we are( a lot of times) taking for granted, not paid in full for the services we provide and are expected to do more than what we signed up for.
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