Thursday

Nanny GPS

Oh my God I can't stand it. Does anyone else have to deal with their employer providing them a cell phone (great) but then when she is paying you on Friday asking you a question like, "Friday after ballet, you went to the the area of 2200 Broadway?" and then I am forced to explain why. And usually it is to obtain food. Yes, Arties, best Jewish deli EVER! Anyway, when I tell my boss honestly where I stopped (never out of line) she looks at my hips or stomach. Almost like, "well that's not needed". But I am a live-in. Shouldn't she be grateful that I am not eating all of their food? I love food. I'm a big eater. I'm healthy. What matters here?

West Side Wombat
(Send your scenarios and situations to isynblog@gmail.com)

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I wouldn't stay in this job for a second!! You're a grown women and shouldn't need to be monitored by a electronic leash all day. If she doesn't trust you she shouldn't have hired you. You should quit!

Julie said...

You have got to be kidding me. I would NEVER tolerate this, EVER.
GTFO.

First, did you agree to a GPS leash when you were hired? If not, then I would disable it from the phone, and inform the parents that you are doing it (via email or text so you have the documentation.) I would make it clear that if she wants to know where you are, she can call or text you as that is the intended purpose of phones. I would also make it clear that you have tolerated nanny low-jack up to this point out of politeness but that it has gone too far. An employer cannot demand that you wear a GPS tracking locater/beacon/device without prior written agreement. They may argue that they don't and say that its on the PHONE and not you... but as they likely require you to keep that phone on you as a condition of employment, its basically the same thing. They may argue that it is tracking their child. That's when you point out that they have the tracking device on you, not the child, and that they question YOUR whereabouts.
If they terminate you, know that you have a full 30 days to leave the room that you have there and do not let them push you out earlier if you don't want to. (You basically paid for it with work rather than cash, and you have tenants rights.) I would also go apply of unemployment as you would be terminated for unjust cause. But prior to doing anything, I would make sure that you talk to an employment attorney in your area. Im pretty sure that what your MB is doing is horribly illegal - but I'm no lawyer.

Regardless of the legality or illegality, I would be searching for a new position BIG-TIME. your boss is a complete tool.

Julie said...

I just looked up "Little Nanny" (the GPS tracker app that is pictured,) and it clearly states that it is to track your children's phone location. That would lead me to believe that there are legal issues if its not ON the child. I also have a link
http://www.brickhousesecurity.com/category/gps+tracking/gps+tracking+laws.do
that shows that indeed tracking your CHILD is legal, but leaves a huge great area about the nanny.

Seriously, talk to a lawyer about if the MB is allowed to do track you. and if you are uncomfortable leave. Regardless of legality.

Julie said...

* grey not great

RBTC said...

julie gives valuable advice, but what it boils down to is - at what point is this irritating behaviour too much to bear for the room/living etc. My dad always said stuff like that and my grandma too - i would show them proof of my cholesterol, blood pressure etc - some people just need to be that way. If you are generally happy there then deal with it - but if it's a sypmtom of alot of harrassment and pain - then consider your options

Anonymous said...

I don't see the big deal if the children are with you. Get a little book and write down the times and everywhere you go. Give it to her at the end of the week, and tell her to look it up if she wants to know.

Lizzie said...

This x a gazillion!!!!

Meagan said...

The big deal - as already explained - is that it's illegal. She cannot track an adult