Having a maid can be a bonus and/or a problem

 

But hiring maids/housekeepers can  also be a troublesome issue, one that has brought scores of questions from clients and friends. Even my mother in law has had  many questions regarding during my “off duty”  moments.

 

So  I will share with you some points to be taken into consideration when planning to hire a maid or housekeeper:

 

- Write a contract. The work-employee relationship is different when it comes to housekeeping. Although signing a written contract or having it registered before the Ministry of Labour is not mandatory, our work law indicates that everything said by the employee is deemed as true and the burden of the proof (to contradict or demonstrate something different) lies on the employer.

 

- Pay social security. Besides being a moral obligation, it is also financially wise.

 

If your employee has an accident, becomes ill or gets pregnant while you have not paid the social security benefits, you will be liable for all the medical expenses.

 

Let me give you a good example: if your maid becomes pregnant and ends up having a high risk pregnancy, her doctor might indicate she is not fit to work during most of her pregnancy...which means you might end up paying her salary while she is not working PLUS her medical expenses. Oh, and we cannot forget that after she gives birth, there is maternity leave plus an additional protection of one year during which she cannot be fired.

 

- They have a right to study. If your housekeeper or maid tells you she wants to finish her school/university education, do not be surprised. By law, you must provide enough time for her to study and attend to her classes.

 

- "If they are illegal, they don't have any rights". Do not be mistaken. This is completely wrong. Since work rights have been internationally recognized, you might just get fined because of employing a foreigner without a working permit PLUS having  to pay her the customary compensations. If you decide to hire a foreigner, make sure to pay the 13th month, vacations, holidays, etc... and think about helping her to become a legal immigrant.

 

- Funeral expenses. It is something that many people do not know, but our Labor Code stipulates the employer obligation of covering the funeral expenses of the employee if he/she dies. This is exclusively for housekeepers/maids that work and live at the place of employment. This mind sound irrational to some, however, you must take into consideration that some maids spend 10, 15 or even more years working and living with the same employers. Wouldn't you consider her almost part of the family?

 

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Original Source: Newsroompanama.com

Date Retrieved: November 15, 2010.