Posted in Mexico forum
Does anyone have some advice on how to hire a housmaid in Mexico? How much do they cost, and what do you have to consider in legal aspects?
Housekeepers in Mexico
posted by Blizzy Everhard in Mexico forum
Hi Karl! I found the following information on housemaids in Mexico, maybe it helps:
Mexico's middle and upper classes employ a large number of domestic employees; the upper classes tend to have live-in domestic employees while the middle classes tend to have day laborers arrive to undertake domestic chores in their homes.
Finding Reliable Maids and Domestic Employees
Maids working at a certain property may have been working there for years, perhaps even decades. They may have come to rely upon the income. If you are moving into a rented house, you may be asked if you wish to employ the maid(s) that serves the house (or you may ask the landlord or previous tenants about the maid).
If you are buying a house, the previous owners may introduce you to the maid as well as the gardener and any other local domestic helpers they may have employed to date.
If you want the service of domestic employees, those referred by owners or previous tenants are a great reference, because workers who have been 'with the property' for some time tend to be the most reliable. Loyalty has been built up, perhaps over many years, and that loyalty can reflect in honesty and reliability for you.
If you want to employ domestic staff but don't have the convenience of a previous owner or tenant's reference, a common way is to ask neighbors, friends, work colleagues, and/or put up a notice on your front door. In all cases, ask for references (and follow them up); the reference may, of course be that the person works a couple of days a week for your neighbor or colleague and needs a day or two more of work to complete their week. Carefully interview the candidates to get a feel for them and their previous experience. Most domestic help in Mexico is hired by word-of-mouth and personal references; this is by far the best way to operate.
Day Visit Domestic Employees
Most domestic employees working for the middle classes only visit during the day. They may have a long way to travel to your house and therefore may not be able to get their early in the morning: however, they will usually stay later into the evening or night, before leaving. Day maids can expect an hour off during the day and a meal provided for them (or fresh food ingredients to prepare a meal for themselves).
For smaller houses or apartments, they may only stay three or four hours; they might stay longer if you agree that they should do your washing, ironing and perhaps other chores (e.g. simple shopping). If you ask them to buy anything for you, be sure to give them enough cash for the purchase as well as their transportation.
Most day visit maids are paid daily or weekly.
Live-in Domestic Employees
If you hire a live-in domestic employee in Mexico, you will be expected to provide comfortable accommodation (most larger houses have maid's quarters) as well as all meals and usually a uniform (work clothing). Live-in maids can expect one day per week off work as well as all public holidays off, and may require extra time off for family emergencies and exceptional occasions (e.g. weddings, funerals).
Most live in domestic maids are paid fortnightly (every 15 days) or, in some cases, weekly.
Rates of Pay for Domestic Employees
Most maids work a maximum of six days a week; under Mexican Law, all laborers are entitled to one day a week off work.
Check with your neighbors and/or friends and colleagues about the current daily rates for domestic maids in your area. A Christmas bonus is expected, equal to at least two-weeks of their pro-rata pay. For example if they work for you two days a week, the bonus is four day's pay; if they work for six days a week, the bonus is 12 day's pay. Many households will pay three or even four week's equivalent pay as a Christmas bonus, especially to long-serving maids.
Health and Well-Being Matters
You are responsible for any medical costs (including medicines and medical equipment, where required) for any injuries which might be sustained while working in your home. Many employers of maids (especially full-time maids) contribute to their maid's well-being in a variety of ways, including, for example, giving some support to them or their families in times of exceptional need as well as remembering birthdays and other special occasions (e.g. wedding of their children).