Domestic workers, especially nannies, have long been in the unique situation of being both employees and family members. With the current economic and political climate, we are seeing a shift in the way that domestic workers are treated. How are the current circumstances affecting nannies in the United States?
The Unemployment Effect: How the Economy Is Affecting Nannies
The economy seems to have finally leveled off somewhat, but the unemployment rate is still high, at 9.6 percent (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Many families have been forced to downsize and curb any excess spending. When an employer loses his or her job, the nanny is often the first to go. Some families are choosing to forgo childcare expenses altogether, either with one parent remaining at home, or finding another alternative to hiring a nanny. Overall, nanny-placement services have reported a decrease in those looking for a nanny.
New York and the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights: Catch-22?
On July 2, 2010, New York state made history by becoming the first state to recognize domestic workers as “real workers,” by passing the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. The legislation guarantees domestic workers, including nannies, several rights that had previously been neglected, including:
- Time and a half for every hour worked over forty hours per week
- One day off per seven-day calendar week
- A limited number of paid vacation days, holidays, and sick days
- Protection from employment discrimination
- Advance notice of termination (fourteen days)
While the passing of this bill is ultimately a good thing for nannies, ensuring that certain needs are met, it has created somewhat of a catch-22 within the domestic-worker community. For as long as there have been domestic workers, there have been nannies being paid off the books. Many people who provide nanny services are illegal immigrants who are working in the United States in order to provide for their families overseas. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights increases the chance that employers will be caught for paying their nannies off the books and not paying taxes on wages. The increased regulations may cause some employers to lay off their staff, rather than change their current practices to meet the requirements of the law.
What Is the Upside for Nannies?
As the economy recovers and people return to work, many households are sending both parents into the workforce in order to produce adequate income. This means that there may be more nanny jobs available. Live-in nannies are less likely to feel the consequences of the economic and political climate, as they do not have as many expenses as those nannies who must commute to work, and they are typically more integrated into the family than nannies who live separately. In New York state, working conditions overall should improve for domestic workers. It is the hope of many that this historic legislation will set a precedent for other states to follow.
- If you are a live-in nanny, try to stay where you are. The grass is always greener, but it may be difficult to find another job in the current economic climate.
- Nannies should expect to see a decrease in salary from what they are used to when taking new employment.
- As people return to work, many are still looking to cut back on expenses. You may have to take multiple part-time placements instead of a single full-time job.
- In New York particularly, overall working conditions should improve. However, there may be some additional hesitation for people to hire until they get used to the changes introduced by the Domestic Workers legislation.
- Consider working with a nanny-placement agency in order to meet your employment needs, and to adjust to the changes in the current market.
