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A written agreement can help you get the fair pay and working conditions you long for
A written agreement can help you get the fair pay and working conditions you long for
As a Nanny, the work that you do is essential. You support children to learn, grow and thrive. The future is in your hands. What could be more important than that?
A written contract can help you get the fair pay and good working conditions you deserve. Even the United States Department of Labor has stated that nannies are valued professionals and should have fair, written agreements with their employers. And in some places where we’ve won Domestic Workers Bills of Rights, you have the right to a contract under the law!
However, we know it can be hard to negotiate and reach an agreement, so we’re here to help! The National Domestic Workers Alliance is a community of nannies just like you, working together to get the rights, respect, and recognition we all deserve.
Based on our own experiences, we’ve created this contract generation tool just for you.
Click here to generate your agreement
Need more inspiration? Watch our training videos and success stories, or read our FAQs.
In the states of Massachusetts, Nevada, Connecticut, and New Jersey as well as in the cities of Philadelphia, Washington DC and Chicago, domestic workers and employers are required to have a written agreement under the terms of local and state Domestic Workers Bills of Rights. In other parts of the country, domestic workers and employers are not required, but are encouraged to have a written agreement. Whether or not you live in a location where the agreement is mandated, having one is a good idea!
Not having a agreement can cause problems for both employers and workers. Miscommunications can arise about responsibilities, schedules, and other expectations. With a written agreement, domestic work jobs can be safer, fairer, and a better experience for everyone.
While a verbal agreement may be legally binding in some situations, it is generally not advisable to rely solely on verbal agreements, especially in the context of domestic employment.
Yes!
Yes!
No! While having an agreement in place from the beginning of employment is generally preferable, it’s not uncommon for employment agreements to be finalized and signed after the start date. It’s never too late.
Yes! It is common to revisit an agreement annually, and you and your employer can update the terms of the agreement at any time if you both agree. The annual agreement review can be a good time for domestic workers and employers to evaluate the working relationship together and talk about what’s working and what can be improved. This can be a good time to ask for a raise or request improvements to working conditions.
Not all agreements have fixed end dates. A good, written agreement lays out expectations of how either the worker or the employer can end the employment relationship fairly and with sufficient notice.
Regardless of agreements, employers are required to comply with local, state and federal labor laws. Employers cannot use an agreement to violate the law and your rights under the law. Even if you have signed an agreement for less than what you are entitled to under the local, state and federal laws, your employer is required to pay you at least the minimum required by law.
When things are going well is actually a perfect time to put agreements into writing. The written agreement can be a way to document the terms of your successful working relationship, and also establish clarity on what you will do if a disagreement ever arises.
Language barriers between domestic workers and employers can pose a challenge when discussing a written agreement, but they are not insurmountable. Our agreement generator tool produces customized agreements in English and Spanish. In addition, you can consider using an online translator, seeking assistance from bilingual friends or family members, using simple language, or incorporating visual aids. Never rush to sign something that you don’t understand!
The rights of domestic workers vary from state to state. We recommend that you consult a local domestic worker organization to learn about local laws and regulations.
The National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) is the leading voice for the 2.2 million nannies, home care workers and housecleaners in the U.S. We work together to win rights and recognition and to make all domestic work jobs good jobs. Learn more at www.domesticworkers.org.