Maid asked for gratuity | ExpatWoman.com
 

Maid asked for gratuity

500
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 21:06

I am cancelling my maids visa and I have helped her find a new position here in Dubai. She has been with us for 5 years, salary 1900. I know by law I do not have to pay her any gratuity but what do you think would be a fair 'golden handshake'?

4329
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 May 2013 - 17:53
Yes it is amazing the things that people tell themselves to make them feel better about something they are doing ... a few words from similar mindsets reinforce it too.... Some people do not need to tell themselves anything, they just know that their decision is correct. Did you tell yourself that it was ok to write the above? It is all ok, whatever way one wants to play it. The law says you do not have to pay gratuity. Some people will tell you to do some soul searching and do 'the right thing' and pay up. Other will tell you it is ok, do what you feel. I say that you should not be railroaded either way. Go with your gut, it is all fine. It's just a shame though when some people have a mean gut..........
1170
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 15:04
You don't pay gratuity for someone who worked 5 years in your home because of their circumstances... you pay it if the law tells you so, however you don't pay it because someone asked for it. hiring a maid in your home is the only option for who can afford as there is no family near you to help you around with work times and school times.... you get a maid so you can go to work. we as expats have this as it's our only option to manage our work schedules and our children schedules .... I did not know that hiring a maid was a charity in the first place?!!!! You can't just bump to your boss and tell him/her about your misfortune back home, so he/she pay you this and that?
254
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 21:22
You had someone in your home...not your office....for 5 years. They helped you look after your family.....and have contributed to a lifestyle that you probably would never have had at "home"...ever. You probably know the circumstances that they come from back in their home country (not something I would want for my family). AND you know that the law here is not particularly in their favour...ie. not even covered under the labour law, and they are entitled to nothing except deportation. Then you wibble about giving them something to help them on their way? She doesn't have anything to lose by asking, so why not help her out a bit. You don't have to go overboard, but if you can give her a leg up, why not.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 19:54
If there is nothing written in the contract, you are not obligated to giver her anything. But an end of service benefit is common here in the UAE. Does not mean you have to. It simply shows your gratitude for her work and dedication of five years. Entirely up to you. End of service is not a common practice in many other countries. The first time I received one was here in the UAE. And I kind of liked it ; - )) <em>edited by Akia on 14/05/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 18:55
Wait a second...isn't gratuity covered in her contract? I know it was in ours...I think it was 2 weeks pay for every year?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2013 - 20:04
Yes it is amazing the things that people tell themselves to make them feel better about something they are doing ... a few words from similar mindsets reinforce it too.... Some people do not need to tell themselves anything, they just know that their decision is correct. Did you tell yourself that it was ok to write the above? It is all ok, whatever way one wants to play it. The law says you do not have to pay gratuity. Some people will tell you to do some soul searching and do 'the right thing' and pay up. Other will tell you it is ok, do what you feel. I say that you should not be railroaded either way. Go with your gut, it is all fine.
453
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 10:19
I thought (and I could be wrong) that many expats get a type of gratuity when they finish working here ie my DH I think gets 1 month salary per year up to 5 years, then 1.5 months salary beyond the 5 year mark? I though for us it was to cushion the fact that his employer doesn't contribute to a pension while we are here. Secondly we a have almost doubled our income by coming here, I choose not to employ a maid but if we had to do this at some point I would hope that we would be able to pass on some of that good fortune to them. Mind you with all the problems I read on here I really do hope that I never have to go down that road!
4329
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 07:26
Yes it is amazing the things that people tell themselves to make them feel better about something they are doing ... a few words from similar mindsets reinforce it too....
Anonymous (not verified)
0
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 07:22
Why don't you treat her how you would like to be treated in her position. Put yourself in her shoes for a moment and decide. If I was her, in her position, then I would expect a big fat years salary from my rich employers. I thought this thread had been deleted!! If I was in her position, I would have spent the last 5 years earning about 4 times the salary I would be receiving in my home country. How many of us can say that? I'd be very happy. I wouldn't dream of asking my employers for gratuity if I was not entitled to it by law. I don't regard myself as part of my employers family either. I am just so relieved now to be removing myself from the whole maid scene. Goodnight. edited by cushion on 08/05/2013 To be very fair Cushion, that applies to most of us. Most of the people living and working in Dubai come here to earn more, to have better opportunities. And that doesn't count for maids and other workers. The majority of the western expats came here on packages they wouldn't com close to in their home countries. I earn more here than I do in my home country, I have been offered opportunities I would not have back home. So what you are saying is, because she earns more here than she does back home, she doesn't have the right to ask for gratuity after 5 years of working for you? How about if your boos told you that after working hard for years?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 06:37
I got gratuity when I left my job so I gave my maid gratuity as she had done a great job for me, and in fact I couldn't have worked without her help. I shared my good fortune and feel good that I did the right thing. <em>edited by ShellAR on 09/05/2013</em>
2287
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 00:21
You have to just love OP's who ask a question and get upset if they don't like the answers, or will only agree with those answers that are in line with their own views. What is the point of posting in the first place ?
500
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 23:30
Maybe she was just asking so that she could make plans. IMHO you have not "helped" her or "done her a favour." She was your employee, just as she was not "doing you a favour" by cleaning your house, you were her emloyer, how would you feel if at the end of your working contract after five years you got nothing at all. I say give her a month's extra pay. Let her leave in a good way because she was obviously a good employee, she is not getting fired for doing something wrong. edited by commentator2012 on 07/05/2013 I'm shocked at the vitriolic comments attacking me here but then hey, why should I be it's EW. I never said I'd done her any favours. She was my employee yes and if I had stuck to the letter of the labour law I could have let her finish her contract in August and put her on a plane back to her home country with nothing extra. I could have let her look for a job on her own in the middle of the summer. I wasn't obliged to find one for her, highly recommend her as I did etc. I was upset that she asked me for more after just having had a paid holiday. And so sorry I 'drip fed' the information, was just responding to comments. Just decide what you're going to do if you haven't already done so and font forget that whatever decision you come to is your business and doesnt need to be told here. Thanks so much DR x
500
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 23:26
Why don't you treat her how you would like to be treated in her position. Put yourself in her shoes for a moment and decide. If I was her, in her position, then I would expect a big fat years salary from my rich employers. I thought this thread had been deleted!! If I was in her position, I would have spent the last 5 years earning about 4 times the salary I would be receiving in my home country. How many of us can say that? I'd be very happy. I wouldn't dream of asking my employers for gratuity if I was not entitled to it by law. I don't regard myself as part of my employers family either. I am just so relieved now to be removing myself from the whole maid scene. Goodnight. <em>edited by cushion on 08/05/2013</em>
453
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 19:36
Could this be a case of cross-cultural misunderstanding? From the OP and several other posts, it's coming across to me that some people hold the belief and by their own words, were raised to think that "those who ask don't get." I, myself, have never really heard this expression. While on the other hand, several others stated they assume it's normal for an employee to inquire about such things. I think perhaps it was an innocent question on the maid's part (not "cheeky"), and she may have no idea that it offended the OP. Just my two cents. I think that is very possible, I always think when you are dealing with different languages or cultures you have to allow a fair bit for what is lost is translation...often some manners or what we may deem as impolite. I hope OP does give her a gratuity though, 5 years is a long time.
200
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 19:25
Could this be a case of cross-cultural misunderstanding? From the OP and several other posts, it's coming across to me that some people hold the belief and by their own words, were raised to think that "those who ask don't get." I, myself, have never really heard this expression. While on the other hand, several others stated they assume it's normal for an employee to inquire about such things. I think perhaps it was an innocent question on the maid's part (not "cheeky"), and she may have no idea that it offended the OP. Just my two cents.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 13:31
Not sure if I dare ask this (!) - but are maids not entitled to a gratuity like everyone else? I thought it was labour law so it is a genuine question, are maid contracts different? Maids aren't covered by labour law so are not entitled to a gratuity. It's at their employers discretion.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 12:21
Not sure if I dare ask this (!) - but are maids not entitled to a gratuity like everyone else? I thought it was labour law so it is a genuine question, are maid contracts different?
4062
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 10:28
Gratuity-gate :-P Daza I do love your posts, you are so balanced and wise! :) Thanks TB although I'm sure I'm neither in real life! :)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 16:17
Gratuity-gate :-P Daza I do love your posts, you are so balanced and wise! :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 14:53
Must say, never had a live-in maid but concur whole-heartedly with Daza, I feel like that if I don't give an agency maid a tip, even if she's been rubbish and I have to do all the ironing again.
384
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 14:41
Just curious, if she *hadn't* asked for a gratuity, would you have given her a present of money on her departure? Yes So you have decided to punnish her financially for asking a question that many employees ask their employers? I am not really sure that I fully understand your position - most employees find it normal to discuss issues of money/bonusses/gratuity with their employers but for some reason your maid is not allowed to? As you know many maids are under severe pressure of family expectations to take presents home - so I don't really blame her for trying to find out what her final salary might be to pay for these - but it has obviously irritated you <em>edited by Puffinlunde on 07/05/2013</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 14:32
Cushion, I would be really annoyed that she'd asked for it but I wouldn't let my annoyance over one comment negate 5 years of working for my family. You were planning on giving her a gratuity and you must have been happy with her to renew so many times so it seems a shame to end things on a bad note because of one misjudged question. It sounds like you are a bit fed up with having a maid in general and maybe this is adding to your feeling of annoyance? I know for me that any fleeting satisfaction that I got from not giving her a gratuity would be quickly replaced and far outlived by a sense of guilt that I hadn't done the right thing.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 14:24
I don't see what is wrong with asking if you will get gratuity. If I resign from my job after more than 2 years I will do the same, regardless of the amount of holiday I took. It's my right, and just because a maid doesn't fall under labour law, why can't she have the same? You're not firing her for doing something wrong right? Even though you have helped her find a new job, I really don't see how her asking for gratuity should prompt you not to do so. I agree. I would have no problem asking the same from my employer. In fact, I always think it's a bit silly when people don't ask these questions. The worst they can tell you is 'no', so you have nothing to lose by asking. I don't see why with a maid it should be any different, especially if she has been a good employee.
27
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 14:16
Why don't you treat her how you would like to be treated in her position. Put yourself in her shoes for a moment and decide. If I was her, in her position, then I would expect a big fat years salary from my rich employers.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 14:15
If you feel you have already paid a lot and don't want to give a little cash bonus, then as someone else suggested, give her a little gift. Above all do what you are comfortable with. Just put yourself in her shoes and decide.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 13:20
Our last maid was with us for 6 years and her husband for 2. We were very happy with them and we paid a gratuity of 1 month's salary for each year worked. We had planned for it on the basis that they are poor but hardworking people, who have no social security, pension or anything except what they earned from their work with us, which went to support an extended family in Sri Lanka, and we wanted them to have some money to support themselves. They didn't ask but we had planned to do this anyway, so it wouldn't have made a difference to us if they had. We plan to do the same with our current maid when she leaves.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 13:08
Why don't you treat her how you would like to be treated in her position. Put yourself in her shoes for a moment and decide.
Anonymous (not verified)
0
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 13:07
I don't see what is wrong with asking if you will get gratuity. If I resign from my job after more than 2 years I will do the same, regardless of the amount of holiday I took. It's my right, and just because a maid doesn't fall under labour law, why can't she have the same? You're not firing her for doing something wrong right? Even though you have helped her find a new job, I really don't see how her asking for gratuity should prompt you not to do so.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 13:06
Maybe she was just asking so that she could make plans. IMHO you have not "helped" her or "done her a favour." She was your employee, just as she was not "doing you a favour" by cleaning your house, you were her emloyer, how would you feel if at the end of your working contract after five years you got nothing at all. I say give her a month's extra pay. Let her leave in a good way because she was obviously a good employee, she is not getting fired for doing something wrong. edited by commentator2012 on 07/05/2013 I'm shocked at the vitriolic comments attacking me here but then hey, why should I be it's EW. I never said I'd done her any favours. She was my employee yes and if I had stuck to the letter of the labour law I could have let her finish her contract in August and put her on a plane back to her home country with nothing extra. I could have let her look for a job on her own in the middle of the summer. I wasn't obliged to find one for her, highly recommend her as I did etc. I was upset that she asked me for more after just having had a paid holiday. And so sorry I 'drip fed' the information, was just responding to comments. Just decide what you're going to do if you haven't already done so and font forget that whatever decision you come to is your business and doesnt need to be told here.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 12:57
I apologies if my comments sound scathing, I did not mean them to be judgmental. If you would have given her gratuity why has the fact that she has asked for it now become such a big deal? I have had maids for the majority of my life and I was always reminded when kids birthdays were around the corner, a thirteenth pay cheque (the norm where I'm from) and so on. I just don't understand why it is such a big deal. There is nothing in labour law here that states that you have to give her gratuity so it must have been something that you wanted to do. Now you see comments that disagree with your way of thinking as vitriolic. I was not attacking you, but you did ask for an opinion and I gave you mine.
 
 

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