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ewmoda

Maid asked for gratuity

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5400

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 12:40

Just curious, if she *hadn't* asked for a gratuity, would you have given her a present of money on her departure? Yes Oooh, I do understand your reticence.. Was that the first time in five years she'd asked for anything like that?

500

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 12:33

Just curious, if she *hadn't* asked for a gratuity, would you have given her a present of money on her departure? Yes

500

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 12:32

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.

5400

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 12:00

Just curious, if she *hadn't* asked for a gratuity, would you have given her a present of money on her departure?

91

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 11:47

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. <em>edited by commentator2012 on 07/05/2013</em>

2192

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 11:24

Ria ive taken on board everything youve said but being promoted and asking for a payrise and asking for a gratuity are two very different things. I keep staff for years and when people do go they go in grand style because everyone in my immediate family gives....but if they were to ask it would be a very different matter for me personally. My kids could do what they liked regarding it but for me it would be still be no. Im well aware that im coming across as a very grumpy old woman here but I think if you have a very clear conscience as an employer its ok to say you have just crossed a line. Its never happened to me but I just know how I would react to it. * Like *

1337

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 10:38

Ria ive taken on board everything youve said but being promoted and asking for a payrise and asking for a gratuity are two very different things. I keep staff for years and when people do go they go in grand style because everyone in my immediate family gives....but if they were to ask it would be a very different matter for me personally. My kids could do what they liked regarding it but for me it would be still be no. Im well aware that im coming across as a very grumpy old woman here but I think if you have a very clear conscience as an employer its ok to say you have just crossed a line. Its never happened to me but I just know how I would react to it.

81

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 09:48

Cushion I would give nothing by way of a golden handshake for the simple reason - people who ask don't get. I wouldn't even do a present because anything other than the golden handshake she wants will not be good enought. But not only that I'd be so peed off by her attempt to sucker punch me that the goodwill generated over the last 5 years would have flown straight out the window there and then. Not asking or assuming would generate a far different leaving day. I would thank the woman for everything and wish her well. You have done everything to ensure she is going from a months salary to another. She is not going to be out of pocket due to you not renewing her contract so there really is nothing to make up to her for. edited by DesertRose1958 on 07/05/2013 edited by DesertRose1958 on 07/05/2013 edited by DesertRose1958 on 07/05/2013 DR I am a big fan of your posts, but will have to disagree this time. She might have asked for the simple reason of finance planning. If she knows she is getting or not she might be able to make a purchase decision (school, housing, luxury, it doesnt matter) or postpone it. As it is not a mandatory payment, she is left in limbo until confirmed, which is not a fair situation. I have been raised on the "people who ask don't get" line but life has thought me that you have to indeed ask for what you want. Worse case you will get a no. But you can move on from it instead of wondering what if... I have just been promoted and got a pay rise because I asked for it!

MaryAnnNewland77972

27

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 09:47

For all of those who have answered, I want to know how many of you have employed a maid for 5 years or more (same maid I mean)?

242

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 09:25

Why should there have to be a law for people to be treated the same. What would you ask for if your DH was let go before the end of his contract. What if his employers found him another job so therefore didn't want to give him any benefits or pay him to the end of his contract or give him compensation for early termination, would you agree. We are all advised to ask/ negotiate with our employers our leaving dues why shouldn't a maid. I don't know all the circumstance but this is just another view.

1097

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 09:04

I get that you are annoyed she asked for it, I would be too! I give my maid a bonus every holiday, but then she began to 'remind' me in advance about it and it really p'd me off to the point that I almost didn't give it to her, it just took the good out of it ! If I were you, I would certainly give her a leaving bonus after being employed by you for 5 years.

MaryAnnNewland77972

27

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 09:04

If you had planned on this and set aside Dh20 per month to cover her leaving gift it would be ok. If she has asked for it then the answer is no. There is nothing to think about or feel guilty about. You have helped her for 5 years and now she has a new job to go to.

3220

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 07:40

Come on...she was part of your family for 5 years. The decent thing to do is to give her a bonus. You are letting her go out of your own choice not because she was a bad employee. Since you asked on this forum if you should be giving her a gratuity,you probably know deep down that you should and are questioning yourself.

2287

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 07:11

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'? I don't understand this thread - you go from this original post - sounds reasonable - to wholeheartedly agreeing with the first 2 people who post " kick her to the touch" and then you feel so much better? You don't explain what she HAS been given - even recently - and only dribble that information out...bit of a time waster if you ask me....................... My thoughts exactly. And personally I would always give someone a bonus at the end of contract, especially someone who has worked for me 5 years and is leaving because I ask her to.

2738

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 07:00

Someone works for you as part of the family for 5 years and you have to ask whether to get them a little something? I have always given any help we have had a cash bonus on finish of contract, why on earth wouldn't you?

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 06:49

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'? I don't understand this thread - you go from this original post - sounds reasonable - to wholeheartedly agreeing with the first 2 people who post " kick her to the touch" and then you feel so much better? You don't explain what she HAS been given - even recently - and only dribble that information out...bit of a time waster if you ask me.......................

1337

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 06:40

Cushion I would give nothing by way of a golden handshake for the simple reason - people who ask don't get. I wouldn't even do a present because anything other than the golden handshake she wants will not be good enought. But not only that I'd be so peed off by her attempt to sucker punch me that the goodwill generated over the last 5 years would have flown straight out the window there and then. Not asking or assuming would generate a far different leaving day. I would thank the woman for everything and wish her well. You have done everything to ensure she is going from a months salary to another. She is not going to be out of pocket due to you not renewing her contract so there really is nothing to make up to her for. edited by DesertRose1958 on 07/05/2013 edited by DesertRose1958 on 07/05/2013 <em>edited by DesertRose1958 on 07/05/2013</em>

21

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 06:30

Obviously, I don't know the details, so I may be making mistaken assumptions. However, on the understanding that this lady has worked for you for five years and you are letting her go as a personal preference rather than because she has done anything wrong, then I personally would pay her to the end of her arranged contract. Just to be clear - I am absolutely NOT suggesting that you or anyone else should do this (you are absolutely correct that there is no legal obligation and it is very good of you to organize new work for her) I just wanted to add to a balanced discussion by explaining what I'd do. As someone else said earlier, everyone should do what they are comfortable with.

2958

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 01:14

and yes, Clairehdp, every year I have either paid for her to go home for a month or given her the equivalent in cash. I actually think I've done enough now, I can't afford to have a months paid holiday wish I could!! Then you will need to explain to her that she has had her gratuity in allowing her to take her early holiday early rather than at the end of her contract. I would buy her a little basket of goodies for herself and a phone card as her leaving gift.

everythingnice45485

568

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 01:03

Do whatever you feel comfortable with. If I was in your position though and she has been a great maid, I'll give her something as a thank-you for her service. If I could afford the proper gratuity calculation that applies to normal employees, I would. If I can only afford a month, then a month it is. Doesn't matter how much, even if it's just 500 or a just a gift - or something to help her get settled to her new place. Or even a simple thank-you card. Or if you think you've done enough, then fine. Really, whatever you are comfortable with.

500

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 23:17

and yes, Clairehdp, every year I have either paid for her to go home for a month or given her the equivalent in cash. I actually think I've done enough now, I can't afford to have a months paid holiday wish I could!!

500

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 23:12

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'? If she was staying with you you would have to pay her a months paid holiday and a return flight home. If she's been with you for 5 years you have clearly been happy to renew her visa 4 times and presumably have paid her a months holiday and sent her home for a month - if she chose not to go home she was entitled to the equivalent of a ticket home so I would give her a months salary and the equivalent of a return flight home (find the cheapest fare). It's not her fault that you have decided to save the money on a visa and you want the house to yourself. she has probably worked out what she would spend the money on thinking that she was going to stay on with you. the absolute minimum I would pay her would be a months salary. If she was not great you would not have renewed her and presumably would not have helped her stay and work for another family. She took her months holiday in April and had the extra pay then. She's just come back.

269

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 22:58

Our maid left half way through her second year contract which has been a bit of a nightmare, but we still gave her a months leaving bonus. I know we didn't have to, and she cost us money visa wise etc, but she had been great with our little one, never taken advantage etc and it seemed the right thing to do. I'm glad we did, I can look back and feel comfortable with what we did. I'd do the same.. And above all, whenever I realize I am the in a better position in a case, I try to thank The Lord by going an extra mile..

2958

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 22:57

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'? If she was staying with you you would have to pay her a months paid holiday and a return flight home. If she's been with you for 5 years you have clearly been happy to renew her visa 4 times and presumably have paid her a months holiday and sent her home for a month - if she chose not to go home she was entitled to the equivalent of a ticket home so I would give her a months salary and the equivalent of a return flight home (find the cheapest fare). It's not her fault that you have decided to save the money on a visa and you want the house to yourself. she has probably worked out what she would spend the money on thinking that she was going to stay on with you. the absolute minimum I would pay her would be a months salary. If she was not great you would not have renewed her and presumably would not have helped her stay and work for another family.

500

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 21:14

If she asked for something that she is not entitled to I would give her nothing. Put the money into a bank account for your kids instead. yep, thanks for replies I feel better xx

53

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 21:13

Our maid left half way through her second year contract which has been a bit of a nightmare, but we still gave her a months leaving bonus. I know we didn't have to, and she cost us money visa wise etc, but she had been great with our little one, never taken advantage etc and it seemed the right thing to do. I'm glad we did, I can look back and feel comfortable with what we did.

500

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 21:13

yeah my thoughts bblue, the whole point of letting her go was to save the cost of the visa. Also we are letting her go now even though her visa with us doesn't expire until August. I thought it would be difficult for her to find new job in the summer so we have lost out on 3 months, but anyway, I wanted the house to myself...

83

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 21:12

If she asked for something that she is not entitled to I would give her nothing. Put the money into a bank account for your kids instead.

331

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 21:09

Absolutely nothing in my honest opinion - you have helped her find a new position - Khalas!!

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