General Rules for Domestic Employees

If you have ever considered hiring a domestic employee, whether that be a live-in nanny, housekeeper or chef, I am sure you have had a few questions. The Labor Laws that apply to the domestic arena are pretty similar to the 'typical' employment situation and the people working in private homes deserve the same rights as someone working in a large corporation. 

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS?

No!! Domestics in the state of California are NOT Independent Contractors, they are, in fact, W2 employees. 

MINIMUM WAGE?

Yes! Domestic employees must make at least minimum wage for all hours worked. In California, the minimum wage is currently $9.00/hour. 

OVERTIME? 

Yes!! The rules for overtime do apply to Domestic employees in the state of California. If your employee works more than an 8 hours shift they are required to be paid 1.5 times their wage (ex: Katie worked 11 hours at $10.00/hr. She would receive 8 hours at $10.00/hr = $80.00 and 3 hours at 1.5 x $10.00 = $15.00 x 3 = $45.00. So this situation would equal a total of $125.00 for her day). This however, does NOT apply to live-in domestics. 

I hope this answered a few common questions we are frequently asked here at Seaside Staffing :) Feel free to visit the U.S. Department of Labor for more information! 

A Little Reminder About Leaving Kids & Pets In Cars

DO NOT DO IT! 

There is no reason to leave a child or pet in your car for ANY period of time! On a day that is just 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature [inside a car] can increase by 30 to 40 degrees in an hour, and 70% of this increase occurs the first 30 minutes.  In an hour, car temperatures can reach up to 140 degrees on a 95 degree day!! 

More than 600 U.S. children have died that way since 1990, according to the nonprofit safety group Kids and Cars.  Even with the windows cracked, there is no safe amount of time to leave your child in a hot car.

The same goes for pets.  You may think you are just going to run into the grocery store and grab a few items...what happens when you see your old friend from college and start chatting?  Before you know it, 25 minutes have gone by and poor little Sparky is experiencing the beginning stages of heat stroke. 

If you see a child alone in a vehicle call 911 immediately!!  The same goes for a pet.  And always make arrangements if you have to go somewhere that the kids/pets cannot come with you. 

Stay cool this summer!! :)