Guaranteed pay/holiday pay for one day/week position

[Anonymous]

I am interviewing for a one day/week position. Would it be out of line to ask for guaranteed pay and holiday pay for any holiday that falls on that week day? I've been working for a different family in my 2 days off and I never negotiated these 2 policies and I'm kicking myself. They said they would rarely cancel and I would work at least 6 hours per week. Well, in 6 weeks, I've been cancelled on more than half and the 6 hours is usually only 3-4/week. I took this job because I needed the extra money and it's just not working out.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Part time employees do not get benefits. Sorry. Especially when you're one day a week. That's just ridiculous.

Your problem is working for a flaky family. Just get one full time job rather than cobbling together 2-4 part time jobs.

[Anonymous]

I think this is tough to negotiate for a one day a week position.

But it may depend a bit on which day. If it's a Monday that you'll be working, then lots of federal holidays fall on that day so I can't see an employer being willing to pay for a full week or more of paid days off.

If your regular day is Wednesday, then maybe in years when Christmas, New Years, July 4, fall on a wednesday you could negotiate being paid for those days.

But still probably a stretch. Look at the calendar and see if it's even relevant and then ask gently.

[Anonymous]

I was a MB for 5 years and I think it's a totally reasonable thing to ask for. You are reserving that spot on your schedule for them; they should pay no matter what.

Our nanny only worked for us three days a week and we paid her when she took vacation, when we took vacation, when she was sick (almost never), when it was a snow day. That's the logical thing to do when you want to claim someone's time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was a MB for 5 years and I think it's a totally reasonable thing to ask for. You are reserving that spot on your schedule for them; they should pay no matter what.

Our nanny only worked for us three days a week and we paid her when she took vacation, when we took vacation, when she was sick (almost never), when it was a snow day. That's the logical thing to do when you want to claim someone's time.

Exactly. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

For one day a week, especially if it's a Monday, I think it's asking too much. If it's not a holiday, I don't think asking for x hours is too much.

[Anonymous]

Op here, the one day would be Tuesday, so there's only a few holidays that could fall on a Tuesday.

[Anonymous]

MB here - we've had PT nannies for the past 4 years and we do offer some paid sick/vacation time but honestly I wouldn't do it for a one day a week position. Maybe to be generous I would give 1 paid day every six months or something but if you only work once a week, it's so little that I would consider it more of a regular sitter thing and probably treat it as a bit less formal. That said, if I cancelled on you last minute or something I *would* pay for that since you'd already reserved that specific day. For federal holidays, no.

[Anonymous]

There is no major holiday that falls on Tuesday in 2015 and 2016. There is no need to negotiate a point that doesn't apply in the next two years.

I think it could be possible to ask for guaranteed hours, if this is important point for you. It might be worth asking (though be prepared them saying no on this)

[Anonymous]

For a one day a week position, I wouldn't think you would get any type of benefits since your hours are so minimal.

Your nanny family most likely assumes that this position is not something that you depend on weekly to make ends meet.

It doesn't hurt to ask, but I doubt they will consider offering you any perks w/this job.

Sorry.

[Anonymous]

I would present an option: you'll accept either guaranteed pay or X amount of notice needed in order to line up a job for that day (if they give you less than X amount, then they pay you as per usual). Either way, I would also offer to come in on those days to do organizational or cleaning duties related to the job- child's laundry, sanitize toys, re-organize dresser, switch out seasonal clothes, etc.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely demand guaranteed hours. You are holding that spot for them and they have no business canceling on you. Pay or play. The holiday issue is moot since you are talking about a Tuesday and I wouldn't even bring it up.

[Anonymous]

They can have the arrangement be as casual as they like but the pitfalls should not fall solely on you. I would put the ball in their court. How important is it that you be available every single Tuesday? Do they want to risk they will need you and you will be booked? If not, they will want to guarantee your hours. As for how much money it is, that is not important. If you rely on your one day per week of work to cover your bills then that is your business. Lucky you!

[Anonymous]

MB here. I would not guarantee hours for a one day position. However, I would also have a backup plan if the sitter isn't available.