Do you pay more than stipend?

[Anonymous]

We got a new AP (extension) and kind of assumed we would pay her the $200 a week like previous 3 APs. We never talked about it but she thought $300 was standard as that is what she got at previous family. I know some families offer more during matching to get the candidate they want, did not think about it this time though. How common is paying higher stipends?

Our APs work max of 36 hours a week.

[Anonymous]

No. I give xmas and birthday and leaving $, but no. None of the AP moms I know have said they pay more. I would guess it's pretty uncommon.

[Anonymous]

I have always rounded up to 200. Last AP worked 25-30hrs per week. I tried to be generous in other ways.

Have you made an offer to this new AP and she already accepted but 'assumed' you would pay her $100 more than the normal rate? I don't buy that she thought it's the going rate. APs talk about how much/little they are making ALL THE TIME. She is playing dumb with you.

Unfortunately, someone is going to have to make a compromise. If she was worth 33% more than the regular stipend, why didn't her previous family keep her? Did you ask the previous family why they were paying her extra? How many hours was she working? Was she working extra hours? Was the 300 inclusive of allowances for gas or expenses for the kids?

If she sounds that great, i might try to meet her halfway, but $300 would make me reconsider, especially since 'unproven' with my kids/family.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely not. Tell her the stipend is $200. Have her talk to her LCC.

[Anonymous]

Didnt think this was allowed? I understand rounding up but adding on an extra $100 a week?

[Anonymous]

No. I don't even round up to $200 -- we therefore preserve our flexibility to give generous cash/gift card rewards as needed. 52 weeks times $5 is $260, and that's not chump change -- at least not to us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Didnt think this was allowed? I understand rounding up but adding on an extra $100 a week?

Uh of course it's allowed.

We pay minimum wage because we agree the plaintiffs in the lawsuit are correct on the law.

[Anonymous]

I pay the stipend but I add on gas money for work...so it ends up to being $230/week ($34/week for gas...she does a lot of work driving.)

No way would I increase pay unless it was my au pair that was a rockstar and her second year...but then maybe only $10-20/week. This girl is unproven.

[Anonymous]

I pay more when she works a full week v her usual 25 hours. I do not think $200 for 45 hours is legal or ethical even when factoring in room and board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I pay more when she works a full week v her usual 25 hours. I do not think $200 for 45 hours is legal or ethical even when factoring in room and board.

OK if you think it is unethical..and reducing hours in not an option.. what would you suggest to make it "right"

[Anonymous]

I did for our last AP who was exceptional and she went above and beyond. I also gave her a $2500 bonus for her travel month.

So yes, for exceptional performance. Our current AP only gets straight stipend. I did give him an end of summer bonus, but generally speaking, he does the bssics of the job, but nothing more, so he gets the basic stipend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did for our last AP who was exceptional and she went above and beyond. I also gave her a $2500 bonus for her travel month.

So yes, for exceptional performance. Our current AP only gets straight stipend. I did give him an end of summer bonus, but generally speaking, he does the bssics of the job, but nothing more, so he gets the basic stipend.

Lol! Let's not kid ourselves, many of us use the AP for the flexibility and the cost. Who can afford a 2500 bonus?

[Anonymous]

We don't round up. The stipend is the stipend, but we glad do/give extras on a regular basis. We're early in our AP tenure but I've been trying to think of a "banking" system where she earns a weekly bonus for her travel month - but only gets it if she makes it to the end of the year. Does anyone else do something like this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did for our last AP who was exceptional and she went above and beyond. I also gave her a $2500 bonus for her travel month.

So yes, for exceptional performance. Our current AP only gets straight stipend. I did give him an end of summer bonus, but generally speaking, he does the bssics of the job, but nothing more, so he gets the basic stipend.

Lol! Let's not kid ourselves, many of us use the AP for the flexibility and the cost. Who can afford a 2500 bonus?

Actually I HOST au pairs - I don't USE them - for the flexibility and the opportunity to have a young woman live in my home who I can trust as a family member with my children. I also give generous bonuses at the end and perks throughout the year. I do round up the stipend but that's it. This is supposed to be a cultural exchange program where we welcome this young people into our homes and our families. The reason there is a class action is because of the attitude that this is cheap labor and au pairs are LESS THAN. The word means ON PAR. Let's not forget that PLEASE!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did for our last AP who was exceptional and she went above and beyond. I also gave her a $2500 bonus for her travel month.

So yes, for exceptional performance. Our current AP only gets straight stipend. I did give him an end of summer bonus, but generally speaking, he does the bssics of the job, but nothing more, so he gets the basic stipend.

Lol! Let's not kid ourselves, many of us use the AP for the flexibility and the cost. Who can afford a 2500 bonus?

Actually I HOST au pairs - I don't USE them - for the flexibility and the opportunity to have a young woman live in my home who I can trust as a family member with my children. I also give generous bonuses at the end and perks throughout the year. I do round up the stipend but that's it. This is supposed to be a cultural exchange program where we welcome this young people into our homes and our families. The reason there is a class action is because of the attitude that this is cheap labor and au pairs are LESS THAN. The word means ON PAR. Let's not forget that PLEASE!!!

Self-righteous mom hits again. Peuhleese, don't make it seem like we are abusive by not paying an outrageous bonus. Good for you for having the luxury to choose au pairs over nannies and top price in the name of cultural exchange. How's the Japanese folding going?