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Message |
    
beppolina
Citizen
Username: Beppolina
Post Number: 77
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 10:58 am: | 
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My housekeeper of 2 years just called me in tears. She's expecting her first child, and at least two of her clients have told her that they're "not happy" with her being pregnant and don't want her to clean for them anymore. One of these clients has used her services for 3 years.
She's self-employed. Does she have any legal recourse? Is there a good reason for firing somebody for being pregnant? (Like, if she fell off a chair at your house & something happened, could she sue you?)
PL me, incidentally, if you'd like to hire a really good housekeeper. |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 578
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 11:05 am: |
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beppolina I doubt your housekeeper has any recourse since she probably doesn't even claim the money she makes. Usually the money is all "under the table" I think it is horrible that her clients did that, but maybe there is more to the story you don't know? |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 1278
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 11:35 am: |
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Keep in mind they could be concerned about her well being. In my mind it is her decision (based on financial constraints I am sure) as to whether to keep cleaning. However her clients might be concerned about the amount of physical stress involved and the inhaling of toxic fumes. If she worked for a company I am guessing they would not let her do certain janitorial duties while pregnant, and it could be that her clients are thinking along those lines.
Good luck to her! |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 5205
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 11:52 am: |
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For whatever it's worth, there are non-toxic cleaners. I understand they wash floors with vinegar in Italy. |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 961
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 11:57 am: |
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I wash floors with vinegar right here in Maplewood. |
Phenixrising
Citizen
Username: Phenixrising
Post Number: 322
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 12:08 pm: |
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Keep in mind they could be concerned about her well being.
EXACTLY!  |
beppolina
Citizen
Username: Beppolina
Post Number: 78
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 1:01 pm: |
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Our housekeeper in the city worked straight through her (fourth!) pregnancy.
Isn't it awfully paternalistic to decide for a woman in this situation that it would be "better" for her not to clean? Kind of the same logic that says women probably shouldn't be soldiers or construction workers or pilots, because it's too dangerous (and, poor dears, they don't know any better?)
redY67, you're right -- I am getting only one side of the story. but I've never had a problem with her (and neither has the friend who recommended her). That's why I'd like to know if there's a good meta-reason for firing someone who's pregnant and works "off the books." (What about landscape workers or house painters who work "off the books" -- if there's an accident on your property and they get hurt, is the homeowner liable?) |
Addy
Citizen
Username: Addy
Post Number: 344
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 1:04 pm: |
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Depends who got her pregnant. |
beppolina
Citizen
Username: Beppolina
Post Number: 79
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 1:04 pm: |
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.....and we do use those groovy Caldrea and whole-foods cleaning products, because 1) we're spoiled yuppies and 2) they just smell better and 3) they really are safer for whoever's cleaning as well as for the environment they get washed into. |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 1280
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 1:31 pm: |
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I agree with you beppolina. It is up to the individual as to whether she wants to work in a certain type of job during pregnancy. I was just pointing out that some people might feel uncomfortable having a pregnant woman doing that type of job. In addition, she will probably need to stop working for a certain amount of time before/after the birth, or potentially decide not to continue working after the baby comes. This might convince her clients to find someone who is more assured of continuous service. Maybe if she had told them she has someone who will be doing her work in her absence they would be more comfortable.
Unfortunately when you are an independent contractor you are subject to the whims of your clients. Would you hire an 80 year old landscaper to mow your lawn even if he were competant? You might think twice, not because you didn't think he/she could do the job but because you were concerned about his/her health and longevity.
Too late now but if I were her I would have:
1. Not told anyone she is pregnant until it was obvious and
2. Reassured them that she had someone to take over her jobs temporarily to avoid any interruption in service
I've been trying to migrate into the more natural cleaning products. My cleaning woman tends to tell me what products she prefers, but I am slowly replacing those with the ones I think are safer all around.
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common sense
Citizen
Username: Common_sense
Post Number: 19
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 2:22 pm: |
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I'd ask the chauffer and butler if they knew anything about it before firing her... |
Earlster
Supporter
Username: Earlster
Post Number: 880
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 2:56 pm: |
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Our cleaner was pregnant a little while ago. She doesn't work alone, but with one or two other women. The very few weeks that she didn't come herself, there was a visible difference in service (as in not so good), and one of the cleaners 'offered' to become our new cleaner.
Suffice it to say, we never thought for even a second that we would replace her. And the woman offering her services doesn't work with her anymore.
I feel as an employer you have certain ethical obligations, not firing a pregnant person sure is one of them.
BTW: She is cleaning our floors with vinegar. |
Local_1_crew
Citizen
Username: Local_1_crew
Post Number: 335
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 7:27 pm: |
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i would fire her only if i was responsible. could get messy with the wife around you see. |
Nob
Citizen
Username: Nob
Post Number: 44
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 7:40 pm: |
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Gee she might need the money you pay her to feed herself and her family -- of course you can't just fire her. You might even give her an some extra week's wages as she gets nearer to term so she doesn't have to work the day she delivers!! |
beppolina
Citizen
Username: Beppolina
Post Number: 80
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 8:53 pm: |
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She's married.
She phoned all of her clients when she knew she was pregnant (including me). I guess she thought it was the right thing to do.
Earlster, thanks for your comments -- she already is bringing two other women with her to help out, neither of whom I like as much.
I appreciate all of the thoughtful comments. Thanks! |
Nob
Citizen
Username: Nob
Post Number: 45
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 3:36 pm: |
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She's married? Does that mean she doesn't need the money? Do you think she cleans your house because it is a "fulfilling job"? |
Local_1_crew
Citizen
Username: Local_1_crew
Post Number: 344
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 3:52 pm: |
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i feel for you. dealing with "the help" can be so tedious. |
anon
Citizen
Username: Anon
Post Number: 1609
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 7:05 pm: |
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If this story is accurate the people who fired her are ••••••••. |
sbenois
Citizen
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 13004
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 7:11 pm: |
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Liberals?
Israelis?
Mexicans?
Martians?
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anon
Citizen
Username: Anon
Post Number: 1612
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 7:17 pm: |
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A**h***s |
anon
Citizen
Username: Anon
Post Number: 1613
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 7:18 pm: |
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Ask Vanna White to turn the letters. |
sbenois
Citizen
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 13005
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 7:30 pm: |
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Oh!
AIRHEADS! |
Local_1_crew
Citizen
Username: Local_1_crew
Post Number: 345
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 7:51 pm: |
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anchovies? |
beppolina
Citizen
Username: Beppolina
Post Number: 81
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 9:13 pm: |
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well, this discussion was useful until the usual ********* chimed in.
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Local_1_crew
Citizen
Username: Local_1_crew
Post Number: 346
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 9:17 pm: |
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ooooh, somebody put on their grouchy pants today |
anon
Citizen
Username: Anon
Post Number: 1616
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 11:20 pm: |
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I should've recruited the baby from "Meet the Foukers" |
AlisonS
Citizen
Username: Alisons
Post Number: 22
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 4:15 pm: |
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Vinegar????? |
Earlster
Supporter
Username: Earlster
Post Number: 899
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 4:48 pm: |
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Not Balsamic, the clear kind (household/white wine). |
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