Maid/Gardener services

Are there any maid/gardener services around the lake like "Molly Maid" whereas you pay them for the services so they are the employer not you?

Perfect. That is definitely the way to go. If there isn't one for landscaping and pool maintenance there should be.

Hell .... I`ll clean yer pool..... lets see.... $100 pesos and U supply the Beer....

CanuckBob wrote:Perfect. That is definitely the way to go. If there isn't one for landscaping and pool maintenance there should be.

A friend of ours has the same company taking care of his extensive grounds. Their place looks beautiful. I don't know about pool maintenance since we don't have a pool.

As the PP said, it's a hassle free way to go. We've used them for four years now for house cleaning on a regular schedule. It's also nice that they bring their own cleaning supplies. If we're not satisfied with something, the jefa (Letitia) is the "complaint dept." and she works it out with the cleaners.

They also have the "grand post construction cleanup" package which includes window washing when you need it. We've used that, too.

Yep the last thing I would want is employees that I have to be responsible for. I am giving up 20 years of that headache when we come down.

Except of course for you Hocks...........Jaja.

CanuckBob wrote:Yep the last thing I would want is employees that I have to be responsible for. I am giving up 20 years of that headache when we come down.

Except of course for you Hocks...........Jaja.

I’m actually thinking of asking our maid (66yrs, absolutely the best) to considering taking on such a position like this. Things are changing and with the pro-labour laws here so in favour of employees, whether they are good or bad, there needs to be protections for both employer and employee. Plus she’s always looking for work for people she feels would do the job and not damage her credibility.

The laws require 3 months & 20 days per-year (or about 1/3 a year’s salary, if they don’t quit) retirement benefit. Since many don’t pay IVA tax (16% of earnings) they may (?) not push the issue but things are changing.

We have friends (?) that don’t pay appropriately for legal holidays but the employee is happy to have double-pay and never complains. Yes they’re many grey areas concerning part-time employees but others are very specific. Too many people play ignorant to save such a pittance. Actually it embarrasses me.

P.S. Your picture belies your work experienc?

I'd think that the jefa job would be a real headache, re insurance, bonding, benefits, etc., but a well organized person might have a profitable result. I'm sure the Spring Clean family is doing well.

As I've learned from experience in a former life, it is one thing to know how to do something well and quite another to run even a small company with employees and everything that comes with that. This is especially true when the labor laws are so biased in favor of the worker.

My advice to anyone anticipating hiring a permanent maid, either full time or part time, is to learn about those benefits. The maternity benefits, in particular, might be a shocker, along with the termination pay. Plus, it's really hard to find "just cause" to terminate a slacker.

It ¡s not really that hard to terminate a slacker. Three written warnings, in Spanish, have them sign, as well as yourself, and they are gone, with cause. No finiquito necessary.

Have done this more than a few times.