Get the Great Job You Deserve
Get the Great Job You Deserve

A written agreement can help you get the fair pay and working conditions you long for

As a Nanny, the work that you do is essential. You support children to learn, grow and thrive. The future is in your hands. What could be more important than that?

A written contract can help you get the fair pay and good working conditions you deserve. Even the United States Department of Labor has stated that nannies are valued professionals and should have fair, written agreements with their employers. And in some places where we’ve won Domestic Workers Bills of Rights, you have the right to a contract under the law!

However, we know it can be hard to negotiate and reach an agreement, so we’re here to help! The National Domestic Workers Alliance is a community of nannies just like you, working together to get the rights, respect, and recognition we all deserve.

Based on our own experiences, we’ve created this contract generation tool just for you.

How it Works:

  1. First, get inspired by watching short videos where we share negotiation tips and success stories posted below.
  2. Then, use the agreement generator tool to identify the proposals you’d like to make to an employer – either for an existing or new job. The tool will help you think through what you need in areas including wages, benefits, and working conditions. 
  3. Within 1 business day, we will text you a customized agreement that includes what you’ve decided to propose, plus some spaces for your employer to fill in details about the job. We’ll also send you a sample message that you can send to your employer or potential employer. 
  4. You’ll send the customized agreement to your employer and set up a time to discuss it and sign it together. 
  5. We will follow up with you to see how it went, and to find out if you need any other support. We know you can do it, and we’re here to help you succeed!

Ready to get started?

Click here to generate your agreement

 

Need more inspiration? Watch our training videos and success stories, or read our FAQs.

Training Video

Success Stories

Frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.s)

Am I required to have a written agreement?

In the states of Massachusetts, Nevada, Connecticut, and New Jersey as well as in the cities of Philadelphia, Washington DC and Chicago, domestic workers and employers are required to have a written agreement under the terms of local and state Domestic Workers Bills of Rights. In other parts of the country, domestic workers and employers are not required, but are encouraged to have a written agreement. Whether or not you live in a location where the agreement is mandated, having one is a good idea!

What are the risks of not having an agreement?

Not having a agreement can cause problems for both employers and workers. Miscommunications can arise about responsibilities, schedules, and other expectations. With a written agreement, domestic work jobs can be safer, fairer, and a better experience for everyone.

Is a verbal agreement enough?

While a verbal agreement may be legally binding in some situations, it is generally not advisable to rely solely on verbal agreements, especially in the context of domestic employment.

Can I have a agreement for a part-time job?

Yes!

Can I have an agreement for a temporary job?

Yes!

I started my job a while ago and never signed a written agreement. Is it too late to sign one now?

No! While having an agreement in place from the beginning of employment is generally preferable, it’s not uncommon for employment agreements to be finalized and signed after the start date. It’s never too late.

If I sign an agreement for a particular wage and job description, will I be able to negotiate for a raise or better conditions later on?

Yes! It is common to revisit an agreement annually, and you and your employer can update the terms of the agreement at any time if you both agree. The annual agreement review can be a good time for domestic workers and employers to evaluate the working relationship together and talk about what’s working and what can be improved. This can be a good time to ask for a raise or request improvements to working conditions.

If I sign an agreement, will I be laid off when the agreement ends?

Not all agreements have fixed end dates. A good, written agreement lays out expectations of how either the worker or the employer can end the employment relationship fairly and with sufficient notice.

What happens if I sign an agreement for less than what I’m entitled to under the law?

Regardless of agreements, employers are required to comply with local, state and federal labor laws. Employers cannot use an agreement to violate the law and your rights under the law. Even if you have signed an agreement for less than what you are entitled to under the local, state and federal laws, your employer is required to pay you at least the minimum required by law.

Things are going well in our employment relationship. Why do we need a written agreement?

When things are going well is actually a perfect time to put agreements into writing. The written agreement can be a way to document the terms of your successful working relationship, and also establish clarity on what you will do if a disagreement ever arises.

What should we do if we don’t speak the same language?

Language barriers between domestic workers and employers can pose a challenge when discussing a written agreement, but they are not insurmountable. Our agreement generator tool produces customized agreements in English and Spanish. In addition, you can consider using an online translator, seeking assistance from bilingual friends or family members, using simple language, or incorporating visual aids. Never rush to sign something that you don’t understand!

What is the National Domestic Workers Alliance?

The National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) is the leading voice for the 2.2 million nannies, home care workers and housecleaners in the U.S. We work together to win rights and recognition and to make all domestic work jobs good jobs. Learn more at www.domesticworkers.org