MAID in Sao Paulo
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Current Issues (in regards to Sao Paulo)
 
 
Bus Fares 2010
Bus Fares just increased from 2.30R$ to 2.70R$. 
Monthly allowance examples:
5 days a week :  from 92R$ to R$108
3 days a week :  from 60R$ to R$70
 
  
Payment trends 2010
Consider weekly paychecks.
In these difficult economic times, feeding their family becomes more and more difficult for domestic employees.  In fact, many maids opt to take their chances by seeking faxineira jobs, or day jobs that is, because that puts money in their pocket immediately, as opposed to accepting a salaried monthly job. 
If possible, consider offering your maid to get paid weekly or bi-weekly, instead of monthly.  It may not make a difference in your pocket, but is likely to make a huge difference for your domestic employee and their families. 
But in any case, don't forget to write a receipt in 2 copies at each payment.  Always have the maid/driver sign 2 receipts, one for you to keep, one for her to keep.   
 
 
Vacation Time 2010
Remember:  If you send your maid or driver on vacation (i.e. in July when you are on vacation), you need to pay them June's Salary at the end of June as usual AND July's vacation salary at a rate of 1.3333.  Vacation pay is regular salary PLUS 1/3 vacation bonus and must be paid at least 2 days before the start of their vacation time.  You would resume your regular pay schedule for August's salary at the end of August. 
 
 
Salario Minimo / Minimum Wage 2010
As of 4/2010 salario Minimo for domestic employees is:
R$560 per month in Sao Paulo 
R$510 per month Nat'l Salario Minimo
 
Salario Minimo increases usually once a year between March and May.  The increase is due to the increase in cost of living, which, by the way, increases faster than Salario Minimo. 
 
At the time the Salario Minimo increases, you should increase your employee's salary at least by that difference (it was R$ 505 before, so increase at least 55R$ per month). 
 
Obviously that would also be the time to increase the salary by any amount you think your employee deserves in addition to that.  Increases must be properly noted in the Carteira de Trabalho and adjustments made to the amount of INSS tax you pay. 
 
Min. Salary history (changes around April each year)
2006 - R$ 380
2007 - R$ 415
2008 - R$ 450
2009 - R$ 505
2010 - R$ 560  April 1, 2010
 
At 44 hrs per week that means they earn R$ 3.18/hr
so be fair and generous when negotiating!
 
Interesting article on Salario Minimo vs. Reality
 
 
When you go on vacation...
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR  MAID WHEN YOU GO ON VACATION: It is not her problem or fault if/when you go on an extended vacation and hence she has the right to receive her normal salary. You can agree with her to come during that time and do a deep cleaning or watch the dogs or water the plants so she does something for her money if you feel comfortable leaving the keys with her. 
If not, she still has the right to receive her regular salary if she has not been with you for 12 months already and is eligible for vacation of her own. If she has been with you for 12 months already, you can conveniently send her on vacation also, and pay her her vacation up front (needs to be paid before going on vacation) and sign her vacation time into her carteira under FERIAS. 
If she has not completed her 12 months with you she does not have the right to vacation but does have a right to keep her job and get paid.  Otherwise you need to let her go and pay all outstanding proportional vacation time and 13th salary and regular salary before you go on vacation!