It was just about this time last year that I published this post about aguinaldos for mail carriers and employees, be they part or full-time. I believe it is worth publishing again as a reminder to all of us living in Mexico. So, here it is again:
Yes, it is definitely that time of year. It all starts with the mail carriers who have their special day on November 12, Dia del Cartero. In your mail box, they will leave a card with a return envelope, preprinted with their name on it. (Convenient, huh?)
You simply insert your “gift” as a token of appreciation for their service for the past year. I think they must like me because I actually participate in giving, partially because I have always given to my mailman when in the States in appreciation for the services they provide, and partially out of fear that if I don’t give, I may never receive another piece of mail as long as I live in Mexico!On the other hand, I readily give generously to my housekeeper who works for me fulltime, year round. She is an integral part of my adopted family that I have been fortunate enough to have for 23+ years now. She is a single mother and has two children and a small house that she supports on the salary I pay her. In addition, any special needs that arise, I take care of plus I help whenever I can throughout the year. Her Christmas bonus is above and beyond the norm, and includes several gifts for both her and the children. I do believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive and this is one way I can give back to the community that I have chosen to live in. Something I think we all should do.
If you live in Mexico and you have an employee such as a housekeeper, gardener, cook, driver, or just someone who stops by to help you with chores every now and then, you should consider paying an Aguinaldo. It is customary to do so here in the Yucatan and throughout Mexico as well. There are even formulas on the internet to ascertain the amount you should pay!
Basically, from what I have seen from others living here, the Aguinaldo is considered the “Thirteenth Pay”. That is, one months’ salary for either full or part time help. In addition, to the monetary part of the Aguinaldo, a gift, or gifts, are often given as a token of appreciation for loyal service and/or longevity of service, or both.
Aguinaldo’s are usually paid in Mid-November up to the first part of December and often represents the total “Christmas” the family will have, including food, drink, and gifts. Often, the children in the family will receive some new clothing as their gift and are absolutely delighted to do so! (Unlike some children “north of the border”.) Let’s face it, the people that work for us are generally poor and do the best they can with what they have. It doesn’t hurt to help. It feels GREAT!
You don’t have to give until it hurts, just give until it helps.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
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The Aguinaldo is not just customary, and it's not just an opportunity to be generous. It's the law.
ReplyDeletethe LEY FEDERAL DEL TRABAJO - Diario Oficial de la Federación 1 de abril de 1970 Última reforma publicada DOF 17 de enero de 2006 is the current law.
ARTÍCULO 87. Los trabajadores tendrán derecho a un aguinaldo anual que deberá pagarse antes del día veinte de diciembre, equivalente a quince días de salario, por lo menos.
Los que no hayan cumplido el año de servicios, independientemente de que se encuentren laborando o no en la fecha de liquidación del aguinaldo, tendrán derecho a que se les pague la parte proporcional del mismo, conforme al tiempo que hubieren trabajado, cualquiera que fuere éste.
Loosely translated it says: Article 87 of the Mexican Labor Code spells out the Christmas bonus. Workers are entitled to a bonus of at least 15 days wages, payable before the 20th of December. Those who have worked less than one year receive a pro-rated bonus.
Remember, in Mexico, 15 days is two weeks.
So, here are some sample calculations:
Maria is paid $150 for one day of work each week. She has worked the entire year.
Aguinaldo = $150 x 2 = $300
Before December 20, pay her $300 MXN in addition to her regular wages.
Dora is paid $200 a day for 2 days of work each week. She has worked since July 1.
$200 x 2 = $400 MXN. July 1 to Dec 31 is one-half of a year.
1/2($400) = $200 MXN = Aguinaldo.
Before December 20, pay Dora $200 MXN addition to her regular salary.
Pedro is paid $800 per week, and he's worked all year.
Aguinaldo = $800 x 2 = $1600
Before December 20, pay Pedro $1600 MXN in addition to his regular salary.
Remember to have your employee sign a receipt for the Aguinaldo, just as you have the employee sign for regular wages.
Holiday turkeys, gift baskets, and even 72" plasma TVs are gifts, and they don't count toward the Aguinaldo. Don't think for a moment that you can substitute them for folding money.
Only Christmas (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1) are legal holidays. If you expect your employee to work on those days, be prepared to prepare holiday wages.
Looks like someone beat me to it! The comment above nails it!
ReplyDeleteDear Anons,
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you!
I actually knewd this was a law and learned so after last years post. I forgot to amend the post to include same, so I appreciate you keeping me on top of it all!
Let's all be law abiding and comply!
NOTE FROM MERIDA MIKEY: I COULDN'T PUBLISH MY COMMENT OTHER THAN VIA ANON! AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHY! ANYONE KNOW?
ReplyDelete