For those that own a property in Puerto Vallarta, its not unusual to have a gardener, housekeeper, nanny, or handyman help keep their home in order while helping support the local economy. With the holidays upon us, it is not only a courtesy but often a legal requirement (called an Aguinaldo) to pay a holiday bonus. We have a helpful guide to help you navigate paying Christmas bonuses in Mexico.
Housekeepers: Regular domestic employees that come on a regular schedule are entitled to an Aguinaldo under Mexican Federal Law. The Aguinaldo payment must be the equivalent of two weeks salary. Example: if your housekeeper visits twice weekly, he/she is entitled to 4 days of daily salary as a bonus in addition to regular pay. Additionally, December 25th and January 1st are Federal holidays, so a day off with pay is an appropriate course of action. On December 24th and 31st, work hours will generally end at 2:00 pm to allow employees to celebrate with their loved ones.
Gardeners: If you have a weekly gardener, the same Aguinaldo rules will apply, but if you’re your gardener comes on a casual schedule – for example, when called for a couple of hours work to attend to trimming bushes as needed – then a tip of half to a full visit’s average pay is appropriate and appreciated.
Nanny: If you have a childcare provider working in your home, either full time or part time on a regular schedule, they are also due a two week Aguinaldo, to receive December 25 and January 1 as paid days off, and should not be expected to work past 2 pm on the 24th and 31st of December.
Handyman: If you have a handyman on call that comes to help around the house as needed when things need fixing, a tip starting around $300 pesos and increasing depending on how frequently he visits your house in Puerto Vallarta would be appreciated.
Officially, Aguinaldo bonuses must be paid by December 20th, to allow for people to spend them as part of their holiday plans. For casual workers, if you do not see them prior to December 20th, a bonus paid later will still be appreciated.
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