Minimum hours required to be paid regardless of hours worked my employer?

Question

I'm a nanny and I'm currently working part-time with an average anywhere from though and a 15 hours to the higher-end 30 depending on the parents schedule. But there's going to be some unusual situations coming up with mom having a new baby towards the end of the year and I noticed that one of the parents hours is being cut back as far as what the required to work for the day. They have a schedule of 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. but yeah their parent gets home anywhere between about 5:30 or so. I have a quite a bit of distance to drive on a normal day out traffic which is my decision but I'm worried that they could do what they've done in the past and asked me to come in for just like an hour and a half or two hours. And when it takes me an hour I'm more to get home or get there in the morning with rush hour traffic it's just kind of silly to only get paid for let's say an hour and a half or two hours. although I don't want to run the risk of losing my job by saying repeatedly that I can't do those hours but isn't it required by the employer to give you some sort of minimum amount per day? I know when I worked in management we are required to pay a minimum of three to four hours or something a day regardless of how many hours they actually worked so I remember my supervisor saying well go ahead and keep them there and give them whatever jobs you can because if we're going to have to pay them by law might as well have them there physically. I know this is not a corporate job but I still think fairness should be taking into account here.

Johana Tatlow · Answer

Do you have a contract? I would ask to get a contract with your hours and responsibilities. A second baby on the way is the perfect 'excuse' to ask for one. Just say that you would like to clarify your role, hours, and expectations with the changes coming up in the family, and get it in writing. You can define a 'minimum shift pay' as part of that. As a nanny, you are in fact an employee not an independent contractor, and you are entitled to some employment security.

Anonymous · Answer

3-4 hrs min. If you go every week then they are somehow paying for your availability. we pay our nanny 20 hrs regardless of how many we use her.

Tammy Hager · Answer

Usually any type of personal service such as nanny or elder sitting have a minimum hourly requirement that they request before doing any type of work such as 3-4 hours. Not sure of the relationship you have with your clients or if you're in the process of building one but you should definitely think about the minimum hours you'll provide service and also the wage you require.

This is a very needed position, so dont sell yourself short!

Gina Diamante · Answer

^^^ What they said above. And for your own protection, start thinking about backup plans, in case they decide a nanny is no longer in their plan.

Judith Eytel · Answer

Definitely get a signed  contract. Speak with Nanny Agencies about their requirements from both the applicant and the individual hiring you and their obligation to pay,  including overtime. Don’t forget to include vacation time.mI do not believe in verbal dialogues  commitments when it come to employment. Some folks hear information differently and communicating may be misconstrued. If someone hiring a Nanny takes umbrage for this request, this is a “tell”. Find employment elsewhere. 
MA J
Judith Eytel

JB09718 · Answer

I worked as a nanny for several years and had more informal arrangements with the family (no contract or anything in writing unless you could their care.com listing) Depending on your relationship, you could just have an open conversation with them about the challenges. My nanny family went above and beyond to make accommodations when I had a reoccurring scheduling issue due to physical therapy. I was with them for awhile felt like I was part of their family. I felt comfortable confiding in them if I was having any issues professional or personal.

Minimum hours required to be paid regardless of hours worked my employer?

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