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Global Forums > General > Job adverts on glocals that pay a pitifully low hourly rate
 
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Job adverts on glocals that pay a pitifully low hourly rate
Apr 13, 2018 @ 22:32

Hi everyone


I've been lurking here for nearly seven years now and, when I first arrived in Geneva in 2011, I got friendly with my neighbour who said if I needed a good cleaner he'd gladly recommend his.  She was being paid 25 chf an hour.


That was seven years ago, and four years ago Switzerland voted no to implementing a minimum hourly wage of 22 chf per hour.


We all know how expensive it is to live, rent, buy food etc here in Geneva, so why do some members think that it's acceptable to post adverts (usually under jobs or professional services) expecting people to work for an hourly rate that is less than 20 chf?  Would THEY be happy to accept a job for that rate?


I live in a big building that is well known for being 'posh.' Yes, it's me and my family that lower the tone of the place, but it makes me sad to see maids, cleaners and nannies that either creep in to start work at 7am or are forced to live in, work very long hours and still make a pittance.  It makes me angry that people who live in areas such as the Old Town, Chambesy or UN precinct think that while they can work at their high-paying jobs, they'll only offer a tiny hourly rate for someone to pick up their kid(s) from school, cook their meal, teach them French, help with homework, do the cleaning, take them to music lessons etc. Don't they have any feelings at all for the person who is not earning enough per hour to afford to rent anywhere in Geneva...?


My 17 year old daughter has regular babysitting jobs that offer her a better hourly rate for just sitting in the house while the kids are sleeping and the parents are out at dinner than some of the jobs on offer here.  She says that the sites she uses for babysitting and petsitting (I'll try and find the links tomorrow when she's awake) even suggest hourly rates so that the babysitter and parent know what the fair rate is.


Am I being too naive here, or should glocals also perhaps take a look at each job and check that the rate on offer (which should be stated clearly in each advert) is a fair one?


I'd love to hear what the rest of you think.


Cheers and hope you all have a nice weekend,


Kath  

The text you are quoting:

Hi everyone


I've been lurking here for nearly seven years now and, when I first arrived in Geneva in 2011, I got friendly with my neighbour who said if I needed a good cleaner he'd gladly recommend his.  She was being paid 25 chf an hour.


That was seven years ago, and four years ago Switzerland voted no to implementing a minimum hourly wage of 22 chf per hour.


We all know how expensive it is to live, rent, buy food etc here in Geneva, so why do some members think that it's acceptable to post adverts (usually under jobs or professional services) expecting people to work for an hourly rate that is less than 20 chf?  Would THEY be happy to accept a job for that rate?


I live in a big building that is well known for being 'posh.' Yes, it's me and my family that lower the tone of the place, but it makes me sad to see maids, cleaners and nannies that either creep in to start work at 7am or are forced to live in, work very long hours and still make a pittance.  It makes me angry that people who live in areas such as the Old Town, Chambesy or UN precinct think that while they can work at their high-paying jobs, they'll only offer a tiny hourly rate for someone to pick up their kid(s) from school, cook their meal, teach them French, help with homework, do the cleaning, take them to music lessons etc. Don't they have any feelings at all for the person who is not earning enough per hour to afford to rent anywhere in Geneva...?


My 17 year old daughter has regular babysitting jobs that offer her a better hourly rate for just sitting in the house while the kids are sleeping and the parents are out at dinner than some of the jobs on offer here.  She says that the sites she uses for babysitting and petsitting (I'll try and find the links tomorrow when she's awake) even suggest hourly rates so that the babysitter and parent know what the fair rate is.


Am I being too naive here, or should glocals also perhaps take a look at each job and check that the rate on offer (which should be stated clearly in each advert) is a fair one?


I'd love to hear what the rest of you think.


Cheers and hope you all have a nice weekend,


Kath  


katherine LApr 13, 2018 @ 22:32
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Re: Job adverts on glocals that pay a pitifully low hourly rate
Post 1
Apr 14, 2018 @ 13:10

It may be that some of these exploited cleaners/babysitters/nannies/etc. are actually working illegally and are therefore so desperate for money to support themselves in Geneva that they are willing to do this kind of work for a pittance. It is a question of supply and demand of course. Seven years ago, a friend travelled a couple of times per week from here {Evian} to Lausanne on the boat, and was earning 30.-- at that time.


But then going off on another tangent, I receive a very small pension from the Swiss Government for the 6 years worked in Swizzle {a long time ago now}. The monthly sum was first paid 11 years ago at 158.-- but now, 11 years later, it has been raised to the incredibly mean amount of 160.-- Two Francs in all that time! Mean bunch the Swiss are sometimes! Don't tell me inflation does not exist there too. I regularly buy Floccons de Millet in Co-Op. Within 5 years the price has gone up from 3.40, through 3.70 to the present day price of 3.95. Would that my penion rose by that same percentage!

The text you are quoting:

It may be that some of these exploited cleaners/babysitters/nannies/etc. are actually working illegally and are therefore so desperate for money to support themselves in Geneva that they are willing to do this kind of work for a pittance. It is a question of supply and demand of course. Seven years ago, a friend travelled a couple of times per week from here {Evian} to Lausanne on the boat, and was earning 30.-- at that time.


But then going off on another tangent, I receive a very small pension from the Swiss Government for the 6 years worked in Swizzle {a long time ago now}. The monthly sum was first paid 11 years ago at 158.-- but now, 11 years later, it has been raised to the incredibly mean amount of 160.-- Two Francs in all that time! Mean bunch the Swiss are sometimes! Don't tell me inflation does not exist there too. I regularly buy Floccons de Millet in Co-Op. Within 5 years the price has gone up from 3.40, through 3.70 to the present day price of 3.95. Would that my penion rose by that same percentage!


sheila c, Apr 14, 2018 @ 13:10
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Re: Job adverts on glocals that pay a pitifully low hourly rate
Post 2
Apr 14, 2018 @ 13:28

Hi Katherine,


What you are pointing out at is very interesting as I have noticed the same thing, be it coming from strangers or even friends. Everyone wants the best at the cheapest price and would not accept it if offered to them. Interestingly enough, it is as if they wanted to shop for Waitrose products but at Lidl prices.


I was having a smililar discussion with a friend recently, and it applies to a lot of people. For example, they are ready to spend say chf500.-/2 pax for a luxury surrounding and "low" quality treatment however would not spend something like say chf150.- for a proper treatment that is not based in a 5* place.


 


At the end of the day, I believe, each and everyone makes their choices, and it is fair enough I guess. It is like buying a copy item of a luxury brand, show off and then complain that the price of the authentic item is not affordable when most people now own the latest technology, buys organic food, travels regularly to exotic places, etc (not saying it is a general thing, of course, not everyone can afford that!). Each person has got their priority. Some people prefer having the latest iphone and remain unwell.
It is actually interesting, as those who want to redo the whole "market" business in whichever field, are the ones who do not want to "spend" the money ;-). Nore sure they realise they are contraditing themselves? (I could be wrong).


 


Having said all this, I wish everyone a very happy Sunny Saturday!

The text you are quoting:

Hi Katherine,


What you are pointing out at is very interesting as I have noticed the same thing, be it coming from strangers or even friends. Everyone wants the best at the cheapest price and would not accept it if offered to them. Interestingly enough, it is as if they wanted to shop for Waitrose products but at Lidl prices.


I was having a smililar discussion with a friend recently, and it applies to a lot of people. For example, they are ready to spend say chf500.-/2 pax for a luxury surrounding and "low" quality treatment however would not spend something like say chf150.- for a proper treatment that is not based in a 5* place.


 


At the end of the day, I believe, each and everyone makes their choices, and it is fair enough I guess. It is like buying a copy item of a luxury brand, show off and then complain that the price of the authentic item is not affordable when most people now own the latest technology, buys organic food, travels regularly to exotic places, etc (not saying it is a general thing, of course, not everyone can afford that!). Each person has got their priority. Some people prefer having the latest iphone and remain unwell.
It is actually interesting, as those who want to redo the whole "market" business in whichever field, are the ones who do not want to "spend" the money ;-). Nore sure they realise they are contraditing themselves? (I could be wrong).


 


Having said all this, I wish everyone a very happy Sunny Saturday!


TreeOf Life, Apr 14, 2018 @ 13:28
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