Does anyone have experience with French Au Pair laws?

Question

I am an American who came to France to be an Au Pair. The family refuses to pay me what they owe me, and when I try to talk to them about my contract, they end up screaming at me. On Saturday, I told the mom that if she was going to keep yelling at me, instead of being a reasonable, rational adult, I was going to leave. She threatened to call the police on me. I want to know if anyone else has had a similar experience, and what recourse I have. I have tried looking on line for French Au Pair laws, and have had little success in finding them. I am also pregnant, and this situation has gotten out of control. I just want my money, and I want to get out of here, as quickly as possible. Any suggestions? I have spoken with the American Embassy, and will be speaking to an attorney today. If anyone had similar experiences, or knows anything about French laws, or even where to find them, I would really apppreciate it.

Answer 1

You know, the status of Au Pair is not very protected. If you used an agency, then that is your first contact point.

If you came on your own, then it depends on your legal situation: if you have no work permit - otherwise said, an illegal immigrant - you are on your own. Not only there is no legal track, but also you have no health coverage. You say you are pregnant!!! you'd better to get out fast, and find a place where you can stay.

If you are legal, see the full text of the legal convention ratified by France on the au pairs. It isn't anyway very binding, and most are dependant on a contract that should be signed before you even arrived in France. Also, the detail of the coverage for health coverage should be provided in that contract. To me, it looks like you are in a pretty bad situation...

Money wise, you should get about 80 euros per week, for 30 hours of work each week.

In my opinion, the best resolution would be to sit down, talk, and agree when you will leave, and what is the money due to you. Remember also that legal action has a cost.