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What do you pay your after hour on call techs?
Mad Dog
Member Posts: 2,595
I would go side-by-side in to battle with that man - anyday! Well put - as usual Mark. I took the leap for the same reasons. NO GUTS NO GLORY! Mad Dog
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What do you pay your after hour on call techs?
I work for a full service company, gas.oil,lp hot air , water, steam. We get a whopping $50.00 per week extra on call pay, I'm on call every 3rd week, so for 17 weeks a year I have to put my life on hold for a measely $850.00 per year and twiddle my thumbs waiting for the phone to ring, of course I get paid O.T. but there aren't that many calls. I can do 1 side job and make double if not triple that in a day. How do you gentlemen pay your on call service techs?0 -
What do you pay your after hour on call techs?
I work for a full service company, gas.oil,lp hot air , water, steam. We get a whopping $50.00 per week extra on call pay, I'm on call every 3rd week, so for 17 weeks a year I have to put my life on hold for a measely $850.00 per year and twiddle my thumbs waiting for the phone to ring, of course I get paid O.T. but there aren't that many calls. I can do 1 side job and make double if not triple that in a day. How do you gentlemen pay your on call service techs?0 -
Frank
Just a friendly piece of advice. Many of the fine folks who visit here are homeowners and business owners. It is best to discuss price via e-mail, which I'm sure you will benefit from by posting it here for contractors to respond to. Have a great day!0 -
Dead Time
We have it in our contract if your called in you get payed for 8 hr. After 8 you get paid time and one half. Time and one half for Saturday and Double for Sunday. Plus night differential..
I once worked your standby shift . Felt like slavery , the worst was when you stand by all night then just before you shut off the beeper a call came in . Oh-no!
With the shortage of tech? You guys should get together and talk it out with the owner . Check with the labor board , see what they have to say.....0 -
The deal is this...
This is the way this business works. We need to be on call. If you get paid something for standing by that is great. You get OT if you get a call...what else can you ask for. You work you get paid. If you are not happy talk to your boss or look for work at another shop. THis is a tough deal being on-call but it is a necessary evil. From a business stand point...How can someone pay you if they are not making any money? Does your shop or boss ever send you home early and still pay you? Do you ever ride with someone on bad weather days and get paid? Not trying to be nasty but everything is a give and take a little. Look at the big picture and maybe it won't seem so bad
Good Luck
Paul
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Where i work being on call is required if you take home a truck. "on call" rolls around about every five weeks or less depending on how many service techs are working. Everybody takes a week that lasts from Monday night through the following monday morning. We by contract get no pay unless there is a call then the pay is time and a half except for Sundays which is double. Sometimes you win sometimes you lose. I have had weeks that I had several calls each night and weeks that I didnt have a single call, it comes with the territory. I think not having to drive my own vehichle to work is a nice bonus.0 -
Another thought...
In my situation, we're paid a straight salery. It doesn't matter if we work 40 hours or 60 (Seems more like 60 lately). I enjoy my job and although there's a lot on on-call time, I don't have a problem with the legitimate break down's, but it does create a problem in some cases. Run-outs due to non-payment, equipment that should be replaced but isn't, etc. The boss really has no incentive to remedy these situation's since the calls don't effect him.
Truth is, the pay is fine, it's the feeling that my time isn't important. It all goes back to - I enjoy my job and an appreciative customer with a unforeseeable problem (specially if I can fix it without too many trips back to the truck) is just a part of it.
Just for kicks, if one of you guys wouldn't mind taking the time, I'd like to know what other tecs are making. Thanks.
dan
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I agree
with the last post! I have been in this business 30+ years. I have worked for shops who paid standby and lots who have not. This is a SERVICE industry. YOU chose to be part of it! I suspect you don't have to report for work every day with your personal vehicle. Do you have to report the benefit of having a vehicle at your disposal? How often is it "easier" to take your service vehicle to the store for milk, movies, smokes or kids to functions? I am on call 2 weeks at a time (min) every 4 weeks AND even when I am not "officially" on call It is understood I am available for assistance. That is just one of the benefits of being an experienced senior tech. This industry has given me a good life because I chose to be part of it.
No rant...... just facts!0 -
two hours per day, plus overtime for any calls, 1.5x except for sunday 2x. portal to portal. however, calls are not mandatory, that is if someone else is willing to help out they can make some extra bucks. it works out. everyone gets to trade if necessary, as long as its covered. we all have situations arise that need to be tended to.0 -
I appreciate all you have to say
The fact is I live 1 1/2 miles from my shop, I use my company rig only for company work...Ihave my own truck for my side work, which my boss is aware of. I just find it ludicrous to give 4 months of my time waiting on a call for 850.00 bucks a year, I personally feel that if I need to be on call an extra 16 hours a day I should be paid for it! I've been in this business 24 yrs , I know the give and take, I'm also a single parent, and I also have to care for my Father......fortunately with help from my sister. As I've said $850.00 is squat to me, and I only get time and a half.No Matter what day and or night I work, listen to what I'm saying ....I'm talking 4 months a year of my life being on hold just waiting for that one call...such as I'm doing tonight, can't go out ..take my daughter to a movie, .... go and hang out with my Pop. I'm stuck here waiting for "The" call and we cover a large territory up to 50 miles. I'm too old and sick and tired of this stuff. I wanna do my 8 to 4 , 5, or6 and go home. It may be time to go on my own and make my boss my competition, and i won't offer 24 hr service, he can have it. I'd still like to know what the on call pay per week is for most techs.......50 bucks seems insulting. Let me know your opinion.
Frank0 -
Truck Use
We take the truck home but we can not use it for personal use or take a passenger with out consent . I feel it works out for both sides . The company gets the coverage , does not have to pay you traval time back to the barn and for tool transfer . Plus having to pay for the extra parking .
The employee does not have to pay for the wear and tear on his own car . Does not have to transfer his tools . Could also save time time on his commute .
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frank, not to be smart, but did you ever consider doing install only? its a way to bring your many skills to the table, work your normal hours and not deal with the on call. i'm sure there are contractors out there that would love to have a dedicated guy, knowledgeable, that isnt always pushing for that extra buck. the on call stuff does suck at times, we all know it but its part of our chosen career path. good/bad we see both sides. from where i sit, the on call is for the hungry, young mechanics trying to buy a house, raise kids whatever that could always use the extra money. as far as sitting around, there is no law that says you cant go to dinner or whatever, most companies i know of have a certain response time, that is rwo hours, four hours whatever, which does give you some leeway to finish what you are doing. in my experience, you can usually tell when there are going to be a lot of calls such as the infamous first cold/ hot spell. good luck.0 -
To me that's no benefit !
I'm not here to be anyone's whipping boy, you've got 30 yrs good for you, I'm not far behinfd you and as you should know time is money....how do I go out on my boat when I'm on call????? you want my time Iwant your money!0 -
I wasn't trying to whip you
Sorry if You took my post wrong. I agre sometimes being on call is a pain in the a__ but that's the service bus. I kinda go nuts all winter then coast spring and summer. Four days a week m-th then tu-fr -- 5 days off every week unless planned otherwise. Works for me but may not for everyone. What about a supervisory capacity 8-5? Is you shop large enough to require some one like that? Or offer to take call only to backfill holiday time. Just suggestions .0 -
Thanks pal.....
I appreciate what you're saying and for 1 or 2 weeks I'm not on call I do Installs, and I'm much happier, I love doing service work, but I also enjoy installs, the day goes much quicker and I know I'm done when the job is done, I am an all around guy, I can lay out . desisgn and fabricate sheetmetal, I can service and repair and install oil ,gas , A/C and refrigeration, I can install hot air, water, steam ,A/C split systems , rooftops. and radiant systems, this business is my life not my job. I just don't like being takken advantage of. Thanks for your input.
Frank0 -
No leeway............
when the nextel goes off you gotta go or they will call the house , the beeper , the police whatever It sucks, I think I'm going to quit, it's their f---- loss, not mine, I always have work. As Always I don't need them they need me. Of course the boss can jack my salary to 65,000 then maybe we can talk......................I've had it!0 -
Choice
Service is not 8-4 . It's first am- after 6pm . And you know going on your own is even more hours then working for someone... You might want to get out of service all together .Work in a installation shop . As you know it is more strenuous then service work . School fireman , power plant or the rail road? More of a set job hours ,less overtime .Then you have more time for your side work (cash and gravy). Just thinking for you Brother.
You want to work for a good shop? We are always looking for good techs(no drugs and a clean licence) .We have all the work you can handle and then some !
I have found that fellow workers sick of service work leave one way or the other. Either a change of work or kill them selfs trying to finish out .0 -
Hmmmm,
If you go out on your own you are going to have a problem. "Hey, that new boiler you put in yesterday is not working", "Yeah, well I'm going somewhere so tough", "But it's 10 degrees out!" ......that ain't gonna fly. I think you should just get out of the business period.0 -
Hey if you think this business is bad..look at these pics
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Well said
Bill. At first it looked like a legitimate question but he's now coming across as a whiner.
"Pay me $65,000.00 and things will be alright" or "He needs me more than I need him" doesn't sound like someone looking for a solution.
I wonder how long he's going to be happy at the higher salary seeing it doesn't address the original problem--stuck waiting for the phone to ring.
He should think about taking your advice.0 -
Usually, you get nothing for "just being on call" until you actually work. Some companies give the $50.00 or get paid for 4-8 hrs no matter how long the jop takes. But the norm is nothing. It's always been part of the job. I fully believe in performanced base pay. I think you are worth a percentage of what you bring in. This eliminates all these problems. The reason I posted is for you Frank. You seem to have frustrations built into your tone. Is it the on-call issue or are there other problems? I tell technicians during my sermons, if you are happy where you are working and like your co-workers, money can't buy that. It is my belief there is more to the issue here. You absolutely have every right to go on your own and try to create competition, but here some advice. Be careful of the toes you step on today, because they may be attached to the **** you have to kiss tomorrow. Basically, if you decide to leave, leave respectfully and professionally. We never know what lies ahead in our future.
Thanks
REAK0 -
Hey Frankie..I hear ya, but I've been on both sides
take the $50 bucks-for-doin'-nothing or start your own business and really feel like a slave and take financial beatings. mad Dog
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Cash and gravy ........awwright..........................
just don't get caught, b. In our County, The crack down is coming from all quarters: Plumbing Board, inspectors, district attorney, consumer affairs, and the Better Business Bureau, and us licensed contractors. Mad Dog
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Sales or burst
Frank, pull the plug bud!! Its time to get into sales. If you have 30 yrs in the field with install and service you will be a asset to the industry and better family man. Do this and you will be doing yourself good.0 -
House arrest
I have to wear a pager every 6th day. It feels like one of those electronic prison ankle bracelets. Your time isn't yours. We get an hour at time and a half for every day on call. I disagree with having to do it for nothing. By wearing a pager it helps keep the owner's company in business. If I refused to answer a call what would happen, the owner could lose a customer. As for bringing the van home, it carries over $2000 worth of MY tools in it as well as the owners inventory.
Leo0 -
GO AHEAD AND QUIT
SEE IF I CARE !!
MJ0 -
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Tell ya what
Frank, maybe you should take up flippin burgers or something, I am on call at irregular hours and times, sometimes for weeks and sometimes only for a day or two. I work for a small company that does large things, I can do all of the things you say you can do plus a few you have not listed. I do not get standby pay at all just my overtime and I have never had a problem with it. My company treats me very well and my boss takes a LARGE percentage of the after hours calls and does not complain to me about the hours he works. If I can make him a few more bucks I will make a few more bucks. Try and get a decent job from a guy that lives beind a dumpster and see what you get paid. I also had my own company for over fifteen years and if you want that headache you can have it!0 -
Go ahead, I dare you.
I love when service techs talk about going out on their own.
I guess the grass is always greener....
Could you image all I had to worry about in this business was when I would be on call?
As they say on MTV, "Take the drama to your Mama!"
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Consulting & Troubleshooting
Heating in NYC or NJ.
Classes0 -
digruntled employees
I'm not speaking for Frank because I don't know his situation. He does seem a little bitter. I have had employees over the years that though the company is getting filthy rich. Maybe some companies are but most just make a good living. The money it takes to keep everything going is unbeleivable. I've had a few that seen what came in but they don't see what goes out. If they did they would have a better understanding. Open book management would probably cure that problem. I've been very fortunate to become an overnight success it only took fifteen years. Honestly though the last four has been pretty good but I better not blink or it all could unravel. As far as being on call I've been on call 24/7 for fifteen years. I don't like seeing unhappy people my advise would be to find what makes a fellow happy and don't look back. good luck0 -
Frank you gotta
stop. You are shot...spent. 24 years and it sounds like you are done. That is ok....the answer is not more money...youwill just get mad in a couple of months again. The answer is...installs only..or a new job. In this weather it gets to all of us. Do yourself a favor talk to the boss and/or move on before it kills you.
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65,000.00
Frankie ==As johnny said go ahead I dare ya Lets see if you got what it takes to make 65 grand on your own. All the Best J.Lockard0 -
Your up Frankie.....
name that tune!!! Mad Dog
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Exactly Jim
most guys have no clue, Mad Dog
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Yes they do need to be sat down and shown the books
The new apprentice I'm trying to break in asked how much certain jobs cost. Initially, I thought he was just nosy, but then I sat him down, told him AND then TOLD HIM what we paid last year in gas, insurance, plumbing supplies, truck repair, et cetera - at least the kid understands now and doesn't think were raking it in like clams. Mad Dog
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Frank open your eyes.
You need the education you get when your name is on the door. Then you will truly grow. Then you will understand why you don't get sympathy from owners. Being on call is nothing compared to dealing with the Labor dept. Tax Dept. unemployment department, Licensing boards and disgruntled homeowners when your #1 genious tech just used her favorite bathroom and now it stinks. This is the stuff that owners have to deal with besides makin the equipment work. But the only way to fully understand that is to jump in with the rest of us pampered owners. Then you will understand how petty it is to complain that you have to wear a pager and be on call. You are not a bank teller, you are a service tech. The equipment needs to work even when you want to not think about it. That is what we do! And I love it!0 -
Working Mans Loopoll
If your your owner you can "Play" with the monies comming in. If you work for someone your pay is stripped before you cash the check. A working man just about clears his bills with his pay in this field. I feel sorry for the up and comming starting out. I can not see them supporting a $300,000 morgage and buying dipers . A working man has to do side work today . Does he want to put in 50 hours +++ a week and install a boiler on his day off ?? I would say not , but he would to feed his family put his kid through school. Yes it will be cash.Yes the buyer will get a better price and the same job or better if he went through a licenced company. And they could get a bad job just like they can licence contractors . It's the man that does the work. Sorry that it's the way it is . They are not robbing a bank they are working men , using their hands providing for their familys.. God will smile on them0 -
Yes they do need to be sat down
With 43 yrs self employment experience I agree with you, Matt.
Maybe Frank is ripe for a job with his local building code enforcement department.
al0 -
on call
is part of the buisness. I don't believe that Frank is complaining about not enough family time but that on call cuts into his moonlighting time. Like I've said before Moonlighters steal from their families and employers. If I catch one of my associated MOONLIGHTING their out on their butts, looking for a paycheck and no unemployment scamming to start their own lowball buissness.JMHO GEORGE0 -
Labor blues
George,
I think, you just might loose your case before the labor board hearing commission. No justice for employers!
al0
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