well its time to move on...hope this brings better times.
it all started by trying to hepl d/max owners out. they say thats where the case began."oh we have watched you pull warranty fals clames on all these d/max to make money".I spent 45 min today getting my ace ripprd up and down for just doing my job....see its been slow and our csi is way down...our dealer is co-owned by Gm kind of. the dealer was built by GM for the owners for they made aggreement to keep csi 80% and sales up or GM will pull the deal.we are under the gun every day.advisors are trained so ace backwords and its all a mess.
what topped if off they say is one screw up. See I did and intake reseal on 3.4 venture van and some how got 2 push rods crossed.well long story short I bent a push rod and valve. no internal damage.pulled it all apart paid for the patrts and fixed it all in one day.had the head off in an hour and back on in 2. all ok. get done with the test drive pulled into managers office and given the choice you quit we will not fire you!!!!!or take 2 days off come back and we will not allow you to work on engines or d/max or nothing but "things a uneducated lub kid can due" I was told its nobodys falt your wife got "knocked up" its not our falt you only 11.00 hr. then you asked for a raise and pull this....after 30min of BS.knowing I and fighting an uphill battle. I simply say the d/max all I am doing is helping the owner, what about there csi....and the pushrod I fixed it. of the hundreds of intake reseal I have done This is a first. I admitted it I told the boss did not cover it up told the owner.said I was sorry and got it fixed on my time..no charge to cust or shop...all I got was a kick in the ace....so all you portland or
d/max owners I am not at CARR any more.I will keep working on the side trying to get off the ground.IF I go to another dealer I will post where. well thanks for letting me blow off steam..all I wish I had was a juiced
d/max to go run the anger out..Just a good dam good honest tech trying to make a buck and help the owners and all it gets is well a tool bill,sore hands hearing loss,sore back and well nothing...You want to measure a deraler and there worth to you, go right through the advisor and manager to the tech. If the tech aint happy I 100% asure you your truck aint going to get fixed right...not all the tech falt but sh*t rolls everywhere.
Patrick....Edited by: patrick

bummer http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif Hope you turn up something better. Keep in touch.

Jim

Sorry to hear that! Try to focus on the positive and let the negative stuff leave your mind. It's depressing, I'm sure. But don't waste any energy thinking about negative stuff. Find something in the future positive and focus on it! Your new baby doesn't care where you work or how much you make, it just wants to be with you. You and Momma are its entire universe. Fatherhood, the best 5 years of your life are about to begin. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


Hope this helps!

Sorry to hear this. Trippin said it best. Keep your head up and good things are just around the corner.

Hang in there, changes like this always turn out for the better. Sounded like a crappy employer and you deserve better than that.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gifTrippin you hit the nail on the head my friend.


What the most important things in life are money can't buy.


Good luck to you Patrick you will come out better off than you were.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Rock On.gif


Blake

Hey Patrick, you will find something soon. I'm sure lots of dealers around here need a good tech. If you stay around we should still plan something for September.

Trippin is right on. I don't think you were happy working there anyway. I'm sure there are allot of opportunities for a good Duramax mechanic. Best of luck to you and your family......

Sounds to me your a honest sincere hardworking individual ... Unfortunately your past employer didn't appreciate it and it is time to move on and be rewarded and respected for your loyalty and work ethics ...


Patrick good luck better things are to come for you and your family ...





Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif

I would have to agree with MACKIN.........sometimes employers really do not see what they have..........


You are displaying the qualities that any employer will want.....


Maybe they did you a favor...........


BTW.......


It's the dealers and the customers loss there not yours.


Good Luck to you





Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifNY

Sounds like they were looking for a reason and when you made a boo-boo, they used it.

Doesn't surprise me a dealer would axe an honest tech.

Bottom line..... look forward and use your good experiences as a springboard. Careful try not to burn any bridges if you can. I will wish you luck but you probably won't need it. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Join the club...... I'm collecting myself.

Edited by: hoot

I kinda know what your feeling Patrick, had something similar happen to me last year. For me it was downsizing/rightsizing whatever you want to call it. 25 years of service and I was shown the door. Anyway I never forgot what my dad always said, "sometimes things happen for a reason" Don't beat yourself up on this, I only offer this advice from experience, I tried it and it didn't work. Got to remain positive and look at things on a postive level.Sounds like you are surrounded by good friends and family. That's what really counts. Opportunity exists out there and you're going to be the one that makes it happen!!! Trust me it's only a matter of time.
Good Luck Patrick!!

Patrick keep your head up, there are plenty of GM dealers out there. are there many other dealers in the portland area? if you aren't hard set on the area perhaps relocating would be fruitful?


good luck in whatever you choose! let us know what you're going to do. we're here to help if need be!

Hmmm...I can't figure it out. How can an employer can a specialized and trained employee for the reasons stated above? As a business owner, all I can tell you , that it is incredibly hard to find good people to work. Mind you I'm in retail so it's not as specialized as being a GM Tech, but wow, I had been looking for sales help for 3 months before I found someone to replace my right-hand lady who is moving out of state. Employers like patrick's usually learn the hard way. Been in business for 20 years and seen it happen too many times.....Patrick, believe me , you will get scooped up in a New York minute. Like my kids tell me: Hakunamatata....

Sorry to hear about the way you were treated. You could never know what the real reason you were fired for. Your boss could have been under the gun to cut payroll volume. never the less you have to be positive and move foward. The best mechanics learn from mistakes and will make some. Good luck mate.

I think the remark about wife being KNOCKED UP should get a punch in the nose reflex! Sorry, I'm from the old school get carried away sometimes. You did the best thing, there will be life after that a*#hole

Something better is ALWAYS around the corner. This may be a blessing in disguise.. Keep smiling..

As far as I know Phoenix still is without a local Diesel Place diesel tech. That ought to tell you things are lacking around here! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Patrick,


Like everyone here as already said, it is likely that this will be for the better. You have a skill and there are many locations you will be able to choose from to work. Do some checking, listening and you will find a place to do your "magic". It may or may not take some time so hang in there. You've got a whole bunch of guys here "backing" you up!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif

ALL CHANGE IS FOR THE BEST.WAIT AND SEE, YOU WILL LOOK BACK AND BE GLAD THAT HAPPENED.

Honestly sounds like your better off now then before. Remember a discussion we had on here a few months ago with that 1fatcat guy??? Loyalty smoyalty.


The only thing they took from you is your hoist and stalls. You still have your tools, knowledge and experience to share with another place

Patrick,


The dealer is the one who lost on this deal!


Trippin is 100% correct...There is nothing more important than your family! You can (and will) get another job, but your "profession" is being DADDY! Enjoy your family! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif


I have no doubt that you will find something much better...Your honesty and integrity will get you far my friend...Never compromise them!http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs%20Up.gif


I will say a prayer that everything will work out for you!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif








Kevinhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Sounds to me like you are lucky to be away from this dealer. Dealers do not know anything about loyalty and hard work.....good luck.

Sorry about your job loss, and congratulations on the baby.


Hey, I can kind of relate to your story. two weeks ago, Family and me was getting ready for a three week vacation. I had been off work on paid leave for 5 weeks at the time. (Employer did not want to take a chance on me having an accident while on the meds I am taking) I get a call that Tuesday, they want me to come in on Thursday to get caught up on the situation. I get there, and the first thing the boss says is, "We don't want to drag this on any further, so we are letting you go"


I had been there for 15 years. Two years ago in April, I tripped over some re-bar in a very dark work area. I broke my left arm, Some how I got a very bad case of "RSD" I have been under doctors care sense then. I have went through 43 weeks of therapy, and seen 7 doctors. 3 of which made remarks about having my arm cut off.


I had been of light duty during this whole ordeal. On March 27th of this year, Workers Comp called a meeting with me and several from my employer, including Human Resources. BWC wanted to try job training. My employer and anyone high enough to make a decision stated that it was not at all necessary, and that I had no chance of being let go, as they had a permanent light duty job for me.


This was 2 weeks after BWC sent me to a pain management Doctor, and he was prescribing Methadone, Celebrex, Neurontin, and Merinol. Near the end of April I was called in to the office. I was informed they were placing me on paid leave until the Doctor takes me off of the meds. Then 5 weeks later, just when I was going away for a long awaited vacation they drop the bomb.


We went on vacation and had a great time. But cut it one week shorthttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif

I beleive you need to hire an attorney........


I know I would be.........


As far as I know that kind of stuff is not allowed, are you UNION ??????


Good Luck.





Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gifNY

Although it hardly seems like it right now, you will be better off. It is not worth working for someone who would treat the most valuable asset (an employee) that way. A business is its personnel, and from your posts, I sense you are a really good tech and a valuable asset. We all hope you find something better quickly.

I beleive you need to hire an attorney........


I know I would be.........


As far as I know that kind of stuff is not allowed, are you UNION ??????


Good Luck.





Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gifNY Tony; I don't know if you were referring to me or not, But I was not a union member. But I have hired two Attorney`s One for the BWC and one for wrongful firing. I have kept most if not all of my doctors orders as well as paper work from my ex employer. Both Attorney`s specialize in the fields I hired them for.

Patrick ~ your friends have given very good points/advice. My take is that there's something bigger going on and they took it out on you. Sigh ~ an 11 per hr trained specialist tells me they had no respect from the gitgo. You were loyal and demonstrated integrity by being up front on an error and remedied the mistake w/o cost consequences to anyone else. We're all humans and anyone can make a mistake and in my experience the employer programmed for it and took the hit as long as it wasn't malicious/negligence. I believe in accountability to a higher order and it is apparent that there is something major happening that it is probably best if you are no longer there when it hits the fan. Godspeed on your new endeavors and keep us posted.

I beleive you need to hire an attorney........


I know I would be.........


As far as I know that kind of stuff is not allowed, are you UNION ??????


Good Luck.





Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gifNY


Tony; I don't know if you were referring to me or not, But I was not a union member. But I have hired two Attorney`s One for the BWC and one for wrongful firing. I have kept most if not all of my doctors orders as well as paper work from my ex employer. Both Attorney`s specialize in the fields I hired them for.





Yes I was referring to you.........


Good Luck with the case.........


TONY

Patrick, if you wanna come out east to the land of lakes (Michigan) I bet you and I could put two toolboxes togather and make one shop....


I have worked for enough dealers to know that there are more then one place to work... I firmly believe things happen for a reason for the most part, and this will be your opportunity to better yourself.

Patrick, keep your head up! All things happen for a reason, and it's usually something betterhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif Edited by: bartman

I hate to hijack this thread but someone said lawyer ... http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif





Here's my take as an employer ....


If they (Employer) fight Unemployment compensation benifit eligability then you have a case of poor actions taking by your past employer if you feel you are wronged .... You will have a hearing and they must prove that the cause of dismissal, was of your own doing .... If you accept Unemployment ,that's your compensation unless you have a contract with your employer ....


I have never lost a case ...


Workers Compensation ...


If your injured on the job you have two choices to accept workers compensation benefits or not ... Workers compensation is mandatory here in CT and protects the company from legal litigation .... If you accept compensation through the Insurance Carrier you cannot sue the Employer for compensation too,you can't do both ...If you chose to not accept WC then you have to cover your expenses ...


Here in Ct Workers compensation is skyrocketing and a Major Contributer to companies leaving the state ... Little background ..


You pay a rate set by the state in classification categories that best fit your industry description ... I'm in the Rolling Steel Processing non structural no drivers ... My Rate is $12.80 per $100 dollars of salary ...So for every $1000 bucks I pay $128 dollars ... This does not include many surcharges IE Second Injury fund and the biggie Experience Mod ...


Experience MOD is a Premium percentage over and above your policy cost based on Payroll ... Mine has been as high as 1.9 ... Normally it's below .9 ... This is based on your accident exposers and actual expenses incurred ... Yes I've had some good ones on stupid mistakes by individuals ... So you do the math on a payroll of $250,000 for covered employees in that classification ...This rate effects the insured for THREE YEARS ....As a matter of fact I was once again put into a risk pool this year for one injury only do to the fact that my current insurance company decided to drop my classification as no longer wanting to cover so I had to go shopping ... Like Auto Ins I had a recent accident so ... The new insurance company did a Inspection as to risk management and I showed "no" corrections needed ...


The biggest expenses which rack up the loses is weekly benefits paid and Therapy,man they can milk this long and hard ... So I too push along with the Insurance company to get the injured workers back on Light Duty ASAP ...


Here's my point ...


I had a employee TRY, thats right TRY and screw me on a back injury ....I wrote letter after letter to WC, my insurance company about this guys history as a employee ... He milked it a long time ... I tried and tried to get him back to work but the Therapist said NO repeatedly...I spoke numerous times on the phone with this individual terapist as to what his light duties would be ...Drive a Fork Lift and clarical no lifting ,period .... I said if he can drive a car he can work ...


I knew this guy was a POS .... I hired a PI that's right to follow him and Video tape him ... Well guess what they seen him jogging up and down stars ... Throwing a duffel bag of laundry over his shoulder ,reaching across a U-haul truck to unlocking a passenger door ... Yea baby ...


Well now the Therapist in her defense (I think WC was on her back http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif) said he had good days a

Workmans Comp has been out of control in Calif. for years. Very similar situations as in Conn. There is a whole infrastructure built up around this industry. The benefits are also fairly low (relative to the huge sums paid).

We got a Law school down the street from our office. I say they ought to shoot every third graduate. Maybe this would deter some enrollees in the school, thus lightening the load on the courts and saving business/industry and the consumer untold billions of dollars. Legitimate lawsuits including neglect and product defects are one thing, but the goofy lawsuits for the lazy or the get rich quick folks cost us all.

Workers Compensation ...


If your injured on the job you have two choices to accept workers compensation benefits or not ... Workers compensation is mandatory here in CT and protects the company from legal litigation .... If you accept compensation through the Insurance Carrier you cannot sue the Employer for compensation too,you can't do both ...If you chose to not accept WC then you have to cover your expenses ...


So Mike no offense but when I see you "no wrench needed I remove my WTF sensor by hand" and "I hired TWO lawyers" it don't look good .... I bet you go and edit your thread now ,it's evidence...


Mac


Mackin; I am right handed, and it is my left hand that is 95% useless. So how did you come up with my statement as being evidence against me? It don't take a genus to figure out that removing something by hand can be one hand.


Also when I started occupational therapy I had to squeeze the hand griper with each hand to get a base line. I could not get a reading with my left hand, and I squeezed a 183 lb with my right hand. After two different therapy offices and 43 weeks I was up to 5-6 lb left handed and down to 168 lb right handed.


My body weight went from 227 with 12% body fat at the time of the injury to 168 lb and still in the 12% range for body fat that I am currently at.


As for hiring a Lawyer, in Ohio you some times have to fight for workers compensation benefits. It is not a given that you get anything. And I am not eligible for unemployment benefits due to the fact I am not capable of doing many jobs at all. Here in Ohio you must be fit to work pretty much any job. Besides that, one is not eligible for unemployment benefits while pursuing any other type of compensation, such as workers comp benefits.


Mac; What would you do if after 15 years without ever having a right up or down time due to anything the employer up and fired you due to an on the job injury? For the first 13 years I never worked less then 3045 hours per year, with a high of 3568 hours. I never missed a day of work (There were times I went home, or took a day off with pay when things were slow but never did a no show. And in the winter I would volunteer to take time off using my vacation or sick time when the boss didn't want all of us setting around in the office) until the April 25 2002 injury.


I never turned down over time, and in fact I worked for other employees many of times when my jobs were not working, I ask for extra work nearly every week during those 13+ years. I worked 105.5 hours one week then turned around and worked 96 the next, It was not uncommon to work 80+ hours per week for 20+ weeks a year.


In Ohio the employer has a choice, they can pay the employees base pay wages while off work for an work related injury, or they can elect to have workers comp to pay, In my case my employer elected to pay my 40 hour rate for 14 weeks from the time of the injury, then put me on light duty until May of this year when they once again elected to place me on paid leave. From everything I have learned from this ordeal, an employer can not fire an employee in this manner. What they should have done was informed me and the Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) that they will no longer pay my leave of absence. (Which my employer is the one that decided on me taking the paid time off in the first place) Then BWC would start the paper work to either accept or reject any further benefits to me. But in stead, they elected to flat out fire me.


Do you think this is fair? I sure don't! By the way, My Doctors has been writing me off work from day one, and still is.

I'm not going to debate this topic this really isn't the place... I was just given a general statement ... If you were able to hold the filter with one hand and unscrew the filter minder without the filter coming loose from the base, great ....That's progress ....


I'm not insinuating you aren't legitimately injured and shouldn't be compensated ... I'm also not insinuating your employer may or may not have Wronged you ... After all there is two sides to every story ....


We don't have a pay the employee option here in CT,everything goes thru WC ... The employee I mentioned hired a lawyer too, he got squat, him and his lawyer, yes I seen the loss runs so I know what and if there was a settlement ....


In your case it would seem to me since you have a work related injury WC should step up and take care of your expenses ...


Your right an employer has no right to fire you over a work related injury, you weren't very clear as to your reason of discharge or the disposition of ...I thought you were cleared for light duty ... Here in CT you can get a job with in your capabilities and WC will supplement your income until you at 100% capacity or settlement is reached ...Unemployment nope,seek employment,nothing wrong with that ....


Although you have came out and defended your stand I'm looking at it from a managerial position ... This may not look favorable in some eyes views ... If they can't place you with in your capibilities,what ever your permanent or partial disability is, you should be compensated for it and find a job with in your capabilities ...


I have a few employees that have worked for me a length of time and do what I can as long as they reciprocate ... They also feel I owe them, more then a decent wage and working conditions,which I don't ... When I have gone over and above for employee and they leave for a minor salary increase or a career change, all I hear is sorry .... So it works both ways, no ones contract obligated ... Also when they get injured they offer sorry and when I ask about the wearing of required safety items and they weren't they get pissed off I report it on the First injury report and their questioned ... What ever your history with your past employer is NOMB but your own ...





Sure I feel bad for anyone who is injured on the job....Trust me this is an ugly job, but you gotta do what you gotta do ......


Good luck


Mac

Sorry Patrick....I'm only adding to this thread because Mackin already hijacked it and my blood is boiling! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif


Sorry to hear of your story Mike, mine is somewhat similar. "NO ONE" will understand going through being on WC unless you've been there. I will not go into much detail, BUT I worked for a large company for 28 years. I was in management, had a crew of 10, my senior guy asked me for physical help, I gave it and blew out my back. Four years of "my" life have gone by and four low back surgeries too!


Yes, there are people that "use" the system and makes it bad for the people that "need" it. Therefore when management types make statements that have been made here, it makes me "a lot" PO'd.


I do understand it is out of control and needs to be corrected, but NOT to the result of the guy that does need it might lose it or gets further hassle or headaches.


Oh yeah, did I happen to mention, the company I worked for, for 28 years terminated me due to "Corporate Downsizing"? That's what's called "real" appreciation for 28 years of dedication....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif


I'm done. End of hijacking.

Patrick; I did not intend in hijacking your sad story!


I wish you all the luck, Hope you can pickup and move if need be, but hope that is not in the cards for you.

Steve





I didn't hyjack the thread ,I gave an opinion on what was posted by anouther member ...


Sorry you had some bad luck ...





Mac

Mackin, hdmax,


Your both phoney.





Patrick,


Thank you for sharing this experience with us, most of use have had experiencies that feel better when shared. Thank you for sharing your "Dmax", experience and knowledge with "us less experienced". Good luck/success to you and your family.


Idahofox