The piece rate system only good for those who stay focused on being productive 100% of the time. This may contradict company rules as you are responsible to bring each and every job up to company standards. Some areas have been riddled with contractors, who cut every corner possible. Now it's on you to redo their horrific work on your dime. You just can't make money that way so therefore if you do try to make money, you risk write ups or termination for not fixing jobs properly. You will also be faced with longtime customers who don't want you to bring a job up to code. Then what??? Arguing just gets you nowhere leaving you, again, with no money made if job not completed.
OSHA rules have also changed over the years requiring fall protection equipment if you need to leave ladder to access the satellite. 9 out of 10 customers don't want to hear that you have to install a 2nd satellite on their roof and supervisors will not be happy if u drag them to the field to provide the fall protection equipment. Since supervisors have a hand in your route, it's best to stay on their good side if you want to make good money. The long and the short of it is, I've never seen or heard of fall protection being used on any job in the years since the rule changed. EVER! So go on the roof, don't fall & don't get caught or you will be fired! To me, not the way I want to go about my life knowing I must risk my life or job to make money.
Mastec really likes to take advantage of every loophole and has been sued, and lost, in the past. Just use google and you will see. They will push as far as the law allows often resulting in varying rules from state to state. I personally have been awarded payment for something, was told to sign off that I received the check, only to find out that I signed my rights away by accepting the money. Shady if you ask me.
Just to top it off you are often reminded that you work for a subcontractor. Most of your day to day issues are the result of the client so therefore nobody can change that at Mastec. You get a lot of " Sorry, there's nothing we can do about it."
Most recently, a pay cut. Not just a group of Tech's but across the board. With business booming, customers bills in the increase, and job quality and expectations as high as I've seen since the beginning, we are told that we must accept less money for the hard work we do. So where does that money go??? Who knows. I personally have pay sheets from a decade ago and the rate is virtually the same. You want a raise, do more work!!!
