Pretty sure I got ripped off

[dub]

I hate this to be my first post here but I need some advice. Its a long story that ill be happy top tell but I just need a couple quick answers if possible. Here is the start,
I was hired at a local off road shop and was told that I would be paid per job. $15 an hour for what the job called for. Meaning, if the job says it will take 15 hours and I do it in 10, I still get paid for 15.

Does anyone know what these installs require as far as the installation time,?

One of them was a new 4 door JK that I installed a complete 4.5 RE long arm, front and rear Smitty bumpers and winch the rear had a swing out tire carrier that I wired too(and not just with the wires dangling through the tailgate). This took me 18 hours.

Another JK with the same bumpers and winch. 4 hours

A TJ with a 3.5 RE Short arm. 5 hours

I could keep this list going (with a lot more) but Im pretty sure that the above "only" would be over $360.



I worked there for two weeks. 5 to 8 hours a day. I was paid $360 for about 50 hours of work. I went down there everyday they told me I could and worked until they told me to stop. I didnt take any breaks and I didnt talk to anyone.

What do you guys think? BTW, im Jeff

 

[bobcat481]

Are you new to installs like this? Are you using impact guns/air tools? I'm sure these figures are based on someone that has the tooling, and has vast experience installing the different setups. If you DO have the experiance, and tooling, then I'd say you're getting jacked. If not, you gotta have the tools of the trade, and experience/speed will come with time. AND TAKE YOUR BREAKS MAN!!

 

[dub]

Are you new to installs like this? Are you using impact guns/air tools? I'm sure these figures are based on someone that has the tooling, and has vast experience installing the different setups. If you DO have the experiance, and tooling, then I'd say you're getting jacked. If not, you gotta have the tools of the trade, and experience/speed will come with time. AND TAKE YOUR BREAKS MAN!!

I worked at their shop using their tools. I just talked to a Rep. at Rubicon Express and he said that the kit I installed calls for 15 to 17 hours. I did it in 12?

 

[bobcat481]

Then you got jacked. Tell them you want yo' money by the hour, if not walk away. Yes, it may be a job, but one that's taking advantage of you. Are they telling you that the 15-17 hour job should have taken 10? Where do they get thier numbers from? Most install guides I have ever came across were VERY liberal with thier estimated times. They are timed with a "blind man on crutches" installing the job (hence why you did it 3-5 hours quicker than Rubicon said). If your shop is giving you B.S. figures, then tell them what you think. It may work out where they quit messing with you, or they might just fire you. If that's case, steal all their tooling, burn thier shop down, start your own shop, and pay them $10 a hour to suck your *%$# in your new office. But hey...who am I? All in all, I think they are workin' you over. Talk to your boss and find out what the deal is. It's either that, or work for an average of $7 an hour.

 

[DREDnot]

I worked in a custom gun shop with the same BS setup.

You're getting hosed and the owner is laughing all the way to the bank.

Ask for $10 per hour straight time and I'll bet he says no. You don't have to wonder why.

My deal was $12 per "book" hour and when I asked for $8 straight time like the guys making the craptastic fiberglass stocks that I had to bed and finish, the owner said he couldn't afford that.

Needless to say , I walked.

 

[superj]

that type of pay is called flag pay and is how every dealership and firestone type of mechanic shop pays. they have the time the book says to fix something and they pay you that time. if you do it quicker, you get more money, if you take longer, you lose money.

call and get the times the manufacturer says the lifts and parts take to install. then, tell the boss what happen and give him your figures for what you should have made. if he says no, you are wrong, tell him fine and go talk to the texas workforce commission to find out who you complain to about illegal pay.

where are you in texas?

 

[Weylyn]

that type of pay is called flag pay and is how every dealership and firestone type of mechanic shop pays. they have the time the book says to fix something and they pay you that time. if you do it quicker, you get more money, if you take longer, you lose money.

call and get the times the manufacturer says the lifts and parts take to install. then, tell the boss what happen and give him your figures for what you should have made. if he says no, you are wrong, tell him fine and go talk to the texas workforce commission to find out who you complain to about illegal pay.

where are you in texas?

Exactly my thought. I was a "per job" Mechanic a number of years ago. Boss had all kinds of work and I have all my own air tools. They shorted me by quite a few book hours. I called them on it. Took it to the labor board and the next week, the dealer was closed down. I got my money thankfully, but you will find its a common practice. Check with the manufacturer on book times for installation, then check what you boss claims the book time is. You will find it does not match up.

 

[dub]

Thanks everyone
What's my next step? Im going after my money.

 

[Weylyn]

best thing I could suggest, get a hold of you local labor board. Make sure you have the book hours by manufacturer and all work done.