Let go...

moxiepilot · November 22nd, 2006, 18:01

Unfortunately after a short stint as a survey pilot I'm being let go because of my lack of religous affiliation. The company owes me $4200 and I haven't signed a non-disclosure agreement. The boss tried to get me to sign one today with a check for $2000.

At least I have some leverage since the information in the oil industry is quite profitable.

tgrayson · November 22nd, 2006, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by moxiepilot

I'm being let go because of my lack of religous affiliation.

Could you provide more detail on that?

TechFlyer · November 22nd, 2006, 18:23

I'm pretty sure that would be illegal.

Kristie · November 22nd, 2006, 18:35

what was the non disclosure agreement for?

JEP · November 22nd, 2006, 18:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by moxiepilot

Unfortunately after a short stint as a survey pilot I'm being let go because of my lack of religous affiliation. The company owes me $4200 and I haven't signed a non-disclosure agreement. The boss tried to get me to sign one today with a check for $2000.

At least I have some leverage since the information in the oil industry is quite profitable.

What happened? Did you have a come to Jesus meeting with the CP?

If you're serrious about the reason, what gives?

n57flyguy · November 22nd, 2006, 19:05

sorry to hear that

Im sure things will work out for the best.

Ian J · November 22nd, 2006, 19:06

WHAT?! There is no way that is legal! Need details!!!

moxiepilot · November 22nd, 2006, 20:09

basically during the interview I asked the boss what he was looking for in an employee, to which he responded that he was seeking, "employees with a strong Christian ethic. But I guess I really can't say that now can I?" I told him he wouldn't have a problem with me - neither confirming I was or was not Christian.

On the first day of work he asked where I was going to Church (after having been in town a whole 2 days). I just told him I was raised to discuss neither religon or politics at work because it can make some people uncomfortable.

Third day of work he gave me a whole bunch of pamphlets (which I have) from his Church. I told him I'd look them over and thank you.

What I agreed to for employment was: $1500 base salary, $20 per flight hour and $125/day per diem. A week ago he said that the company is no longer going to pay per diem. I told him that's not what I agreed to and left it at that.

While I'm thinking of it,

Techflyer - yes, it is illegal
Kristie - the n/d is because the surveying is for potential drilling sites for oil rigs (BIG $$$)

Other than my stating that taking away the per diem was not what I agreed to and letting that go I can think of no reason to can me. No other employer has had problems with me and I have never been let go involuntarily.

Like I said though, I do have a little leverage by not signing the non disclosure, and by Texas law they have 6 calandar days to cut me my check. Guess they should have tried to can me after the weekend. But the guy is trying to not pay me and is pretty flustered that I didn't sign his agreement. He threatened me with taking away a $750 severance package if I didn't sign. Unfortunately for him that still left him owing me about $1500. He got pretty flustered when I didn't sign.

By the way did I mention this took place in his car? What an ass. He told me that he was trying not to get upset. Upset? I think after having cancelled a vacation, moved 1800 miles and being owed $4200 I should be the one upset.

When pressed for supplying a reason, he stated that he doesn't need to give me one. True, but usually when employers have a valid reason they will let you know

Wonder if I should quote the good book of "Give to Ceasear that which is Ceasars" or if that'd just piss him off

bdhill1979 · November 22nd, 2006, 20:15

WOW!!
Descriminatory hiring practice, religious intolerance, and the dude is withholding your check? That sounds like a juicy law suit if you get an attorney involved.

Quote:

Originally Posted by moxiepilot

Wonder if I should quote the good book of "Give to Ceasear that which is Ceasars" or if that'd just piss him off

I have found that nothing pisses off a Johnny Bible thump more than quoting something out of his bible to tell him that he is in the wrong.

Van_Hoolio · November 23rd, 2006, 04:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by moxiepilot

What I agreed to for employment was: $1500 base salary, $20 per flight hour and $125/day per diem. A week ago he said that the company is no longer going to pay per diem. I told him that's not what I agreed to and left it at that.

That doesn't seem very Christian of him, does it?

n57flyguy · November 23rd, 2006, 08:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Van_Hoolio

That doesn't seem very Christian of him, does it?

killbilly · November 23rd, 2006, 08:32

PM me if you're interested in a good labor lawyer in Dallas....

Kristie · November 23rd, 2006, 11:19

I second that.. get a lawyer.. have the lawyer draft up some paper explaining how payment is due for service rendered.. that right there should get your your $$...

before you do that, i'd try to make nice and get the check yourself cuz lawyers aren't cheap...

unless you can prove he canned you for religous beliefs, you don't have much to work on besides just getting your fair payment. altho, i bet there's an attorney out there that could prove he was trying to push his beliefs on you by handing out literature at work....hmmmm....

and you should be able to get an explaination of why you were fired since you were just "hired", it's only fair.

killbilly · November 23rd, 2006, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristie

I second that.. get a lawyer.. have the lawyer draft up some paper explaining how payment is due for service rendered.. that right there should get your your $$...

before you do that, i'd try to make nice and get the check yourself cuz lawyers aren't cheap...

unless you can prove he canned you for religous beliefs, you don't have much to work on besides just getting your fair payment. altho, i bet there's an attorney out there that could prove he was trying to push his beliefs on you by handing out literature at work....hmmmm....

and you should be able to get an explaination of why you were fired since you were just "hired", it's only fair.

If what he's saying is even remotely accurate (and I've no reason to believe otherwise) then a simple demand letter from the attorney should be enough to collect. It would potentially cost the owner much more in a legal defense than what he owes Moxie. Just make sure you aren't bluffing.

ready2fly · November 23rd, 2006, 12:17

Not to play Devil's advocate, but.....

Good luck proving his motives for letting you go.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe TX is a "Right to Work" state....meaning - you can be fired if the boss doesn't like the color of your shirt (hyperbole intended).

Best of luck. Seriously.

meritflyer · November 23rd, 2006, 12:28

"At will employers"

Dont need a reason or justification for letting you go.

moxiepilot · November 23rd, 2006, 12:45

i understand tx is an at will state as most are, what i have a problem with is not getting paid, not the fact it i was canned for unknown reasons.

bdhill1979 · November 23rd, 2006, 14:25

I have had my claim for $3600 in unpaid wages into the State of Utah for about a year and a half now. It really is a joke. First I had to prove the unpaid wages, submit my timecards, wait four months for a hearing. At the hearing they admitted that they owed me the money, made an agreement to pay by April 30 2006 or the penalty will double. Still havent been paid. The guy at the labor comission told me that the state had the authority to sieze assets, put leans on homes, and garnish wages, and so forth. They have not as yet done anything. At will employment is a joke when employees have no valid recourse to collect unpaid wages. Good luck getting paid, I hope you get it and if possible nail that scumbag to the wall.

surreal1221 · November 23rd, 2006, 14:48

Mind PM the company name so I can not seek employment from them in a few years.

If he is going to let you go because of this. . . then good for you, you don't need to work for a company (or boss) who has such an attitude.

moxiepilot · November 23rd, 2006, 14:59

thanks for the support and info. i have been looking into the process of filing for unpaid wages but by the sound of it i ought to take what i can get. while not right, at least it can get me back to my g/f

i'm holding off on the company name until i hvae settled this, but there is no reason to withhold the employers name to prevent this from happening to others.

tgrayson · November 23rd, 2006, 15:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by moxiepilot

employees with a strong Christian ethic

This is always a red flag. Companies that mix business and religion suck at both.

slushie · November 23rd, 2006, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgrayson

This is always a red flag. Companies that mix business and religion suck at both.

not entirely.
I want to base my businesses on integrity derived from the Bible.

But yes, not coming through on promises is TOTALLY outside of what this guy should be about if he's a Christian.

slushie · November 23rd, 2006, 16:08

OK here's the deal.
I meet his "requirements"
So you get me a job and I'll pass on $8000 to you and get the chance to tell him how a Christian should really run a business.

:P

tgrayson · November 23rd, 2006, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by slushie

I want to base my businesses on integrity derived from the Bible.

And that's a fine thing. But live it, don't talk about it and don't slap it on your business card. Let people ask you how you were able to establish such a company devoted to excellence, and then you can tell 'em.

A reputation for integrity is established by years of performance, not by words, and it can be thrown away in a heartbeat.

Minuteman · November 23rd, 2006, 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgrayson

This is always a red flag. Companies that mix business and religion suck at both.

Not necessarily condoning it, but they do make a good chicken sammich'.

Getting boned out of money that you've earned sucks, but just make sure any attempts at recovering it don't cost more down the road (e.g., unexplained lapses in employment, bad references, lawyer fees). Good luck.