I've been working for a fire suppression company for a little over 7 years. They didn't have any pre requirements for employment, and moved me up through the ranks faster than most companies. At 1 year, I was given a vehicle and company tools/equipment (I still supply my own handtools). But I was also given more responsibility than I ever asked for. At my 5 year mark, I doubled my entry level pay. Now at 7 years expirence I'm expected to preform extremely dangerous tasks with no help and often no supervision on site. Everything from pipefitting attics to running scissor lifts in warehouses but often completely by myself.
A little background about the company.
Has been operating for over 20 years
Small family business, 7 employees total.
Never laid anyone off.
Does pay vacation, holiday, and sick time but no investing options.
Appears to be going downhill fast.
We resorted to using subcontractors within the last 3 years and they are often telling me about their contracts being way behind on pay. To the point they refuse to show up without cash on site. They get paid completely in cash from what I'm aware.
Sometimes (maybe 3 times a year) my check will bounce unknowingly. But on this most recent time, it happened before I left for vacation so I had to continue my vacation 2 weeks behind pay.
Now I'm perfectly fine with doing my job requirements although it becomes increasingly more difficult when I show up to sites to get screamed at for being behind. I don't make the schedule. I just install sprinkler pipe.
The company has recently had to switch vendors multiple times because being behind on our tab. Owner claims companies aren't paying him on time.
Where I'm drawing the line is, I find it incredibly dangerous to preform a lot of these tasks single manned. From draining down buildings to refilling by myself. Since I've brought it to multiples people's attn that I no longer desire to work alone, they make the changes to satisfy me until we're in a “pinch”. We've never not been in a “pinch” it seems.
Since asking for help has been a revolving door, I'm curious to see about asking for hazard pay. A mere $10 on top of what I make hourly when I'm forced into these positions. Seeing how the company is already headed in a downward path, does this make me an asshole? I know with my credentials plenty of other businesses would much prefer my help. I have nothing keeping me from overtime and often ask for as much as I can get. (Bottomless well) I want to see the business success but at what point do I say enough is enough? We recently had a sub fall through an attic from 25' up and I'm worried if it happens to me, no one will be around to hear me yell for help. Thanks in advance!