After 5 years in a machine shop, obtaining certifications from tech school, learning 7 different positions in the shop, I've only gotten $2 in raises. I started as a temp for $12, got hired on at $14, and now I'm sitting at $16.50. I asked for 19 back in July, and they denied it. Soon after, people started leaving and they offered me 18.50 to take on the work of one of the most stressful positions in the shop while maintaining my other duties. I told them if they can cough up the extra 50 cent, that I would do it, and they denied yet again. I haven't worked a 40 hour week since. I go in when I want, leave when I want, and they don't say shit to me because they know I'm so underpaid. My vacation time renewed in october, and in November, I scheduled 3 weeks off, and my first day back is tomorrow. Putting in my notice as soon as I get in tomorrow morning. Already got a start date for my next job at $21 on Jan. 23rd.
The insurance at old company is Tenure based. First year I believe was around 150 a week. I thought after 4-5 years that “free” insurance was worth staying for, but the new shop has their best insurance plan for around 50 a week. And the old place just switched from blue cross/ blue shield to kaiser Permanente, but the new place is still blue cross/ blue shield which to my understanding is better. I also will now only be working Monday through Thursday, giving me time to try and get a side hustle going.
Do yall think they will try to keep the “vacation time” check that they haven't paid me yet since I am putting in my notice tomorrow, or is that illegal? I thought about waiting until Thursday (payday), and not showing up ever again. This place has pissed me off more than anything in my life ever has. I don't understand how someone that makes 100k a year can look someone in the face and tell them that after 5 years, they still deserve to be in the poverty tax bracket. I have proved myself and saved peoples' ass time and time again. And I'm sick of the lack of recognition and reward. Thanks for reading.