STORY PAGE
"Designers"(not the real name)
"Designers" was a “Job Shop”. A Job Shop is a company that hired drafters, designers, engineers, etc. as temps for other companies. The usual contract for a job shopper (Me) was six months.
The New York (City) office contacted me in Binghamton. I had just completed a job with another Job Shop and was hoping for some R & R at home. They needed someone at their Rochester office. They had received a Kodak contract and needed people yesterday. I asked how soon? Wednesday morning at the latest was the answer. I agreed. They sent me a confirming telegram with travel expenses.
I was at my sister’s Tuesday. I found a furnished apartment and then stayed the night with my sister. I reported to "Designers" the next morning. Talk about lack of communication, they did not know I was coming. The local office manager was angry. He called NYC and was clued in. That morning I started a project. I took the afternoon off to get the gas, electric and phone installed at my new apartment.
Thursday morning I returned to work. Shortly thereafter I was called into the manager’s office. He explained that they, for the most part, had enough personnel on hand to do the project. I was to check with him each Friday to see if I was still needed the following morning. I explained that I had confirmation for six months work. He in turn explained that he was not going to carry the likes of me when work slowed down. I said not to worry. I left.
I returned to my sister’s called and cancelled the utilities to the apartment. I told the landlord he could list the apartment again. (He had someone to rent it right away if I would give it up immediately.) I did He returned my months rent and months deposit. I insisted he kept a weeks rent for his trouble. He accepted.
I called the NYC office I told them I was out of there. I was pissed. I explained the entire story. They said I could go back if I wanted, they would take care of it. The Rochester office would have to "bite the bullet" as they had not informed NY of recent hirings. I was tempted, but I didn’t. I did stay awhile and visited with my sister.
When I returned home there was a check from "Designers". Two months pay with per diem plus travel pay home with the following note. “Please except the following payment. You will be further pleased to know that it was charged to the Rochester Office. May we contact you again if needed by any of our other offices?”
I called with my thanks. I started work at "Designers" Endicott the following Monday.
That is another story. (“The suggestion”) | |
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