EVERYBODY WANTS THEM. NOT EVERYBODY GETS THEM. IN TODAYS TIMES YOU HAVE GOT TO GO THE EXTRA MILE AND WITH TODAYS ECONOMY WE SHOULD ALL BE HAPPY WERE NOT ON UNEMPLOYMENT LIST 

That BS story of "Well, I have been on this bigger pump for xxx months and I need a raise." isn't really going to cut it today.

"Thank you for still being in business and giving me a check" is a more healthy and realistic outlook.

well if you are in the union you get a raise every year

oregonfan6285

That is one of the very few things that I don't like about unions. To its members it is a good deal, I won't deny you that. To your company's well being, not so much. It pretty much removes the market from the market; if you know what I mean. It temporarily escalates your standard of living at the risk of there not being any company from which to collect that benefit. I say that due to the hard time that many people and companies are experiencing now.

I know its hard on the companies but the workers have felt the higher fuel prices also,as a manager I see it from both sides and I always try to get my operators a little more each year if deserving,if that means I have to go up on prices I do it may mean less work and the company and the employee both feel the crunch but it always works out in the end but we are not that slow down here and pumps are still in high demand

i agree we should be thankfull we are not on the unemployed list, i was lucky enough to get an interview and land a job while the economy is in a bind, however i was told 90 day probation and then you'll get your operators wages so im sucking it up ,ill let you all know in 3 weeks  what happens to the probation and my wages

Thankfull for haveing a job in these tough times. bIf you been with your company for awhile and you are now experiencing tough times that means that you were there for the good times, and got them to the point where they are today.When they needed us to work 90+ hours a week and forget any kind of home life. we were there and now we need them to give a little they should. My pump makes more $$ today then it did 5 years ago so what if fuel cost more so does life! Well thats my 2cents now im broke gee thanks for bringing this up . ;)

thats why i love being a union concrete pump operator , the raise every year is great !

I really have to disagree with you Bob.  Me personally I would stay at home rather than have someone offer me less money than I think Im worth.  I have been at home for a month because I will not take a pay cut.  If owners and managers put in the mindset you are only worth xamount of money for your professional ability, then we are no better than the whores who cut prices to get jobs.  We are professionals and if these people want to pay a sub-standard rate let them hire some mixer driver or drunk to operate thier expensive equipment.  I have personally witnessed a grown man operate a 52 meter pump for over a year for $17 per hour.  That was when the owner was getting $160 per hour and $3 per yard.  If you are dumb enough to do this then have fun, I will not. 

I appreciate your position. You/each of us has to do what is right for ourselves and our families.

As always, I wish you well.

And, HEY... lets be careful out there ;~)

I agree even in these times we should still be paid as professionals,in saying that we must act as professionals,just because work is slow doesnt mean you shouldnt get paid a fair wage for the time you operate or mechanic on a pump,now that being said ,most are being paid more than we ever have to operate pumps rightly so we are different than all other equip. operators,but when work is slow we must take our cuts like the rest if work is slow you dont get paid,I remember when some companies would guarantee 40 hours you might not make that high wage but you always got a check to feed the younguns,so maybe the guy making  $17 per hour is still getting a check while you are not working,all companies do it different whether it is rite for you, maybe the difference,me myself I like to work do I disgrace my profession I think not I work to put food on the table not for pride not for notoriety, or glory and if that makes me a whore so be it pile on ladies we'll all have a good time while I am still getting paid 

"if that makes me a whore so be it pile on lady's we'll all have a good time" Pudg, thats a good one..