| Author |
Message |
Alan Jackson
| | Posted on Saturday, February 26, 2000 - 10:55 am: | |
Work is here. Please pay close attention to what you sign, regardless of were you work. If you sign it, your stuck with it.
PS: Were can I find a listing for my nearest "ADJUSTER BURGER" stand. Are there any close or in Alabama? |
newbie
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2000 - 7:36 am: | |
The natives are restless!!! |
Ghostbuster
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2000 - 10:39 am: | |
Alan,
Congratulations on your deflating Pilots delicate sensebilities. They appear to have forgotten that there was a time when they did not feed off sterling silver but used the same stainless steel the rest of us use. Didn't Walter Pilot cut grass and clear brush before becoming an adjuster to feed his young family? I respect that kind of background and wonder if his decendants do.
On my last storm, 2/3rds of the Pilot crew was let go by State Farm and a Pilot supervisor was brought in to help repair their files for submission. Methinks that the Mobile bunch might ought to try a little harder to hang on to the good adjusters and not irritate them with this new contract. After all, without some quality braves out there, the chiefs might have to sell the estate out on Dauphin Island. |
Jim Flynt
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2000 - 10:16 am: | |
As always, the management of Pilot has the right, and indeed the opportunity to post their position on their non-compete clause and binding arbitration provisions on this page.
In fact, by way of an email sent to them by this writer, they have been specifically invited to respond.
By the way, I have never worked for Pilot and therefore I cannot be considered to be a disgruntled ex-employee. I personally would not sign the Pilot document as I have outlined here before, and therefore, I do not forsee any instance where I would be employed by Pilot.
I have no bone to pick with Pilot and only wish that they would post here to clear up anything which they may feel has been said in error and/or to clarify their position relative to these topics for the elucidation of our readers.
Perhaps Pilot needs more time for elucubration before elucidation. |
Alan Jackson
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2000 - 9:25 am: | |
Ladies and Gentleman:
I believe that we may have hit a nerve. I have received several e-mails concerning this site and topic of discussion. The gist of all the incoming mail is that Pilot has been keeping a eye on this conversation. Someone has forwarded what appears to be a attempted explanation for their conduct. I get the impression that their phone has been ringing off the hook with questions concerning their new contract.
I was also informed that I had been fired by Pilot and was a disgruntle x employee. (NEWS TO ME!!!!) This appears to be some lame attack on my credibility. I wasn't impressed. It is my thinking and opinion, Pilot just assumed they could slide this new contract in without anyone ever noticing or understanding the arbitration agreement and non-compete. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE. ALAN JACKSON ALJLAW@AOL.COM |
Karen Murphy
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2000 - 8:15 am: | |
dear concerned2, i strongly disagree with your view that no good can come of the proposed chart. we all need to know the truth out there, especially of the vendors, because so, so many of us have been burned on our pay over the years and because we are simply trying to make a living. i would not be surprised to see that the same companies are mentioned rather consistently, whether the results be favorable or otherwise. if i could have been informed honestly about two vendors that immediately come to my mind, chances are i would not have worked for them in 98-99 in florida keys, and gotten burned. they both don't pay the adjuster until they get paid; this is crucial information for the adjuster to know. they also make you sign that contract before they hand you the pile of files in your name (like dangling a carrot). those and other companies dont mention that to you before you hit the road for the assignment......they wait til you have gotten there. the old days of "tongue in cheek" information, of keeping the real facts secret or for the chosen few only, are over. communication is the key to our success; just like in adjusting. we have a valuable tool for our careers in cat adjusting with cado and all it provides. you say it is unacceptable for the adjuster not to get paid until the vendor gets paid; ok, we agree. but you drop the ball after that! so who pays like that? we all need to know. your statement alone is proof that this chart is required. additional proof of need is the enormous amount of responses jim has already gotten. GOOD JOB, JIM; KEEP RUNNING THOSE TALLIES! Can't wait to see the results. |
concerned2
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2000 - 1:31 am: | |
I'm not sure that a Vendor Comparison Chart is a good idea. Surprisingly, I don't think it is fair to the vendors who have a right to some privacy in the terms under which they make contracts with adjusters (and vice versa). They have a right to vary and negotiate the deal as they want depending on the company and project and/or the adjuster they want to do the work.
Most of us who are really in this business have spent a long time and much effort in networking the current list of vendors with whom we want to work. I for one am not willing to share this information with just anyone who stumbles upon this site. I think we share good information with those we know personally and who we know will produce good product for the vendor.
I think it is very unwise to share this information with the many company staff adjusters and other members of the general public who monitor this site. This information is closely tied to our personal small business operations and is not for the general public. I'm sure the information would be of interest to the many who post here who aren't clever enough to make their own contacts, figure out that they need an accountant to do their taxes, etc, etc.
I think it is quite sufficient to simply say that a 60/40 split is typical, weekly pay should be the rule, an advance after arriving at the storm site is reasonable and customary, and "we'll pay you when they pay us" is unacceptable. Beyond that, everyone should be on their own to make the best deal with the options they have at the time. No good can come from a comparison chart. |
Jim Flynt
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2000 - 9:54 am: | |
The response to our request for your input for information on the various vendors to include in a "Vendor's Comparison Chart" as been overwhelming beyond the imagination.
In order to truly make this as scientific as possible, we need to hear from everyone. That includes those adjusters who are working for vendors who treat them right just as much as those companies who don't.
Please let us hear from you. This project will help us all. We especially need to hear from adjusters who have worked for many of the smaller and regional vendors. |
Jim Flynt
| | Posted on Monday, February 21, 2000 - 1:30 pm: | |
We need the input of all CADO readers to compile a Vendor's Comparison Chart which would compare how often various vendors pay, the percentage they pay to their adjusters, and other benefits and requirements which they may feature or require.
We can then post the Vendor Comparison chart for review or download by our readers.
I agree wholeheartedly with one comment especially, made by Concerned2, which is that some vendors only pay twice a month (I am aware of some who pay ONCE a month) thus putting the adjuster in the position of "financing" the vendor's payroll. Some companies go so far as to not pay the adjuster for his work until the vendor receives payment. This has long been a personal "beef" for me.
If everyone will send me an email detailing the various companies you have worked for, how often they pay, the "% split" paid to the adjuster, the carriers the vendor represents, whether taxes are withheld, whether E&O is covered or required, whether W/C is provided, software programs required for employment, and any other information which you feel is pertinent, I will be happy to compile a chart and then post it here on the CADO site. It would also be helpful if you would share how many times you have worked for a particular vendor and whether you would work for them again.
In fairness, I suspect that some readers may send distorted or false information and therefore, I will give the vendor companies an opportunity to review what we propose to post prior to posting for correction of any false or misleading information (without revealing the sources however).
For anyone sending me information, your identity will be protected and will not be released to anyone. Be as honest as you can, and let's make this as factual and "scientific" as possible.
It seems to me that this is something that is long overdue, and which could be helpful to everyone, not just Newbees.
If anyone has any comments or other suggestions, they are welcome as well.
Perhaps by allowing adjusters the opportunity to comparison shop, the choices for us will improve as well. It may have the effect of "shaming" some companies into changing policies which are harmful to our adjuster readers. It may also help all of us to identify vendors which should be considered only as a "last resort", if at all.
Please email your information on vendors you have worked for as soon as possible.
Thank-you in advance for your consideration of this request. |
Concerned2
| | Posted on Monday, February 21, 2000 - 12:40 pm: | |
Cecelia, what makes you think I haven't worked for any and all of these companies. I have and I know what I am talking about. The Wardlaws are very nice people and John Fontenot is a fine man in my opinion. However, not only do they have a low schedule, but they have a policy of paying you twice a month for whatever portion of your invoices they have received from Farmers (even on day-rate). You are financing their payroll. The fact is these are all honorable companies and I have never been shorted a dime of commission working for any of them. The point is, each of them have policies of one sort or another(such as the above example) that one or another of us find unacceptable and not in the adjuster's best interest. When these issues arise, the response from from the vendors is that if you don't like it, work for someone else because we can find someone to take your place with no trouble. The Pilot contract is another example. The issue is never addressed, it's just "take it or leave it". You make my point, as a newbie you found work with Wardlaw and accepted the payroll policy and were happy to be working at all. To each his own. |
storm pro
| | Posted on Monday, February 21, 2000 - 9:32 am: | |
I think that everyone must judge a vendor and/or carrier based on their own personal experiance.
One adjuster may be satisfied with a situation where another may not. I was quite content last year working for a $600.00 per day per diem as opposed to sitting aroound on my duff waiting for a nice fee schedule storm. I know that many of you are against this sort of compensation but I exceeded my monetary goals last year
I am of course stating the obvious here, but many are painting pictures with a very broad brush. I say keep an open mind, be smart, and make you own judgements based on your own experiances |
Cecelia
| | Posted on Monday, February 21, 2000 - 1:09 am: | |
VERY funny posts by Japeth and older than dirt. I would NOT want to date myself quite so obivously!!!
However, I had to write in response to concerned2 because he specifically mentions the Wardlaws. This may make me very unpopular, but hey.
The Wardlaws have been very good to me. I am not a relative. When I have been sent on a storm and call for an advance, they send it. When I have a concern, they immediately address it. When I have a question they answer it. Their fee bill is not the highest in the industry. However, there is no holdback taken when one works for Wardlaw.
Unfortunately, due to the fact that I AM a newbie, I've had to take a regular job, industry related, that could make me the same amount of money I was making as a cat adjuster. So I am told. But I asked Wardlaw that if this deal doesn't work out I could come back, I was told yes, by John Fontenot.
So those of you who would criticize a company for which you have not worked, I say , nothing. Because that is what your opinions are worth. And I will sign my REAL name to this post.
Cecelia |
older than dirt
| | Posted on Sunday, February 20, 2000 - 3:19 pm: | |
Well guess none of you remember that meteorite that landed in the gulf of Mexico area, I lost whole species of clients. Now that was a cat.
The work lasted an age. |
Japeth
| | Posted on Sunday, February 20, 2000 - 2:22 pm: | |
Hey Lance: Forget you! You're the pup
I handled the first flood claim for Noah.
He insisted that I pay for matching but I let him have it with the pair and set clause.
I made alot of sheckles on that storm!
I have my old cubit tape measure as a momento if you wanna see it. |
Dave
| | Posted on Sunday, February 20, 2000 - 11:21 am: | |
LAnce,
Wecome to our board. YES, I do remember the Hindengurg Disaster, Lakehurst , NJ, May 1937. Of course I was not old enough to work losses at the time , so that puts you at least 80+. It is truly refreshing to know that "old dogs" like you and I can learn new tricks. If you still working losses then you are among those that can contribute to the history of "Catadjusting" that we are working on. Your input is most welcome and solicited by me for one.
Alan, our slogan was similar: "Either lead , follow , or get the hell out of the way" and it remains true to this day. |
ALAN JACKSON
| | Posted on Sunday, February 20, 2000 - 7:48 am: | |
Who cares if I am written off their list. Sooner or later they will run out of relatives to put to work. Everyone talks about taking a stand. Well I for one have. I have posted my name and "correct e-mail address" I do not hide behind anonomous postings. If you stand up to one of these companies, the rest will hear. Personaly, I pitty the adjuster who must rely solely upon Pilot for a job. As my daddy said " Lead Follow or get out of the way" WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO |
Concerned2
| | Posted on Sunday, February 20, 2000 - 3:20 am: | |
Well Golly Gee Mouseketeers! Do you think it's possible that the Pilots may ignore you? Give me a break..you guys really are a bunch of newbies. If you don't know the Pilot family and Gene Renfroe and the Wardlaws, etc. personally, maybe you are unaware of the "adjusters are a dime a dozen" philosophy that they have. This is a direct quote that has been repeated by any and all of them for years. You can sign or not sign the contract. It doesn't matter to them. They have enough out-of-work Canadians, people recently out of the military, desperate relatives, friends, relatives of friends, to fill the bill. Most of you who are protesting will go ahead and sign it and say you didn't. Not all vendors are like this, but if you don't know the ones that are you are in for some hard knocks. Here's another flash for you, they will also eliminate you from their rolls for all sorts of real, imagined, or rumored offenses as they are very thin-skinned and again, adjusters are a fungible commodity. Ask yourself this, after all these years in the business, why do they need to recruit volumes of new people? Because experienced people either eventually get fed up with this type of treatment or offend them somehow and are wiped off their list.
Welcome to CAT adjusting...watch your back at all times. |
older than dirt
| | Posted on Sunday, February 20, 2000 - 1:48 am: | |
From a friend of a friend, this thread was mentioned to Pilot H.R. during a telephone call. The silence is deafining |
Lance Sqigman
| | Posted on Sunday, February 20, 2000 - 12:24 am: | |
This is my first time to this website as I have been working recent large and newsworthy aviation losses on the west coast. I must say after reading your quables, you are a bunch of young cubs, I've been adjusting long before you were twinkles in your Daady's eyes. Remember the Hindenburg? I handled that with another young pup. T.& E., the good ole days. Having worked in London after the big WWII for Lloyds, I do feel your pain and I suggest that a mass urine analysis by all adjusters be sent to Ms. Ellie and let the Doctor decide if you should be deployed to the next gravy storm. Use what ever container you have handy and be sure to fill her up. This ain't my first rodeo. |
Alan jackson
| | Posted on Saturday, February 19, 2000 - 5:55 pm: | |
Pilot o'h Pilot were are you at. Hiding behind a lawyer, I bet |
NotMe
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 10:52 pm: | |
WOW ------- Not Me Pilot, take your contract and shove it. |
COM'>Alan Jackson
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 6:30 pm: | |
I forwarded a e mail to Pilot Human Resouces on 02/15/00. Advised them of this site and arena, so far no response. Alan Jackson aljlaw@aol.com |
older than dirt
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 11:18 am: | |
Would be most interesting to here Pilot defend themselves on here, if they can!
Maybe we should assume they don't look here and someone should forward the link to them.
Like so many I have been on there standby list many times, always a bridesmaid never a bride.
Hear my cry oh Pilot, step up and explain yourselves in a public forum!!! |
Ghostbuster
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 10:11 am: | |
Wow!, Its good to be among my own kind. Jim, you and the rest of the guys here can eat the chili out of my pot anytime.
Being geographically isolated, knowing that other birds of your own feather are really out there sure makes life easier to cope with! |
Paladin
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 9:09 am: | |
Watch the paperwork you receive in the mail this time of year, Pilot is not the only company that sends out a non-compete clause. Followups in previous years indicated that it was only used to halt a adjuster from working for several vendors at the same storm site and to keep the adj from going after the assignments direct. However, I did not see the current clauses that have been forwarded. Lets see what the vendors say. |
Vince Tabor
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 8:05 am: | |
Listen to Alan Jackson... he knows and understands
the"legaleaze" shown in their paperwork. It's nice
to have good advice in our camp. Thanks, Alan. |
Russ Lott
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 7:02 am: | |
My understanding of a non compete is that for the courts to uphold it the issuer of the non compete has to give the "employee " considerable compensation. I have not been recruited by Pilot but if there has not been consideration then is the non compete still valid? I wish someone with a better knowledge would answer this. |
Alan Jackson
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 1:16 am: | |
The binding arbitration agreement is a license to steal. You can contract your' right away and this seems like want they want you to do. I have been in this business 15 years and this is the worst sham I have seen to date. In between storms, I have been going to Law School. Just about to graduate this summer. I just read the contract for a little practice. man, was I surprised. They have a iron clad non-compete and arbitration agreement. Look out for this one boys, someone is going to get the shaft on this one. |
Jim Flynt
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 1:14 am: | |
THE FOLLOWING LETTER HAS BEEN SENT TO PILOT MANAGEMENT REQUESTING A RESPONSE:
Pilot Catastrophe Services
Mobile, Alabama
VIA Email
Gentlemen:
A recent post on the Forum Page of the CADO (Cat Adjuster Dot Organization) website inquires about specifics of your non-compete clause in your employment package. Already there have been numerous postings with regard to this subject, with many of the posts of a negative nature.
Our website is located at (http://)www.catadjuster.org and the applicable section for the questions relating to your company position on the questions asked is on our Forum Page.
As we have several thousand adjuster readers visiting our site each day, it would be in order and appropriate for you and your management to review the postings and provide answers to the questions raised.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or need clarification.
Jim Flynt
CADO 2000
Perhaps this invitation will elicit the clarification and enlightenment our readers are asking for and needing. |
MKDCO
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 12:33 am: | |
Could someone put some light on this issue. What are the big adjuster vendor companies trying to do? Sounds to me they may be getting like the BIGGEST Ins. company, in trouble maybe. Anyone have any ideas on this deal with Pilot? Hope Not. Haven't worked for them but have all their stuff in and have received a number for what ever that is to mean. Heck, I got a number when in the service and that ment something to me. Kept my pay check coming to me where ever I was, even in the Nam in the middle of the delta canals. Payday always came. |
DUMMY ?
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 12:26 am: | |
Ok gang, If one signed that batch of forms without totally understanding it at the time, and one gets a call from Pilot to deploy, DO you just past up the deployment and hope for something better? Need to know. Received the forms and fast read thru them but had other things going so signed them and sent them back in. BIG GOOF it sounds like. Got another packet from Pilot yesterday giving the dates of the next IDL Broadcast so I guess that's put on hold to. Don't go get Cert. for the people they work for, Can't go out from the way I see it. RIGHT/WRONG. Jim, somebody - address this from your experience please. If something is spelled wrong just overlook it. You get my drift. |
Steve Ebner
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2000 - 10:21 pm: | |
I got the package, too. Sort of looked through it, but I was heading out on a job. So I just packed it to look at it later. I'm certainly glad for this post so I will know where spend my time scrutinizing. My experience with Pilot is that they have called me several times, but always a couple days after someone else offered me work. If the non-compete is of the nature being expressed here, I will be glad to sign it when I am offered a guaranteed salary in excess of $250,000 a year with six months paid vacation annually and full medical, dental, long term disability, and retirement paid by the company. (No, even then I would have to think about it for awhile. I became an independent for good reason.) |
catlover
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2000 - 11:12 pm: | |
I have heard Pilot is loosing a lot of adjusters and this latest package is not going to help as I see it. When I began with Pilot the pay was better and the b.s. less! |
HereWeGo
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2000 - 11:09 pm: | |
Like DUH!!!!!!!!!! Lets read it again.(One more time!) You go for it, not me Slick! |
Al Goltzman
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2000 - 10:30 pm: | |
I have received the Pilot package but haven't had time to read it yet. As for non-compete clauses, every adjusting company I have worked for has one for you to sign. Those generally state that you cannot circumvent them going to their sources. I will have to take a close look at the one from Pilot. |
R.D. Hood
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2000 - 8:44 pm: | |
FINALLY, we see the light at the end of this tunnel we call indendence.
It is about time we stood on our own two feet, and spoke our mind.
The contract differs slightly from 1996 when I refused to sign that one (never have and never will.) Prefer to join some other folks and sling hash, if that becomes necessary.
Congratulations to all that can see the wonderful light that is beckoning to us all. |
Ghostbuster
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2000 - 8:19 pm: | |
P.S.
Nothing personal you understand, but according to the Yankee Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, we storm troopers were also freed!
...And we shall overcome someday... |
Ghostbuster
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2000 - 8:11 pm: | |
HEY, Davis, Curtis, Rodney, and Daphne and Momma Elizabeth,
I might work fo yawl, but ding-dang-diddley-do, I shore ainta gonna sign that lil ol form.
(Hows that for professional demeanor and grammar?) |
Jim Flynt
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2000 - 7:29 pm: | |
I have seen the Pilot package as well, and for what it is worth, I WOULD NOT SIGN IT.
If you do sign it, you might as well forget ever working for any of the other vendors until your non-compete clause expires. |
danny
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2000 - 7:11 pm: | |
I had the same reaction to the Pilot package. 36 pages of do's and don'ts and one page of benefits (401k plan and cafeteria plan). Unfortunately, most adjusters probably just sign the paperwork and mail it back without reading the contract. |
zebra48@cs.com
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2000 - 4:58 pm: | |
Non compete contracts and the companies that use them are attempt to take away your ability to earn a living, and has been questionable if they are enforcable under your constitutional rights. However, I agree, do not sign anything of that nature, if you are cloudy abuot it bring it to a lawyer and have them review and advise you. This is just a desperate manuver on the part of Pilot to retain adjusters, sad day in our industry. |
Ghostbuster
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2000 - 4:27 pm: | |
Yeah, I got the same packet too. Apparently your nose smells the same rotten fish that mine does! |
Alan Jackson
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2000 - 1:02 pm: | |
I went to the mailbox the other day and to my surprise, I found a packet from Pilot Catastrophe. After a careful review,I discovered a binding arbritration clause as well as a non compete. For those of you who are not aware of what arbitration cost, let me give you an example. The minimum filing fee is 750.00 . Plus you have to pay your own attorney and pay your share of the arbitraitors fee, estimated at 850.00 a day. It could easily cost you 5,000.00 to settle a 2,500.00 claim. In addition you have to go to Mobile, Al to settle your dispute.
You are being ask to waive your 6th amendment right to trial by jury, in exchange for a job. In addition , any workmans comp claim will also have to be arbitrated, because you have a arbitration clause in your employment contract. I must urge everyone not to sign this contract. There are to many places to work. Just say no to binding arbitration in employment contracts. Please forward any remarks to ALJLAW@aol.com |
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