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What I'm sick of is being hired as an employee...

Posted By: Oh yes it's a full moon for sure! on 2008-06-19
In Reply to:

....then after working for more than 40 hours being told, Oh NO we don't pay OT. Their further comment was that the MT can work as much as the MT wants, but just no OT will be paid. WHAT??? What would you do? Turn 'em in to IRS? Of course, since the time sheet can be doctored on their end, what chance would I have to win a case like that?


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IC or employee - sick of being taken advantage of?

AFter reading some posts regarding being taken advantage of and being treated like an IC by companies when its convenient for them and being an employee when its convenient for them, I must wholeheartedly agree. Therefore I decided to do some research and came up with rules as given by the US department of Labor regarding the definition of an IC.  You will be surprised by what you read below.  This is just an excerpt of a longer report.  Perhaps next time a client tries to boss you around, you might want to show them this:


 


US Department of Labor Handbook


Part 1: Independent Contractor or Employee


Probably the main reason you became an independent contractor (aka consultant, freelance and IC) or want to, is to be your own boss. Unfortunately, some U.S. companies don't fully understand the difference between independent contractors and employees. Even among companies that do understand the difference, there are those that attempt to exploit the relationship, because it's clearly to their advantage to do so.  The cheaters (and naive) misclassify workers as independent contractors, but still attempt to control them as employees. In doing so, they reap the benefits of both worlds, while depriving independent contractors of the very reason they became independent contractors in the first place: to be their own bosses.


 



  • Companies are not your employers per se, but your clients. As such, they are not entitled to direct you in your work.
  • Of course, your clients have a right to say what they expect for the rates they're paying you, but only as it relates to the outcome of the project.
  • It's your right to decide when, where and how to get the project done.

HERE IS THE BIGGIE


****In other words, by U.S. law, an employer cannot classify you as an independent contractor, then dictate when, where and how you work, as though you are an employee. It's all about degree of control and independence. ***


 


 

 


 


IMO, anyone being hired as a NEW Employee or

 


In my opinion from what I have read and heard, there are very few MTSOs who do not use VR, and even those who have some straight typing are quickly or slowly moving towards more and more VR.  The few that do have straight typing are pretty well staffed, and the MTs who have those accounts are usually the ones who have been with the company a long time and have been told they will not have to transition to VR as long as there is straight typing because they complained about having to do it.  It seems to me that the companies who would have the most straight typing would be the small ones with less than 50 MTs, who are all Independent Contractors.  However, by the time you pay your own taxes, Social Security, etc, you are making a lot less per paycheck than you thought you would, and small MTSOs can easily lose accounts to larger MTSOs or EMR, so there is always the fear that you will run out of work at any time. 


 


In my opinion, from now on, anyone being hired NEW with any MTSO will be put on mostly VR because the company knows that is where they want ALL their MTs to end up eventually.  So, I would not put too much stock in looking for a company that has straight typing.  It probably will not last long.  Unless you do not plan to work for any one particular MTSO for more than a year or two, you  might want to look at what else is important to you. I am also currently looking for a new MT job and VR is at the bottom of my list of priorities. 


 


I am looking more at Employee status with good benefits.  If the President's Healthcare Insurance Reform passes, EVERYONE will be forced to buy insurance whether they want to or not.  Working IC for 7 or 8 cents a line and then, on top of paying my own taxes and Social Security, being forced to either buy my own insurance or pay a 13% gross wages fine if I do not get health insurance will mean I will be working for the company for Free.  I might as well get with a company that may be able to provide insurance for me at a decent price now and not have to worry about it later.  Even if the Healthcare Insurance Reform does not go into effect until 2013, I am old enough to know that those four years will go by in a flash. 


 


I am also looking for MTSOs who have a decent VR rate, because I know that will be my salary soon enough, along with a decent platform, and maybe some flexibility and paid time off/holidays.   I have given up on a decent straight typing cpl rate, which I will never see.  Also, I am asking about minimum lines per day or pay period, since almost everyone runs out of work at some point, and the less lines I need to get in, the less stressed I will be when the work runs out. 


 


Just something to keep in mind as you are searching new opportunities. 


 


Good Luck in your quest. 


 


A fleeting thought.  I always laugh when one person posts I do not have any work at ABC Company, and someone else immediately chimes in, I have plenty – ask for more accounts.  The second poster has no idea what position the first poster is in.  Maybe the second poster is one of the lucky ones who has been with ABC Company for many years, has a particular speciality that is plentiful, and has been lucky enough to get the best accounts.  Maybe the first poster has asked for more accounts time and time again, and has been told there are none that fit with her skills or schedule.  I think most times the poster who says I do not have any work at ABC Company just wants an acknowledgement of their frustration and not an indictment that they are not trying hard enough.  Give them a break!!!!


 


 


 


I just got hired as an SE after being employee status for MQ (sm)

for many years..I'll be doing Radiology at $1.25 per report..


 


 


New Employee too.. Just hired today..
Haven't started working yet of course but was just hired today..  Worked for YOG when they were still around, hopefully its still similar.. 
Were you hired hourly or by the line, employee or IC? just wondering if it makes a difference...
I opted for hourly and wondering if it woudl be better do it by the line. It is hard to know if you do not know the software program or what the transcription is like ESL etc.. Just wondered what your experience has been like.
I think it depends on experience, account hired for, etc. I was hired at .08 per line sm
but after 90 days went to 0.085 and then 0.09 about 90 days after that. I am now at 0.0925 and have been there a year. I have to point out that the line rate might not be the highest but I can verify my counts, have plenty of work, get paid on time and have a great manager. To me, leaving a bad national and the headaches that went with it was well worth the cut in pay I took. Funny thing is that I took a pretty sizable pay cut but make more money ?!?!
I said "about to be" hired... not yet hired, and ........
considering it just like I would consider any job.... I didn't accept the job yet and wanted to check out the info out there.
Statuatory employee versus regular employee....
Can someone tell me the difference between a statuatory employee versus a regular employee?  My company offeres IC or SE status....I am confused about whether switching over the SE would benefit me more than IC status that I have been for some time with them?  What are the benefits and disadvantages of being an SE versus IC?  Thanks for all of your help!
SICK!
What the ____? He sent you a picture - what a psycho!

Tell me more!
LOL, sick!
x
sick
They said they have sick time. What's up with that?
GET SIck, WHY DON'T YA?!

I think MT work is seasonal anyway....people will always get sick, but the time of year can affect how often and how quick people decide to go to the doctor.  Plus, if it's surgery or other procedures, if people can plan when to do them, they probably haven't picked June or July - when many people are on vacation, or grandkids are coming to visit....


 


 


What is sick is that there may be SM

about 15 total people in the QA world doing this, but they hold a minimum of 30 jobs and it could be up to 50 jobs between those 15 people and that is just working for nationals!


For all of you QA people out there wondering where the jobs are, that's your answer.  I wish these companies could cross-check with their competitors to match names, they'd be really surprised at what is going on out there. 


so sick of seeing these ads....
It makes me wanna vomit after a good laugh. All these IC positions, stating you MUST work this. You MUST do that. I'm so glad I have 2 jobs that are true IC positions. Of course I need to work to live, and I'm not lazy, but other than that, I do what I want, when I want, and how long I want. I am asked to help if can-NOT told. I do not get threats of being let go. These companies make me so sick.
And I'm getting really sick of
some of the people on this board (some, not all) jerking my emotions around. I have a conference call looming on my schedule for less than 4 hours from now, and I haven't got a clue what it will be about. And after reading this board this morning I am all but sick to my stomach with worry that it might mean I have to start job-hunting all over again.
Me too, sick of getting ripped off by SS
on a daily basis.  My lines at Softscript for the last 3 weeks since the server issue have dropped drastically.  I guess they think we cannot do math and only type.
feeling sick too!
I just wonder how many people here are just here to stir the pot and make everyone feel sick and scared and paranoid about their jobs?
feeling sick too!
Actually, I don't work for OSi, but work for another National that is always bashed on here. Things are changing here too and not very positive things are being said about changes and I was just making a general statement about people who like to make others feel paranoid about situations. But, I'm trying to look at it this way, there are thousands of MTs employed by my company and there are only a few here who are doing the bashing, so I'm trying to stay positive, but still a little afraid!!
Universal sick day
Been reading the posts about having an MT strike.  I agree with the comments about companies getting worse instead of better as far as paying IC and other transcriptionists.  We should just have a universal sick day (just one day) and see what chaos this causes.  May be it does not even have to be the whole day, just a couple of hours.
Anyone sick of Amphion??
I am sick of no work...I am sick of having to flex my time...I am sick of being accused of not making my line counts when they don't have work...I am sick of being a transcriptionist!
Sick of transcription
I, too, am SICK to almost being dead from being a transcriptionist, but being the only income for 4 people, stuck in the game.
SICK of this stuff
About TransTech!  They are the finest people in the business.  They would never do anything in a suspicious or ill mannered method involving line counting or anything else!  One might suggest if you work more and post less you would see a better line count.  It takes time to build up to a good line count, i.e. becoming familiar with the facility, with the authors, with the work types, building your word expander, and working diligently towards obtaining your goals, doing what it takes to achieve the line count goals you set for yourself, turning every stone in effort to achieve those goals before suggesting the line counts are not correct.  If the ESL are difficult, look at samples, invest in becoming more familiar with their way of speaking English. As far as EXTText for Word Client/Transnet/Dictaphone, I love the software.  Again from time to time, there may be issues, but for the most part, the software if very geared to good production for the MT.  I hope that all who read the posts about Transtech will be mature enough to make your decision by your own experience and not the experience of others.  I have been with TransTech for 4 years, and I am not saying everything is wonderful, we have our ups and downs which are almost always me and not them........but in all honesty they are the finest company with the best group of people I have ever worked with and for!  Thank you for reading my 2 cents on the line count saga!
I'm sick of set shifts as an IC.
THEN getting constant IMs to work when I'm supposed to be 'off'.  If you want me at your beck and call you better be giving me benefits!
So sick of oversears.
Thanks for the feedback :-)
This makes me sick
I gues they are no different than anyone else
Sick and tired
Vent away! At least those of us on this board understand.
you about making me sick....
You better be careful not to offend anyone who does clinic notes (and this is coming from someone who does acute care and clinic notes). People apply for positionS where they feel they will be quality productive. After all, it is quality these companies want from US MTs is it not? If you feel those who do clinic notes do not value their skill, you are very IGNORANT/ARROGANT!!!! Please explain who you are that you can judge an MT's smarts/skills by the specialty they do. How idiotic are you?? YOU MAKE ME SICK AND I REALLY HATE GLORIFIED MTs!!! UGH UGH!!
YOU KNOW WHAT? I am sick to death of your s/m
comments after every little post or question that anyone DARES to put on this board!

Yes, please go ahead and repsond in the most childish way possible (and I know you will, as that is all you know how to do, apparently). Obviously, after your continuous verbal abuse to almost every poster on here who dared to disagree with you (yesterday), you get your jollies off of belittling anyone you can get a hold of.

Now, if anyone else on here who is over the age of 12 would like to respond to this post in a helpful manner, please feel free. If you don't know the answer to my question, then just don't reply. Not that difficult, is it?

You, SIR, are immature and should move on from this board because you have nothing constructive to say whatsoever.

In all honesty, I feel sad for anyone (like you) who lives their life as you do on a daily basis. You must feel good about yourself each night when you lay your head on your pillow, after a day of insulting and berating. What an accomplishment. Get a life.

If you choose to respond in your usual scathing manner, please do. It will only solidify the opinion that many of us here likely hold about you. Here's your chance to really show all of us worthless and incapable human beings how tough you really are. The stage is yours.

For the record, I currently earn over 10 cents per line as an employee. Not a wimp, not weak, not ignorant. Sorry to burst your bubble.
Sick of nationals
Do not rule out larger private practices. I worked acute care for 13 years and then was outsourced. Then I spent 1 1/2 years messing around with Nationals and then found a position with a large orthopedic practice, 50+ docs. Very good benefits and I do work from home, though working from home was not an issue for me. With experience, these jobs are out there but you have to be willing to jump on them when they come up. Good luck.
PTO/sick time..sm

I know this is a dumb question, but I am considering testing for them.  So, when you are sick or want to take off, you schedule it with your supervisor right?  Then, it goes unpaid right?  Are they pretty flexible regarding time off? 


I guess if I need a vacation, I would need to save up money for it.  How does it work for you?


Please excuse any typos. 


I'm sick of psych
I'll email you my company info when I find another job...
sick and inundated
The person who does that has been sick and she is inundated with applicants. She is working through them. Please be patient.
makes me sick
What other industry would possibly be paying its employees the same (or even lower!) wages than they were paying 15 years ago??? I remember new employees getting paid 8.5 cpl back in 1995!!!!!!!!!

Using an inflation calculator: What cost $8.5 in 1995 would cost $11.90 in 2008.

Meaning that, without any raises for merit (yeah, a joke, right) the MT making 8.5 cpl in 1995 should now be making 11.9 cpl JUST TO BREAK EVEN with inflation!!!

A travesty for sure.
The big question is: Are you and other MTs sick
nm
Sick at Spheris. . .
Really, I think I'm going to have a nervous breakdown working here. Crappy platform (Cornerstone), poor management, lousy everything. Been here 8 years. Would leave if I wouldn't be retiring in a year (if I make it to then). Run away from this company if you value your sanity.
sick of Transcend
I cannot speak first-hand to issues at Transcend because I have never worked there and never will. However, a colleague of mine, an experienced MT of 30 years (and former MTSO) took a job there and quickly left. She said it was a nightmare and she is the kind of person who could handle anything. I was kind of surprised that she did not last but she told me that no matter what, never take a job there. That is just her opinion, of course, but it kind of scared me.
Also, I am sick of getting the NSA prompt, often
after being told things are getting better as far as work volume goes. I had to fight for a 3rd acct after WX lost 2 of my old ones. They refuse to assign a 4th. Why don't they just level with us? Being told this is seasonal is insulting and blatantly not true. I suppose they just overhire and could care less if we make a paycheck or not.
sick of being screwed
I feel the same exact way and with all the continuing education and experience our profession requires it is completely unfair.
They hire both IC and employee. I am an employee (see message)
and I have full benefits. I am very happy that I came to work here. I came as a statutory employee from a large company. Everyone at MDI has been great to me.
Depends on if you are employee or statutory employee (sm)
Employee, 8th and 23rd of month
Stat. Employee, 15th and 30th month
Diskriter - Anyone go from their employee to hospital employee with them?
Thinking about giving up on being their employee and applying for a hospital employee position through them, they have one in PA right now that looks good.  How is it for scheduling?  Do you keep your line rate or get whatever the hospital pays? Who manages those accounts, is it the same PM and DR that are on the other ones?  I have DR and feel like she doesn't have a clue what she is doing and it is so annoying, but I just don't have the guts to let the company know she needs to step it up a notch because the transcriptionists are not happy under her.  Are QA the same people or through the hospital.  They have 1 QA that is constantly asking us questions on doctors and format, things we should be asking that QA person.  Annoying that new people move up to QA but people who've been there 2 or 3 years get treated like dirt and jumped account to account.
You can say that again. Never for the MT. I get sick of being taken advantage of for their benefit.

cause I am sooo sick of hearing (sm)
whining and griping and complaining about the same old same old!!! That's why! And if it agitates YOU to think about finding another flippin' job, then so what! I really don't care! I say, if your job stresses you out this much, it is very easy to look elsewhere.  There are only TONS and TONS of other places to work, so...find another J-O-B! Simple as that! And quit yer whining, why don't cha?
I think you are wrong. Everyone has a price. I think she would be sick of all of this by now. xx
xx
You are so full of sh**. Sick to death of you and
You have to be getting bummed out trying to do damage control on here knowing that OSi is doomed!
Cymed makes me sick
that ridiculous slogan about them being the "best kept secret"  Yeah, secrets alright....about paying 7 cpl with NO spaces!!  How can anyone make a living off of those slave wages???
Ewww, makes me sick!
x
Yes, they have sick pay and PTO, great benefits...sm
I've worked for TH for a long time, have taken sick time, and have never been fired for it.  Ridiculous.
Sick of Pompous Nationals

How can they sleep at night offshoring their work to make a buck knowing that the MTs who are hanging in there with them cannot pay their bills or feed their kids.


I hope they all fail.


 


I'm so sick of the single mom card. sm
It does not matter what the majority demographic of a company's employees are. Single moms don't deserve a job any more than a single non-mom or a married mom or a married woman with no kids or any man. A company doesn't owe you more money/respect/benefits/leeway/slack just because you're a single mom. We all have issues, life problems, families, responsibilities. Using your single mom-ness as a crutch is the same as blaming others for your own misfortune.
sick of the emails from HIS about the new accounts...sm
why should we care? They are sending the U.S. staff those emails to rub salt in our wounds if you ask me. Why don't they just send them to the India email list?