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I agree and laws should be changed on this. For now, allowing this info is a fact of life

Posted By: and it's hard to get hired without it. nm on 2008-07-11
In Reply to: I can totally understand a drug test and criminal background check, but...sm - Confused MT

nm


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fact of life??
Currently, offshoring IS not a fact of life; however, it will become so if we all lay down, roll over, and beg for the profession to throw us the proverbial bone. I, too, have been in this business for almost 20 years, but there is no way that I will ever just roll over and play dead and just say it's a fact of life. If all of us have any passion for our profession, any compassion for our fellow man, any compassion for our fellow MT, QA, auditor, what have you, we all will not take this laying down, but will take Mary's initial letter from yesterday (can we Mary??) and send it to every senator, governor, any politician, newspapers, hospitals, clinics, etc., and get the word out to Joe Q. and Jane Q. Public, and see what everyone has to say about what has become the true fleecing of America.

I'll tell you what I don't understand; I don't understand why you are NOT outraged by the outsourcing of American jobs, any American jobs.
Judy.. I HATE ESL.. but it is a fact of life. MD-FL is not any worse than anyone elses.
The money is good so I can suffer through a few ESL. I have only had one or two that made me want to bang my head on the desk and reach through the internet and bang theirs too. LOL. I also come from a hospital background, and unfortunately, it is sad to know that I will never find those kind of benefits again. The PTO time is important to me, even above and beyond the insurance, although that is a biggie too. When I worked at the hospital, I had 26 days a year of PTO that was acrued immediately. Then, you go to online companies and find that you can only accumulate 5 days in a year or a one week vacation but you cannot take it for one year. Get real. Being a hospital employee does spoil you, but I have found that MDI-FL benefits are decent in comparison to what else is out there.
I sent HR the fair labor laws info and asked if it was
for real and had a few interesting phone calls after that.  Later heard somebody didn't make lines, got fired, appealed and proved we had no work, and UE told Precyse they have to pay.  So pick a story..... It's like anything else, believe what you want. 
I agree - These things can take on a life of their own.
nm
I agree ... especially considering the fact
that all I was doing was interviewing. It was in poor taste, I thought, especially considering the fact that I am an IC working PT for Transcend! Struck me as rather ironic. But really, I've encountered a lot of interviewers making comments about MQ, but mostly just the fact that they feel sad for the MTs - nothing about the company itself, until this interview.
Agree 100%. In fact...sm
if anyone comes on here and complains that a new job they started wasn't what they had hoped for, everyone's response would be....Why would you quit your other job before trying out the new one?

Way too many companies out there with false promises, and if you don't take care of yourself in this business, you WILL get burned.
I agree...I work Tues-Sat and I have a life...
maybe the OP isn't that good at balancing hers that's all...I don't miss any of my childrens' activities and I also do not miss deadlines either...
totally agree w/noname. Everything has changed sm
I've been here 9 years and Edix was great, Spheris not so. Hard to make line count now and I'm still on the old platform, insurance is absolutely the pits. A positive is that they provide the computer and I think the helpdesk has definitely improved.
I agree. As a matter of fact,
I do believe that I recognized the very ad you are speaking of as being a company called Intellitype??? maybe (something like that). Anyway, I had wondered why this ad did not state the company name, and it seemed a little fishy to me. Although it occurred to me later that I had seen some negative posts here regarding that company, so perhaps that's why.
Dont agree. It is never to late to try to make life
wasted.  With your attitude, it probably is too late for you, you dont seem to have the initiative to try to make it better.  If you want to be a victim, go ahead.  Maybe you should find a Victims-R-Us board.
We have privacy laws in this country, and you are held accountable. Our privacy laws
x
I agree; I studied for and passed the test. I can't do Ops to save my life. sm
Meanwhile, my supervisor who is an oustanding MT and encyclopedia of knowledge couldn't pass part I of the test. It's not a sufficient test in that it doesn't test what we truly need to know to be excellent MTs.
Agree. Worry solves nothing. Dont wait for life to
f
The owners haven't changed, MT supe hasn't changed
I've been in their office. I know the people. It is a sweat shop and you will never be paid a decent amount or get respect. You won't know which is a good or a bad day for the person you report to until you literally get yelled at.

They have to offer bonuses because their reputation is that bad and nothing has changed. You may get work that has been recorded 3 times from some of the worst accounts you could ever imagine. They take accounts no one else will touch. That hasn't changed.
Companies allowing window...
Thanks all for the responses
It's exactly this attitude that is allowing the MT field to go -
.
companies allowing hughes.net

I am losing my job in a few months due to hospital closing.  I work from home in rural area for a metro hospital who sent all MTs home to work a few years ago.  I have hughes.net which didn't work with their system, their VPN, etc., so they finally agreed to run an ISDN line to my home.  I'm sure I'll be cut off from that line when the hospital closes unless I could somehow rent/buy it myself.  I have 12+ years experience as MT. If anyone knows of any companies that work via hughes.net, I'd sincerely appreciate the info.  TIA!


They changed buildings so maybe the phone number also changed...
They are still going strong...
It can be done for limited people. And they quit allowing
Yes, I'm sure, not for YOUR account.

I do believe $50,000 may be possible for many at MQ, but not for Spheris and if Spheris finds out they are paying more than a few MTs $50,000, they will no doubt lower rate of pay again.
Companies allowing window of time for shift

I'm interested in companies who allow you to complete your shift within a window of time instead of requiring straight 8 hours, employee status.  Any info would be appreciated.


 


Many LD companies aren't allowing MTs anymore. I doubt you'll have it for much longer.
x
Fed laws for OT pay
For years, Cymed only paid some people a premium for working OT hours. We didn't even know they were paying some people and not others, let alone that they were supposed to be paying EVERYONE premium pay.

Found the following re: Federal Gov't laws covering OT worked:

http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/whd/whdfs22.htm
This fact sheet provides general information concerning what constitutes compensable time under the FLSA. The Act requires that employees must receive at least the minimum wage and may not be employed for more than 40 hours in a week without receiving at least one and one-half times their regular rates of pay for the overtime hours. The amount employees should receive cannot be determined without knowing the number of hours worked.

They not under our laws
that is how they get away with it
This is a fact and you might as well accept it for what it is -- FACT !
It would be a sevice that uses ExText, such as Keystrokes, and I don't know who else uses it.  I would think that Keystrokes is as big or bigger than TT now, however, wouldn't you?
It has to do with employment laws in SM
those states.
You have to be IC because of labor laws sm

I don't know of any companies like this because they have to verify the # of hours you work.  Most places require a set # of hours per week, if you are full time often 32-40 hours, PT 20-32.  All I have dealt with require the hours be met more importantly than the lines, they have to have staff to cover set hours for client needs.  If your lucky enough to type 250 lph, apply for part-time, then you'll only have that 6 hour day you are looking for and not be obligated to type longer, then if you don't meet the line requirement in that time, you'll still have room to type longer without costing the company OT if you need to type another half hour or hour longer than expected to get there.  These companies have to be very careful to keep track of the hours because they are required to pay OT for anything over 40 hours, and they have a minimum line count so they know the have people that can get the work done instead of people that aren't disciplined to type from home.  All of this is just what I have seen in my 12 years as an MT, may be different for other MTs. 


Partially due to HR laws...sm
I think it's a combination of needing the bodies like someone else said, but there's also a TON of hoops to go through in order to terminate employment on a quality basis.
Also, with the new HIPPA laws, NO
hospitals tell people any info, who call off the streets asking about accounts, who they dumped for transcription, who they use now, etc. If its public info, the contracts can be researched. Otherwise, I know for a fact that they don't just go blabbing private info to busy-body MTs calling for poop. It doesn't work that way! Also, for your info, most hospitals have multiple services doing their transcription at any given time, including inhouse MTs. In fact, rarely would a large facility use one service, so your info is meaningless!
US labor laws
Maybe this company is claiming ignorance of US labor laws b/c they are based far, far away. I have no idea, really. It's a lame excuse if that's their thinking. Something's very wrong at this company!
IC labor laws

HAPPY THANSGIVING...  Could somebody point me in the direction I am needing to get the independent contractor labor laws.  And can an employer tell you that you can submit your work in an e-mail if you cannot get into your system.  Doesn't that break confidentialty laws?  Anyway I am needing to know how IC work, works.  Can I set my own hours?  If I am too sick to work for a day and I tell my employer can they charge me a penalty fee?


I would appreciate any help I can get.


Labor laws
That is because a lot of MTSOs abuse the IC status. They treat the MTs like employees instead of ICs. Many years ago I worked for a service that fired someone. That person went to the Labor Board and the service had to pay back employee taxes on everyone. We all had to get a second account to satisfy the State that we were ICs and not just working for one company, which they considered a employee situation.
Laws and checks
A person who knowing gives you a worthless check has broken the law. In most places $400 and over is a felony. I think some have laws that state $500. Another law was broken when they put a stamp on it and mailed it to you. I would put it through twice (required by most sheriff's departments) and then turn it over to the sheriff's department. If they tell you to do this in the state/city where the check was written, do so. They will cease ripping people off or they will lose a lot more than transcriptionists. I speak from experience.
Labor laws
Why was your last thread locked?
i agree...but was also given some other info
a local company i work for outsources their op notes...and they actually pay MORE doing so than if the locals did it...i am in no way a proponent of outsourcing so dont get me wrong,but i was surprised to hear this info as well.
to break labor laws?
x
There are no laws governing vacation/sm

time.  Why would you assume this is not legal?  I don't work there, but it seems to me that this would be explained as part of the employment process and if the MT doesn't like that, then they wouldn't accept the job, right?


 


It's a big deal because laws are being violated SM

and they are playing games (all of the companies).  They think they can have their cake and eat it too.  You either want an employee or an IC.  If you have ICs, then you cannot tell them when to work, how to do the work or provide any of their equipment.  If you are doing any of those things, then you have turned your IC into an employee - then you must follow labor laws, which include pay for overtime.


I'm glad these companies are getting sued.  The only thing they understand is when it hurts their wallets.  If that's what it takes to get them to operate within the law, then that's fine by me.


Check the laws in your state. SM

In my state, the number one reason to qualify for unemployment is lack of work, even if you are still employed (a lot of circumstances to consider here).  The company can threaten you all they want about production but if they are not providing the work, that is their fault.  If they let you go, you DO qualify IN ANY STATE if it is for lack of work.  The unemployment here has a 1 week waiting period, but apply for it ASAP.  It is only going to be about 50% of your regular income though.  This is determined by the highest amount of quarterly pay you received in the last 5 quarters. If there is any unemployment office near you, they can answer your questions.  You can even apply online there with a counselor available to help you if you have any problems. 


link to DOL - Labor Laws

It is against the law to be fired for turning your company in. If you have a complaint file it. Also, it is the responsibility of the company to keep a log of all hours worked for each employee. The way we are treated needs to come to an end! I cannot take it anymore and am getting out of the MT world after 10 years of working from home. I signed up for some classes at my local college and am actively job hunting. For everything that we have to know to be good at this job we are way underpaid. Ten years ago, I was making more as a newbie than I am now. I may have to start out at the bottom with a new profession, but at least I know I will work my way up...instead of working my way down as an MT. I hope a lot of people read the posts I have put on here and take action. It is scary to go out there after 10 years of being at home, and after all the abuse we have endured our confidence is down, but we are all smart, hard working women and we deserve better.

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/wages/index.htm
Check the Laws and lost suits
Anything you post on a public chatboard or in a chatroom can be used against you by your employer as reason for termination if they so desire, and you will lose in court if you try to sue them. Plenty of these suits lost since the Internet started.

I worked for a bad legal transcription firm for 3 wks - fired after I posted on a legal chatboard (along with tons of others) - within hrs of posting some stuff. Definitely was why - no doubt. I then began researching whether this is legal - and by god it is. I used an anon name and no email. This co later had all neg posts regarding his co removed from the site.

As to this chatboard - the co I just left had many, many posts removed because they did not like their content.

Fortunately most cos recognize the need of folks to vent and don't want to be bothered. But some of these smaller cos really monitor posts, and mgmt posts as if they were MTs in response to neg posts or just to toot their own horn.
My company doesn't evade tax laws. They don't have
state tax.    I didn't have a question and my DH and I have a very solid marriage and aren't going to split.  You  sound bitter. 
Child labor laws haven little or nothing to do with it. sm
If children aren't developing a decent work ethic, or expect things handed to them, that's something they're learning at home (or, rather, /not/ learning at home). I'd look first to the parents before I'd start blaming outside influences.
If state insurance laws mandate it
they will, or they will not be allowed to sell policies in that state.  I believe Illinois requires coverage for IVF.
Don't be so quick to assume that a company of that size does not know the laws. sm
It can come back to bite you later on; fraud has no statute of limitations.

You need to look at the facts: Companies pay unemployment insurance in every state they have employees in. They pay whether there are claims or not. The money paid to you was money paid into a general fund, so you really didn't do anything to the company themselves. It's not like companies write a check to the unemployment division; the money comes from money paid in out of taxes. Shame on you for taking money for free when you were an IC. It is illegal, it is unethical and your name should be assact, not classact, based on the obvious ignorance you have in most areas.

By the way, most MT jobs are employee status, not IC. If you were applying for jobs every week online and offline for six months and could not get a job, the answer is simple: You need a new career because you suck.
LABOR BOARD / MINIMUM WAGE LAWS

Regardless of all the bull dished out by the MTSO companies, especially as it pertains to VR, i.e., We're cutting your pay 50%, so you'll have to work twice as hard - but you're going to LOVE the platform.  Also get tired of hearing about Learning Curve and wonder if my grocer, landlord & hungry kids understand this learning curve concept. 


However (and the MTSOs can like this or lump it) WE MUST BE PAID FEDERALLY-MANDATED MINIMUM WAGE for workers with employee status - whether straight typing, VR or being required to babysit computer during no/low work.  Of course, it's exploitation to cut wages in half from an already insultingly low rate & most MTs are surely feeling the pinch.  But whether 2, 3, 4 or 10 cpl ... minimum wage must be paid.  (Sorry Suits/MTSOs - the law is there for a reason!)


Every state has different labor laws. Each hospital has different needs. Good luck!
x
I live in Idaho.. and our laws are that you can only be fired and NOT receive unemployment ..
if you were fired for gross misconduct and boy is that a loose term. I worked for an office that fired two transcriptionists, each were absolutely horrible and used wrong terminology etc.. yet they were able to get unemployment because although they were obviously not competent for the job, they do not consider that gross misconduct. Strange laws here.. Just means you can stink at your job, get fired, and still get paid.. We believe one of the transcriptionists intentionally screwed up so bad that she would be fired and could collect unemployement.
Minimum wage laws are for employees only, not independent contractors
Would you pay your plumber or pool cleaner (examples of other IC jobs) more because the minimum wage increased?
Our work is considered piecemeal and not subject to minimum wage laws. Just what I've been told
MT
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!
Nasty, rude, unprofessional.

I spent most days watching TV because there was supposedly no work, and when I quit they screwed me out of the money that they agreed to pay to ship their equipment back.

EVIL
You need to get a life.....
I guess you had a bad experience, but that says nothing for the more than 400 MTs who are happy at OSi. I don't understand why you spend so much time running down a company instead of being a productive citizen. What you give comes back to you in the future. NEGATIVE, NEGATIVE, NEGATIVE.....I hope you are happy in your life because the reflection here shows some real issues you probably need to work on.