I did the ACASS thing.
It all depends on the employer. They set me up with an excellent company to work for - so no issues at all.
I have heard a lot of bad stuff from other guys at ACASS that worked for some shady operators.
Bottom line, ACASS pays you about half of what they collect for your labor. They are about the MONEY. Everything is a contract because they know once you get over there you will find a lot of opportunities to go around them. As soon as you get there, they try to get you to commit to a longer stay. What ever they offer you, ask for more. They always low ball you. When ever they ask you to stay longer, ask for more money. What ever contract they give you, negotiate better.
There is no loyalty. No matter what you have done in the past, or how you have helped them, if they sign a new guys for less then what your being paid, no more assignments. You have to pay your own taxes, own recurrent, own medical, - everything. They nickle and dime you on everything on their expense reports. "Crew Laundry Included" is what they told me. Then I get over there and they define crew laundry as your uniform only. Not a big deal but you see what I'm talking about.
The Good. They always pay. On time, well not quite. Says paid within 7 days. 7 days go buy and you call and they say "7 business days". So I guess weekend and the 4th of july is a big holiday for Canadians.
But the money always comes, and thats really what it is about.
My recommendations - Go for it if you have nothing else and give it a try ONCE if you are already current. If you aren't current - There is no way I would pay my FSI recurrent and then wait and to see if I get the assignments. Again they look at everyone that is current and choose the cheapest person. Your assignments could dry up FAST.
Don't commit to crap until you know all the facts. They give you one information at a time.
Anyone serious can PM me for my 2 cents.
