Would you quit because of recurrent training contract?

[getonit]

The company I work for recently decided they were going to make everybody sign recurrent training contracts, this includes people who have been there 11 years. I have been there for 3. I have no problem with initial type contracts or as a new hire, I understand the costs involved. The contract is prorated, but it just pisses me off I can't see straight.

I think I will tell them I won't sign it and let them fire me so I can at least get unemployment.

Am I being unreasonable?

 

[troy]

Are you saying that every year you are to sign a paper stating that you will not leave the job (within a year) or pay up? Stated in other words, a prisioner of your employer?

 

[Flyerjosh]

Just an FYI... in most states you aren't eligible for unemployment if you get fired or quit your job. Only if you get laid off.

 

[mcjohn]

Your boss or manager must work with you to get unemployment. It's basically a phone call that is made to the ESC Employment Security Commision in which your boss states that everything is O.K. and you are not being fired and you did not quit.
My employer files unemployment for me each winter and then no communication is necessary.
You get 2/3 of your highest earnings up to but not including the last quarter before you file with the ESC. Depending on when you file, they may look at the last 9 months before your last quarter or the last 12 months before your last quarter. They make it difficult to work the system and know how much you will draw.

 

[getonit]

Exactly what I am saying, a prisoner.

Points noted on the unemployment issue. That is not the big issue.

To the spelling police, I meant to say quit.

 

[FN FAL]

Just an FYI... in most states you aren't eligible for unemployment if you get fired or quit your job. Only if you get laid off.

Actually, you CAN quit your job and receive un-employment. I have done this twice.

In order to do so, you just can't up and quit...you have to quit to take a better job, a job closer to your home, or one other thing I can't remember.

How you collect the un-employment is if you get let go from the better job that took, for reasons beyond your control...like getting laid off.

It happened to me twice and my previous employer in each case paid the un-employment. They contested it as well and lost.

 

[troy]

What does the contract say, 365 day, etc? I mean, is there one day per year that you could quit and not be held to the contract? This almost seems illegal, although I'm no attorney

If you are not happy where you are at, I'd tell them to shove it. Or at least fight it in court.

How does everyone else at the company feel about this? Are they going to sign or jump ship? What is the training contract worth?

 

[User546]

I would certainly be hesitant of getting myself fired if I were you. Especially an employer that you have a 3 year history with.

In aviation, you need every good reference you can get, and getting yourself fired is never a good thing.

If you don't want to sign the contract (I know I would be hesitant too), I would simply offer them a letter of resignation, and depart on amicapable terms. That way they don't have grounds in the future to say anything bad about you, and you somewhat keep that relationship intact. You'll be able to explain your story in future interviews, and I think 99% of them would understand.

Just my .02

 

[minitour]

If you like where you're at and make a decent living, I'd say go ahead and sign it.

Chances are it won't be enforcable in court if you decide to leave. This sounds very very illegal.

I'd avoid getting "fired" if I were you...it never looks good on any reference check (not just aviation).

Good luck!

-mini

 

[HS125]

Are you saying that every year you are to sign a paper stating that you will not leave the job (within a year) or pay up? Stated in other words, a prisioner of your employer?

Actually it's called indentured servitude, but basically the same thing. I left an employer over this issue and haven't looked back.