Monday, March 23, 2015

Smart Kid, It Must Be His Mother!

Our son is working as an electrician in the Alberta Tar Sands. Things are in a bit of a turmoil up there because of the current financial crisis in the petroleum industry. He was looking at the work schedule and deduced that he was about to be laid off at the end of this schedule. He has been taking industrial safety courses on line recently because they are easily available and it gives him yet another option for a job as well as a tax deduction for a work related education expense.

When he saw his lay off date he went to the safety supervisor and asked if he could transfer into that department. He was short one classroom course for his qualification but the boss told him to drive to Fort McMurray (300 KM each way) and complete it on company time and that he would be working as a Safety Officer next week at a different site (if he passes which he is confident he will). The safety officers are always the last to leave the job so unless things shut down 100%, he will survive. It also means a raise in pay.

Like I say, smart kid!
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10 comments:

  1. Kevin ReadMarch 23, 2015 at 6:59 PM

    A safety officer makes more than an electrician? Doesn't sound quite right to me...

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    1. CroftMarch 23, 2015 at 8:40 PM

      When he switched from journeyman carpenter to apprentice electrician they froze him at the higher carpenter's rate. Electricians and carpenters are members of CLAC (Christian Labour Association of Canada) or the "Clackers" a terrible union that is pretty much controlled by the employer. The safety officer job is probably "management" and is paid at a higher rate. Not sure but this is what I think.

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    2. BillMarch 23, 2015 at 9:32 PM

      Either way, he is certainly doing what it takes to keep working.

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    3. CroftMarch 23, 2015 at 10:28 PM

      He's a survivor! It would be nice to see a mainstream union in there but Alberta is one of the most unfriendliest Provinces in that regard.,

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  2. René and Jeanette GenereuxMarch 23, 2015 at 9:48 PM

    Yep. Smart kid.

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  3. kelsiMarch 23, 2015 at 9:59 PM

    One of the electricians I know working in the oilsands said that guys/gals were PICKING jobs they wanted over the past 4 or 5 years. Now most of them are just trying to get steady paychecks.
    (By the way, I'm sure your kid got his smarts from both you AND your lovely bride... but he probably got his good looks from her :)

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    1. CroftMarch 23, 2015 at 10:25 PM

      Yes, that is pretty much what is happening up there right now. No one can count on anything and with the CLAC there are no seniority rights so it is everyone for him/her self.

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  4. our awesome travelsMarch 24, 2015 at 3:59 AM

    Smart decision on his part, he will survive and retire young like his parents.

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  5. living.boondockingmexicoMarch 24, 2015 at 7:44 PM

    I have to agree with you about Norma, but at the same time, you seem to be quite the wise person also. All that aside, you guys have one great kid not to mention Linda Lee.

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