Technicians are a revolving door of sheep. Each treated as though we are simple minded kindergarteners. After seeing some of the work of fellow IHS techs, subs, retailers (which are ABSOLUTE garbage and a drain on everyone) I can see why one would think of us as such. Our day starts with a morning huddle where we are constantly reminded of how much we suck, and how important it is that Mary Sue buys at least 15 bucks of superfluous garbage from us. That's right, we're salesmen now. Not with the typical briefcase and shiny pens, but with an overstocked van full of gadgets and gizmos to make the customer have "a better tv experience." I don't have a problem with the idea of sales, or actually selling. The problem I have is with it being the ONLY concern of management. Never a "Hey, great job on that 4 room. I see you took the time to make it neat and run all new cable." Or "Hey, nice work taking that irate customer from someone who cussed dish out for 30 minutes to someone genuinely now happy with DISH." It's really all about sales anymore. Management past FSM position are a bunch of email pushers and number crunchers. Most of their day is spent on staring at a computer monitor or on some unnecessary conference call. You're just a statistic to these people. They could care less about the grotesque, uninhabitable, rancid, awful homes (and people for that matter) that you had to deal with that day. They only care if you weaseled some extra cash out of said customer.
Churn rate is awful. No sense in getting to know a colleague as he will more than likely be gone in less than 6 months. These positions are not readily (or never) filled, which results in mandatory overtime. Another perk. Doesn't matter if you have plans or a family or enjoy time not working.
Safety is preached but not practiced. Bedbugs, roaches, fecal and urine soaked homes are not taken with hazard. A "git-r-done" policy is in place in those situations. Heaven forbid we miss a completion. Snow, ice, thunderstorms are taken lightly. Again, heaven forbid we push jobs back and miss a completion.
More knowledge and extra work types are expected and taught without any extra compensation. Dishnet, commercial, dish coach and all certifications now that do not result in a pay raise. More work, more knowledge, more value......same pay. Sales does not result in extra pay, rather to some award site where accrued points can buy a brand new shiny toaster! Or if you sell about $10,000 worth of product, a low end television! Pay us cash for sales, the company sure gets cash for sales.
