I went to work for this company because they use border collies to chase birds away from airfields, golf courses, etc.in a humane manner. One of the owners of this company claimed that they are endorsed by PETA and always choose the most humane way of managing wildlife as possible.in addition, I was told that I would be paid a salary of $24,000 per year, paid once per month.
I began working for the company on June 16, and did not receive my first paycheck until August. When I did finally get my paycheck, it was for the 2 weeks I worked in June. During the 5 months I worked for this company, I received payments for 4 months worth of work. I had to beg for 3 out of these four paychecks, and I never knew exactly when I would get my money or how much it would be.
The owner withdrew taxes from my pay, but I was never given an itemized pay stub and I did not sign a W-4 tax form until nearly 5 months after I joined the company. I never knew exactly how much was being withdrawn (illegally) for taxes, Social Security, etc.
IN ADDITION... I was expected to drive my own car on the job for over a month, use my own field guides and binoculars, and pay for a $250 pet deposit without reimbursement so that I could keep the company dogs at my home. I was told that I would be reimbursed for veterinary bills, gas for the company vehicle, $50 per month for my cell phone, and other company expenses. I NEVER received reimbursement for any of these items, even though I submitted reimbursement reports and kept my receipts.
After I was with the company for about 4 months, the owner handed me an old shotgun and ordered me to shoot every bird I saw (remember, this company is supposedly endorsed by PETA). Flyaway had provided me with only a few hours' worth of gun training, but because I could not kill enough birds the owner demanded that I be cut from full time (about 60 hours per week) to part time (about 30 hours per week), and that my pay be cut so that I would be earning less than $250 per week. When I complained about this, I was fired for my "inability and unwillingness to do as told."
I received a termination letter on 11/6/03 stating that I would be paid for my final month of work AND reimbursed for company costs (which totaled about $350 at the time). As of 6/25/04, I have not seen a penny of this money. I filed a complaint with the SC Dept. Of Labor, and they fined the company, but Flyaway still has not paid the fine and they have not paid me. I sent a letter to the owner asking for my wages, and she mailed it right back to me without even opening it. The only thing I have received from Flyaway since I left was a falsified W-2 tax form, stating that Flyaway had paid me $2,500 more than what they actually HAD paid me.
I don't know if I can make myself any clearer than this, but I will say it again: do not work for this company. It is a fascinating job, but Flyaway repeatedly rips off and takes advantage of its employees, and the employees are expected to just shut up and deal with it.
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