May 9, 2013
To Aerotek administration:
The purpose of this letter is to detail how I, Keith McNabb, have felt throughout my employment as well as the current situation regarding the layoff. At no time in my work career have I ever felt more disrespected by an employer than I have with this company. I began work here on May 1, 2012, during the first week of training we were told the things that were expected of us in order for us to be hired on full time by Volkswagen. I realize that the person who ran my class is no longer with the company but at that time my class of 80 new hires were told that if we came to work every day, did what we were asked, and didn't have any corrective actions that there should be no reason that we shouldn't be hired on. Now, I understand that circumstances change but this is where my first issue comes in. The lack of communication between the administration and the employees is something I have never seen before in a company. In the 12 months I have been here we have had 3 Aerotek meetings in which at no time a reason of not being hired on was explained to us.
All throughout the 4 weeks of training I, along with approximately 5 others, approached Brandon with an issue of a very disrespectful person in our class and nothing was done to alleviate this issue. Once on shift, I was again placed with this individual and had multiple issues with this employee in which I took the problem to Tiffany and once again NOTHING was done. During many training classes I, along with others in my class were ensured by instructors that such actions as the ones by this employee would be handled appropriately and they where not. To be more specific, I have members of my family along with friends who are homosexual and I took it very personal when this employee overheard a conversation and starting calling me by "gay slurs". Again, I reiterate, nothing was done about this and no member of Aerotek administration followed up with me. The person being talked about has also had his contract "extended".
Another issue I want to address is with training. So far I have found that 90% of the things we were told in training are completely disregarded once being on shift. One being the above paragraph. The next being the overall idea of an ergonomic work place. Now I can only speak for logistics as that is the only place I have worked. Because of the current state of the equipment (trains, racks, boxes) being used, every employee has to do things that are a risk to their physical health in order to complete their job. An example of this is in section 2. The rollers and boxes are in such poor shape that the person working the area has to physically lift the boxes to place it on the rollers. This will eventually result in a person damaging their back. There are many, many problems like this all through the body shop and these issues have been brought up over and over again and yet nothing is done to fix the issues. Not only is this very frustrating to deal with but when a Volkswagen employee making $20 and hour stands and watches you struggle with this or walks right by you to disappear and smoke it tends to be very frustrating.
Recently, a Volkswagen HR rep came down to talk with the employees to write down and try to answer any questions anyone had about the current situation of the plant. She came down three days in a row (Monday, April 22 - Wednesday, April 24). When she found out that I was Aerotek on the first day she assured me that she would have an Aerotek person come speak with me. The second day when she came she asked if I had been spoked to in which I informed her that I had not been. She again asked me on the third day in which I had to once again inform her that no one had spoken to me. I would have come to the Aerotek office had I felt like any issue that I have had would be resolved, however I don't think anyone would blame me for feeling helpless at this point. If Volkswagen cares enough to send an employee to talk to people who are actually getting to keep their job the least Aerotek can do is send someone out to try and answer any questions that someone who, at the time, thought they were losing their job and has a family to support. With that being said, what type of leadership does the Aerotek administration show when during the actual meeting in which the employees are being told we are getting laid off, not one member of management stood up to explain this to us. Instead, a Volkswagen employee broke the news to us and told us we were not allowed to ask questions. Do you not think we deserve the right to at least have a member of Aerotek management stand in front of its own employees and try to explain the situation? Then during the meeting in which we were to find out who was actually getting laid off (which I wasn't) we were handed an envelope, told not to ask questions yet again, told not to open our letter until we've left the facility, and herded like cattle out the door.
As far as the layoff situation, to most of us, perception is reality. Volkswagen employees where given a 10% bonus for what is being called "the best quarter to date" only a month before Aerotek employees are told about the layoff. On top of that, on thursday, May 2, 2013 (the day we found out who was getting laid off) Channel 3 news released a story about how Volkswagen of America had DONATED $10 million dollars to "revamp" the national mall in Washington D.C. Surely someone can understand how most of us have questions about this. I understand that there is an answer for this but again, to those of us who are left in the dark because of the lack of communication, perception is reality. As far as the point system, I took two PTO days in November for the birth of my son, I took another when my wife was sick and I was needed to watch my son. April 19th I had to take a point because I missed due to my son having surgery. I think its ridiculous that in 12 months of employment I've missed 4 days total and because of the last one not only do I have one corrective action but I was made to feel guilty about missing this day and taking a point by being told, "think about the consequences" before missing this day.
Finally, I would like to express that I have given up so much for this job. Not only have I given up very precious and countless time with my family but I have also had to give up a second job of teaching music in which I love very much. I gave up a full time job and took a pay cut in which my family has struggled finically due to this job. I've given up hobbies and missed out on things that I traditionally do every year. I realize that this sounds very petty to whom is reading this but I ask you, what did I give these things up for? To feel lied to for a year? To be disrespected by an employer? To be pushed out the door after a year of hard work? Not only do I as a man and an employee deserve more than what has been given back for what I have sacrificed but my family deserves more for standing by me for leaving a well payed job to attempt this "career opportunity". With that being said I would like return your letter of extending my contract and would like to replace it with this letter to serve as my resignation effective immediately.
Keith McNabb
