In Need of Advice on Tricky Situation With Employer As a Young Tree Worker.

ArbMyles

New member
Location
Ontario
To give a little background information, I have been working in Aylmer Ontario for a small tree service for the past year or so. I started working in February of 2019 and immediately enjoyed the work, I was accepted to go to school Fleming college from the previous year and it would begin in January of 2020. Things were going well with the tree service and I was gaining some good experience as a ground man. In May I asked my boss about the possibility of doing an apprenticeship with him instead of going to school and he thought it was the way to go. I made some calls to the local employment services office and asked about the steps I needed to take and the forms to fill out. My boss said he would take care of all the paperwork and just get me to sign them. About a month and half later he had not gotten any forms even with me reminding him, so I got the forms myself and filled in everything that I was required to and gave the papers to my boss directly. At this point I would also like to mention the fact that this entire time I would get constantly late paycheques and at times be missing an entire months pay. As the months went on, I would remind him from time to time to sign the paperwork but no luck. Fast forward to November 2019 and I need to make a payment for the schooling that I'm still signed up for. I remind him one last time and mention that I need to make a payment for school and need the paper work signed before then, he said that I could go ahead and cancel my schooling because he would sign them for me. Now it's December and still no paperwork, so I paid my school fees and told him I was leaving for school at the end of the month giving him three weeks notice. He did not seem pleased and tried to convince me that it wasn't too late for the apprenticeship and I could cancel the school. I told him very nicely that there was another reason for me "changing my mind" so last second and not the truth as to why I decided to leave in an attempt to not burn bridges. I am now halfway through my first semester and I am finding it very easy and I feel that my previous experience has helped me a lot with many of my classes. I had been back for one weekend previously in January and while I was back saw my boss at a hockey game, I told him that I would not be back for summer co-op if the forms weren't signed and he said that he will take care of it. Fast forward again to the present and I am back in town for my reading week break. I called my boss and asked if he would want me to work the week so I could make some extra money. I again ask about the forms and they are still not signed! It's coming down to the end of the week and I am contemplating quiting and just finding another employer for the summer co-op in hopes of leading to apprenticeship. Just a few more things about this guy, poor tree practices (flush cuts, Lions tailing), late paycheques again, told me when hired that he would get me signed up for my DZ drivers training and fall arrest training which never happened. And finally I am supposed to get my T4 tax form from him by February 28th and I have the feeling I wont get it by then which I could report him to CRA for. I am sure I've missed things but that is all I can think of for right now. Thank you if you've read this far I truly appreciate your time and if you have any advice on the situation it is very welcomed. Thank you again and if you have any questions let em fly.
 
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What do you want advice about? I would personally look elsewhere for employment/apprenticeship and never think twice about it. this dude sounds like a flake and a hack. You sound like a young legit person with a bright future don't take any shit!
I guess I just am not sure about how to tell him I'm quitting without burning bridges and that he's gonna freak out. Thanks for the reply.
 
Don't burn your bridge. Stay cool when you explain, and be prepared for him to pretend that it's unreasonable.
If his respect is worth having, being clear and direct about why you're not going to work for him will earn some.
 
Don't burn your bridge. Stay cool when you explain, and be prepared for him to pretend that it's unreasonable.
If his respect is worth having, being clear and direct about why you're not going to work for him will earn some.
Thanks! I'll do my best hopefully he is somewhat understanding.
 
My wisest decision gettin started was investing in my profession to the point employers would be up chit creek without all my stuff.

A 4x4 tooltruck with a winch n stuffed full of bull ropes n pulleys n chainsaws n medkits n know how.

Next thing yu know, yur a friggin foreman runnin a crew n callin the shots.

Every penny yu put in comes back sevenfold!

Best of luck youngster, but think long n hard, this is an extremely unforgiving profession, that demands methods proven to work, and a bare minimum of madness.

Jemco
 
My wisest decision gettin started was investing in my profession to the point employers would be up chit creek without all my stuff.

A 4x4 tooltruck with a winch n stuffed full of bull ropes n pulleys n chainsaws n medkits n know how.

Next thing yu know, yur a friggin foreman runnin a crew n callin the shots.

Every penny yu put in comes back sevenfold!

Best of luck youngster, but think long n hard, this is an extremely unforgiving profession, that demands methods proven to work, and a bare minimum of madness.

Jemco
That could be an option but we already have 3 bucket trucks a couple 18 inch chippers, skidsteer and every bit of rigging gear you could need lol. Not much I could offer him that he already doesn't have besides my own climbing gear.
 
That could be an option but we already have 3 bucket trucks a couple 18 inch chippers, skidsteer and every bit of rigging gear you could need lol. Not much I could offer him that he already doesn't have besides my own climbing gear.
All that gear and still holding back a months pay? that's a fucking outrage I would repo his shit until he payed dude sounds like a junkie
 
Guys like that aren't rare in this biz unfortunately.

Why not hook up with Wickes Arborist or other reputable outfits in your area.

Whereabouts are yu?

Jemco
 
I would also say to look for new employment. Find a good solid company you can work for. Keep your cool when putting in your notice but as far as burning bridges, it sounds like you are the one being burnt. Good luck with the changes!
 
I think you'll find your present situation and your indecisiveness really funny when you look back on it in a year or two when you're working for an awesome new employer that values your skills, your work ethic and your time.
It might seem like a tough decision at the time, but it sounds like your current boss doesn't give two shits about you. There are a ton of good bosses out there, don't settle for garbage
 

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