Contractor CRNAs get screwed when new contract holder takes over

[macanes, BSN, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

So, you've got this great job. But now, a new fly-by-night company has won the bid on the Department of Defense (DoD) contract at your facility.

They come to you and say, "Hey, we're the new contract holders - want to come work for us (at a 22-percent less than before)? Sorry, we can't pay you what you were making before - that's a lower rate (per hour) than we bid for the contract (So we rolled the dice and bet we could win with a low-ball bid, hire the people in place at no recruiting and moving cost to us, and force you to accept lower paytoincreasr our profit margin).

If this sounds familiar, let's talk.

Federal contractor CRNA

[daisymae0]

I worked for a DOD contractor before I became a DOD civilian. It's really horrible that they do that but it's the chance that you take when you work for a contractor. Be lucky that they offered to keep the employees who were working on the contract. I know penalty of people who recently lost their job at the location I work at because of a contract switch.

I know the pay cut sucks, but unfortunately it's the way of government contracting. I know at one contract renewal one group of people had thier pay cut by $5 an hour. From what I've seen contractors sometimes keep close to what the pay scale in the area is.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Can they really do that? That's awful. I would definitely start looking somewhere else. Do you have to sign on again?

This is good info to have as I am intending on becoming a CRNA. Seems very unfair.

[Jbrock718]

Working in the Federal Gov't contracting realm as an engineer I have seen similar things happen. However, the companies that win in my area must have a history of work in our area in order to be taken seriously and have a chance to win.

Most of what I have seen is companies bidding based on people working >40hours per week. As salaried personnel we are not guaranteed overtime payment, in fact more likely is that we will not be paid OT. Thus that extra work (over 40hrs/week) we bill is $$$ that goes to beef up the profit line.

When asked to work an extra 4 hrs. per week, one of my coworkers asked if he would be paid for it. THe answer was no, it helped the company stay 'competitive'.

If the pay, after the 22% cut, is competitive with what CRNA's in your area are paid, then I am not sure what you are complaining about. If the pay, after the 22% cut is NOT competitive then you have an opportunity to go seek greener pastures.