company sold-so was I

[toby04]

What is the name of your state? Utah
I worked as a salaried foreman for a small family run farm for 11 years. The owner sold the farm to a large corporate farm and told the new owners i came with it (without telling me). It has been 3 weeks and have not met new owner to discuss new job. They shut down the farm I managed and sent me to other farm. I am now driving a truck (laborer) 60 hours a week where I was a foreman for 30-40 hours a week. Old owner took my company phone and truck, I lost my 3 weeks vacation and $2-3k Christmas bonus. I recieved a paycheck ar same salary last week. I now have to negotiate all over.What are my rights? Thank you.

 

[pattytx]

Who told you to go to the other farm? I'd start with that person, who might be HR and, if not, should be able to point you to the HR person, with whom you should make an appointment to discuss your future with the new company.

 

[toby04]

The second in command tells me where to go. I have tried to make appt with the boss and he puts me off. I am trying to collect info on my rights so when we do meet i am prepared. I am trying to determine if I am exempt or not. I have nothing in writing now. I worked 30 -40 hours except the three times a year we did harvest, then I put in mega hours. During the winter i scheduled and loaded trucks and maintained equipment and could take time off when desired. I supervised two full time employees and 10-15 part timers during harvest. Thanks

 

[BelizeBreeze]

The second in command tells me where to go.

My ex-wife usually handles that chore. [/QUOTE]

 

[Beth3]

I am trying to collect info on my rights so when we do meet i am prepared. You have exactly the same rights as you did previously. You can elect to continue working for this company or you can quit any time you like.

I am trying to determine if I am exempt or not. If you are driving a truck, you are non-exempt and must be paid overtime.

I have nothing in writing now. They aren't required to put anything in writing for you, although it's alwalys good to have the specifics of a job offer outlined on paper just so there are no misunderstandings down the road.

I worked 30 -40 hours except the three times a year we did harvest, then I put in mega hours. During the winter i scheduled and loaded trucks and maintained equipment and could take time off when desired. I supervised two full time employees and 10-15 part timers during harvest. It sounds like your position qualified for exempt status under the former ownership but not any longer if you are full-time truck driver.

 

[toby04]

Thanks for all the good input. I am looking for another job, any ideas if I am still entitled to vacation or bonus? Thanks

 

[toby04]

I should add that this is not a corprate type company with a HR dept. Just a couple rich farmers who mostly operate out of thier pickup truck. Most agreements are verbal.

 

[Beth3]

The vast majority of employment agreements are verbal.

any ideas if I am still entitled to vacation or bonus That's entirely up to the new owners as it's a matter of company policy, not the law. Good luck with the job search.

 

[toby04]

Thanks to all, I figured i was going to get shafted till the end. Time to cut my losses and move on. Appreciate the help.