Wilma left SE Florida needing Tree Workers

[NovoArbor]

Hurricane Wilma took down alot of trees & we need help! Hello from Novo Arbor in Delray Beach, Florida ....we are ISA members in south east Florida and as you know have sustained tremendous tree damage from Hurricane Wilma.

We are seeking tree workers that can come here for about 2 months. We will provide air transportation and housing. The pay is $17 - $25 (depending on experience & performance) per hour with overtime after 40 hours of time and a half. The work week is expected to be 60 hours. If you or know of anyone that can offer their services, we'd greatly appreciate a call from them at 561-330-9785. Or email us at [email protected].

Novo Arbor is a commercial tree care company. Most of our work is on golf courses, resorts, HOA's & business centers. We will provide all the equipment including uniforms. We are fully insured and you will be covered by Workmen's Compensation.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

That's just run of the mill pay. An itinerant worker would not be able to afford to live on the road that way.

I know guys who would sign up for short term contracts for $35-40. All of them worth their salt.

 

[TreeJunkie]

John i think you're thinking of subcontractor pay. I think he was talking payroll.

I think w/ that kind of pay he'll have no problem finding plenty of help. Assuming hotel of room was taken care of as well.

 

[NovoArbor]

Thanks for your reply John. We've never hired workers on a short time basis so we're putting our feelers out. I would have thought that $1750 a week on a short term basis would be OK keeping in mind that we are providing travel expenses, housing, uniforms, equipment, insurance & local transportation. Did you have all that in mind when you responded? We are anxious to hire and have alot of storm work that we are contracted to do. As a Consulting Arborist, I would like to think that you are in touch with workers "worth their salt" and I would like to discuss this with you further. Please call me at your earliest convenience - 561-330-9785. Take care. Starr

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

My appologies Starr, I just skimmed the post.

Yes with room and travel covered your scale looks good for regular workers. Most of the guys I know have similar income on a regular basis, w/o the need for a 10 x 6 work week. Though I will let people know.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

A thought would be to make the rooming offer as a perdiem payment

 

[J_Ashley]

NovoArbor, I'm highley interested in this opportunity, and am talking with my current full-time employer about a leave of absence. I shall hopefully speak with you further soon.

Justin

 

[NickfromWI]

Hmmmm, what kind of chainsaws do you use?

Might you be willing to go halfsies on an airline ticket?

love
nick

 

[NovoArbor]

Hi Nick.....we use Stihl & yes,we'll pay your airfare 100%. What we need now are climbers that know & practice proper pruning techniques, ANSZ133. Once the main debris is taken away, there is alot of crown restoration work that needs to be done.

Have a great day,
Starr

 

[NovoArbor]

Good thinking. This is for a tax advantage I'm assuming. So instead of paying $250 per day, I would deduct $30 for housing & $30 per day for food and possibly $20 per day for equipment allowance giving them a net pay of $170 which would be on the books???

 

[NickfromWI]

170/day on the books, and 80/day in my hands? Is that what you have in mind?

love
nick

 

[NovoArbor]

No No No..... You get the $250, but you're only on the books/taxed on the $170

 

[J_Ashley]

Novo Arbor, I am sorry but my full time employer is unwilling to let go of me for the required stay. I would lose my job in this situation. I am sorry I can't help, best of luck to you all.

Justin

 

[Trignog]

Novo I am interested and available. P M for details.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

A per diem is an allowance you give for them to live on the road, along with the wage. If you deduct them from the wage, you take away some of the draw to the project.

Say you are willing to pay for the room and one meal, average room is $35 and you give $10 for the meal.

This makes the accounting easier for you in the long run. You don't have to deal with a bunch of reciepts from different hotels.

If i remember right, it is a writeoff if you provide lunch for employees who have to stay on site, so you could effectivly pay for two meals, not charge the employee and write it all off if you "cater" lunches.

I worked one project that catered lunch, did a buffet breakfast/safety meating at Denny's or somewhere. They got discount prices be cause the crew was big enough to open the buffet earlier, and the safety meetings impressed the underwriter.

Talk to your insurer to see if per diem is counted in payroll. If not you could be more generouse in that area and negotiate a lower wage. The contractor will not care as long as the end result will be the same.

$ 280 Weekly perdiem
$ 800 weekly straight pay @ $20
$ 600 20 hrs OT @ 20/hr straight
$1680

 

[NovoArbor]

Please call me anytime Tuesday at 561-330-9785. Ask for Starr. I would PM you but I don't know how & at this hour I'm too bleary eyed to figure it out

 

[NovoArbor]

Thank you, John - very much. This is extremely helpful. I appreciate your time, thoughtfulness & generosity. Actually, I think the contractor would love this kind of arrangement because he's not paying any taxes on it - after all....it's not "income". It's a win-win.

 

[NickfromWI]

NovoArbor, check your email. I'm interested and can be there next week.

love
nick

 

[Rob Murphy]

Just kidding

You will pay 100% arline ticket..Hmmm..Tempting but i am in my busy season.