Complaint Review: Flyaway Farm And Kennel

I went to work for this company because they use border collies to chase birds away from airfields, golf courses, etc. in a humane manner. One of the owners of this company claimed that they are endorsed by PETA and always choose the most humane way of managing wildlife as possible. In addition, I was told that I would be paid a salary of $24,000 per year, paid once per month.

I began working for the company on June 16, 2003, and did not receive my first paycheck until August. When I did finally get my paycheck, it was for the 2 weeks I worked in June. During the 5 months I worked for this company, I received payments for 4 months worth of work. I had to beg for 3 out of these four paychecks, and I never knew exactly when I would get my money or how much it would be.

The owner withdrew taxes from my pay, but I was never given an itemized pay stub and I did not sign a W-4 tax form until nearly 5 months after I joined the company. I never knew exactly how much was being withdrawn (illegally) for taxes, Social Security, etc.

IN ADDITION ... I was expected to drive my own car on the job for over a month, use my own field guides and binoculars, and pay for a $250 pet deposit without reimbursement so that I could keep the company dogs at my home. I was told that I would be reimbursed for veterinary bills, gas for the company vehicle, $50 per month for my cell phone, and other company expenses. I NEVER received reimbursement for any of these items, even though I submitted reimbursement reports and kept my receipts.

After I was with the company for about 4 months, the owner handed me an old shotgun and ordered me to shoot every bird I saw (remember, this company is supposedly endorsed by PETA). Flyaway had provided me with only a few hours' worth of gun training, but because I could not kill enough birds the owner demanded that I be cut from full time (about 60 hours per week) to part time (about 30 hours per week), and that my pay be cut so that I would be earning less than $250 per week. When I complained about this, I was fired for my "inability and unwillingness to do as told."

I received a termination letter on 11/6/03 stating that I would be paid for my final month of work AND reimbursed for company costs (which totaled about $350 at the time). As of 6/25/04, I have not seen a penny of this money. I filed a complaint with the SC Dept. of Labor, and they fined the company, but Flyaway still has not paid the fine and they have not paid me. I sent a letter to the owner asking for my wages, and she mailed it right back to me without even opening it. The only thing I have received from Flyaway since I left was a falsified W-2 tax form, stating that Flyaway had paid me $2,500 more than what they actually HAD paid me.

I don't know if I can make myself any clearer than this, but I will say it again: do not work for this company. It is a fascinating job, but Flyaway repeatedly rips off and takes advantage of its employees, and the employees are expected to just shut up and deal with it.

Ebony
Swansea, South Carolina
U.S.A.