Bait and Switch Ads

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Bait and Switch Ads

(Teresa G. writes...)

I have had several jobs with camp sites but it has come to my attention that of late there are many camp owners that aren't being quite true to their ads. They advertise their ads for a single person or couple who will work 20 hours for their site, but when you apply for the job then it becomes 20 hours a piece for the site and then pay half on your electric and half for propane.

Frankly, I am getting tired of the misleading ads. I believe that the workcampers need to watch out for these ads. I would like the owners of the camp grounds to be honest with their ads and quit trying to mislead us.

Coleen, could you please print this so everyone will watch for these ads? Please don't let them con you.

Coleen, the working while RVing editor replies:

Hi Teresa,

I totally agree with you that campground owners/managers should be living up to what they promise in their ads.

That said, the problem is often one of taking things for granted, rather than of campground owners trying to con RVers.

When you inquire about a position, be sure to ask plenty of questions. Your interpretation of the ad may or may not match that of the employer. I'm not saying that every campground owner is honest, however, in many cases it is a matter of perspective. Employers see things differently than employees.

Following is are some examples:

An ad indicates that there is a full hook up site for the work camper, what does that mean? Does it mean the campground owner is going to include paid utilities as part of the compensation? Does it mean those utilities are there and the work camper will be charged for them whether or not he uses them? Does it mean the work camper has the option to use them if he wants -- and to pay for them if he does? Some RVers won't stay anywhere they don't have full hook ups, so knowing if full hook ups are available is important, regardless of whether or not they are part of the compensation package.

And then, there is the whole issue of what all is included in "full hook ups." Are they limited to water, sewer, and electricity? Is cable TV included? What about other premium TV options? Is wifi or other Internet access included as a utility? What about a telephone line? If you include any of these as utilities, do you expect them to be paid? Or, are you happy to know wifi is available at your site and you would be willing to pay a fee for it?

Ask these kinds of questions. Don't assume you know what the employer was thinking when he wrote the ad.

Go to the Workers On Wheels Work for RVers and Campers blog.

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Bait and Switch Ads

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Don't Let Them Get Away With It
by: FrankPSr

In your telephone interview with the prospective employer, you need to ask questions to clear up any confusion or misunderstandings. Have the employer send you an agreement or job description and benefits.

If they don't abide by the written agreements when you get there, you don't need to stay.

If there are no written agreements, try to communicate with the employer thru email. In that regard it will be in writing and should be no misunderstandings.

If the employer tries to switch you, make sure you name the park in your post about it on this web site for others to know.

But in the End, Some Try to Be dishonest
by: afraid of being black balled

My wife and I have been workamping for many years and WHOLE HEARTILY AGREE ON ASKING MANY QUESTIONS. We go so far as to put what we want in e-mail form to the park manager/owner, and ask for their input or corrections. Going back and forth seems to be normal as different people have different perspectives. BUT, when it is agreed on a 30 hour hour work week for each camper, then both are scheduled to work 50 hours (no overtime) in the summer, then 12 hours in the winter, it is a new concept to us. How much clearer must we be?

Did You Agree to the New Schedule?
by: Coleen, the Workers On Wheels editor

afraid of being black balled, I understand that you feel wronged. Here's how I see the situation you described:

First off, what you put on your resume, or on your application, or in your email that you WANT (or what you will or won't do) may have little or nothing to do with the job you are offered. Some people get that confused. The job offer, with the job terms, always comes from the employer.

But, onto your point.... Okay, the employer offers you a job with a 30 hour work week and you accept it. When does that change? When you are scheduled for 50 hours a week, what do you do? Did you point out that your schedule had a mistake because your agreement was to work 30 hours a week and ask which 30 hours your were suppose to work? Or, did you just go ahead and work 50 hours a week? If you agreed and worked the 50 hours -- well, that's exactly what you did -- AGREED. You then have a new agreement. If however, when given the 50 hour schedule you refused to work that many hours, and the employer said you'd be fired if you didn't, then I'd say the employer is breaking the agreement. There's a big difference there.

Then We Agreed
by: afraid of being blacked balled

I see your point. After driving 18 hours to get here, then we agreed... as we had no money or job to leave here. We are still looking for a job, but at least have a space for now. Thanks for the insight!

I Commend Your Attitude
by: Coleen, the Workers On Wheels editor

I don't mean to pour salt on your wounds, as the saying goes, but you give an excellent example of why I believe it is important to never travel across country for the sole purpose of a job.

It sounds like you are making the best of the situation. I commend you for that.

I do hope that you can come to better terms with your current employer or that you find a job that suits you better.

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Bait and Switch Ads

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