Today I Learned...

[Stephen W.]

Originally Posted by JD001

My contract is 40hrs but can work over this and not see an extra penny. However, hourly paid do see extra money if they go over their contracted hours.

We also have 'zero contract hours', contracts that don't guarantee any hours. Work as and when your employer needs you..

Early feedback from the companies who have been testing the 4day week, since start of year, is positive, profits not hurting and employees are happier..

I was switched from hourly to salaried when the boss figured out he could save money. As long as I was getting promotions, regular pay increases and bonus money I was OK with the extra hours. When that stopped so did my working long hours.

The company fell on hard times, (lost some big contracts) and they put us on a government program called "Work Share". We worked half the week at regular pay and sat at home the other half for which we received Employment Insurance Benfits. That's about 60% of regular pay but they didn't withhold any taxes so you got dinged come tax time.
The last couple of years some of us were put on 3 or 4 day weeks and only got 3 or 4 days of wages. That sucked! Mean while the company was still paying some people huge amounts to just show up and not work. It's the same the world over.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by JD001

Today I learned that 700 UK firms are testing 4 day week, their staff get paid for 5 days but only work 4.. Can't wait for it to be rolled out for all!

just shows how much time office people waste.

the world would collapse into chaos if tradespeople were suddenly included in this...

[JD001]

Originally Posted by soundman98

just shows how much time office people waste.

the world would collapse into chaos if tradespeople were suddenly included in this...

Some of the companies trialing the scheme still covering a 5 day week but staff either work Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday..

You're right about time wasting, when I WFH, I can focus solid 3 or 4 hours, break for lunch and another stint and I'm done by 17.00.. in the office, I would be distracted.. on the flip side I do miss the interaction....

[Captain Snooze]

Til that Shaquille O'Neal is a big person.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Captain Snooze

Til that Shaquille O'Neal is a big person.


Attachment 212548

Looks like Ultra beside me!

Predator view

[Captain Snooze]

Til there is a conformateur.

[JD001]

Today I learned that my regular Subaru service centre has closed shop!!

Now I'm thinking what to do? Do I strike up a new relationship with another Subaru dealer and keep the car in the Subaru world or drop out and head towards a Twin independent specialist, welcome your thoughts.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by JD001

Today I learned that my regular Subaru service centre has closed shop!!

Now I'm thinking what to do? Do I strike up a new relationship with another Subaru dealer and keep the car in the Subaru world or drop out and head towards a Twin independent specialist, welcome your thoughts.

Of course since you are in the UK your mileage may vary, but I always use an independent shop for any repair that isn't a warranty repair on all my vehicles (and since most are purchased post warranty or I drive through the warranty in less than 24 months, that means almost always).

Current shop is a relationship I've had for 20 years. I've never felt cheated and I've even had them refuse money for work that took just a few minutes, or discounted when it took too long.

[2020BRZtS]

Originally Posted by JD001

Today I learned that my regular Subaru service centre has closed shop!!

Now I'm thinking what to do? Do I strike up a new relationship with another Subaru dealer and keep the car in the Subaru world or drop out and head towards a Twin independent specialist, welcome your thoughts.

I've been using a local independent for the last few cars. He's reasonable and honest. Subaru gave me free annual windshield sticker inspections for life and I still pay my local guy because he's closer and I would rather he had the money. It helps that he loves my Scion and was more excited about the BRZ than I was when I got it. Ask around to your friends and family and see who they use.

[JD001]

Originally Posted by 2020BRZtS

I've been using a local independent for the last few cars. He's reasonable and honest. Subaru gave me free annual windshield sticker inspections for life and I still pay my local guy because he's closer and I would rather he had the money. It helps that he loves my Scion and was more excited about the BRZ than I was when I got it. Ask around to your friends and family and see who they use.

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Of course since you are in the UK your mileage may vary, but I always use an independent shop for any repair that isn't a warranty repair on all my vehicles (and since most are purchased post warranty or I drive through the warranty in less than 24 months, that means almost always).

Current shop is a relationship I've had for 20 years. I've never felt cheated and I've even had them refuse money for work that took just a few minutes, or discounted when it took too long.

So, here's the lowdown, I wasn't sure if I should be boring you with it but looks like I have to give you some background..

Friends and family are pretty 'normal' when it comes to cars, new cars stay with dealers and older ones move to local garages.. They think that I'm a bit weird when it comes to cars but they enjoy what I have etc..

As for my BRZ'd, it's coming up to its 7th birthday, it has since new gone to Subaru for servicing and any warranty (valves and battery). They also upgraded the engine mounts/transmission mounts at the time of the valves recall. Oh, last year they installed the KW V3, only because the car was with them for an annual service and roadworthy check, and it failed due to the N/S/F Eibach spring had developed a fracture... I had to get it sorted, saw the opportunity to "upgrade" the suspension.

Normally any non-Subaru stuff is done by Fensport, they specialise in all things related to Twins and now big time into the Yaris GR 4.

I'm thinking either move over to Fensport or find another Subaru dealer, however, unsure how they will deal with the non-standard parts.. the previous guys were really cool about it, they had their own Subaru fanatics..

As for warranty, Subaru tick the bodywork check as I think that corrosion is still under the warranty but mechanics I think are now well out of warranty..

My Exige stayed with Lotus for the first 3 years then moved to a specialist as they did the service and the annual roadworthy checks (mandatory when cars go over the 3years)..

[soundman98]

in that case, i'd probably start going to fensport, assuming you've got some sort of relationship with them

[Sapphireho]

Originally Posted by JD001

My Exige stayed with Lotus for the first 3 years then moved to a specialist as they did the service and the annual roadworthy checks (mandatory when cars go over the 3years)..

I assume you had a 2ZZ Exige? Did you track it? If not, how did you address the over oil cooling problem?

[JD001]

Originally Posted by Sapphireho

I assume you had a 2ZZ Exige? Did you track it? If not, how did you address the over oil cooling problem?

Yes, I had the series 2. Did track it but didn't experience any issues with oil cooling. I suppose our environmental conditions are different.. I remember a few track days where it pissed it down.. so tip toeing around the track as the car wore A048rs.. not too bad a tyre but not great in cold or wet conditions.. so again the car didn't get abused..

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by JD001

So, here's the lowdown, I wasn't sure if I should be boring you with it but looks like I have to give you some background...

Your background doesn't really change my opinion, or answer. I don't use an independent specialty shop. I use a general mechanic that works on all makes and models. I prefer someone with a broader range of knowledge personally because I don't want to have to go to a different shop depending on car make/model.

The one I use also does work for several large independent used car lots so they basically see every make/model of car I would ever own.