I might be able to understand such a payscale in a single-screen theatre that doesn't do much business, but I think it's absurd in a multiplex situation where the projectionist is taking care of all the screens.

Having said that, I don't think you should burn bridges or be unprofessional. So I think you should give reasonable notice (maybe more than reasonable notice..maybe 3 weeks instead of two) and simply tell them that while you've loved working for them, you don't feel comfortable working in a place for a meager wage where there is no chance for advancement.

-or-

Bring in the union. At least they can get you some benefits.

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Walking out would be a bad idea. Here is what you should do:

Research (like you are doing on here) and find out what other companies pay their projectionists. Get it on paper to show your bosses. You could also do this research by applying at other theatres and finding out what they hire a projectionist at (even if they do not hire you you can get a ball-park idea).

For me - the part that bothers me is - if you have been with them this long and they are not willing to sit down with you - then there is a serious problem in their operations. If you have stuck with them this long - it must not be as bad as you say - because I would have left a long time ago (if it were me).

Any town that I live in I keep a NETWORK of friends that work in the theatre industry. I go to lunch with them, dicuss the state of the industry -etc. etc. You never know when the world will drop out from underneath you - so keep a web of friends there for support. Even if they are your competition - you may need some help from them (and vice-versa)in the future. We are all in the same business -after all -we all need to stick together!

So good luck with your situation! I hope the right decsions are made.

:-)

I say there are always three moves...Try to resolve an issue you have with an employer yourself.

Failing that either find an employer you will be more satisfied with (remember the grass is yellow everywhere!...some just more so and leaning towards brown)

OR consider collective barganing (unionization) it isn't wrong to consider. In fact, that is why unions came about...to HELP the worker, not hinder management.

Steve

I am positive that there are a lot of very proffesional organized operators who truly care about FILM DONE RIGHT, and not just a paycheck...

As to the whole "Show them how much you need us" thing that doesnt work it just makes you look foolish. I was in a situation once a long time ago where "Proffesionals" were purposely causing problems, all it did in the long run was make people realize how much they are not needed. The sad reality is most any theatre manager *could* walk up to a booth with maybe an hour's worth of training (or less) and run the machines, maybe not as well as you but they would run.

The FACT is that your company would have to NEGOTIATE with you in good faith, but thats all they are required to do they do not HAVE to sign a contract with you... They just have to bargain and try to reach a fair deal. It is also illegal for a union to PROMISE that you will get a contract just so you know.

And do me a favor if you decide to call OSHA about your booth have some self respect and do not intentionally damage things. I heard about one theatre in wisconson I think... yeah where the "operator" ripped all the circuit breaker panel labels off and hid them in his desk, The osha guy didnt find it too funny when he found them there... from what i hear.

First:

quote:

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What I would do, and I wouldn't reccomend doing it since it may get you in some trouble one way or another,

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So I wasn't suggesting doing that at all. I shouldn't have even wrote "What I would do" since that could (and did) imply I was being serious about it.

Second: Yes, I just meant it as a humorous anecdote of what one offbeat option to the situation could be. (Note to self: make use of smilies more.) I thought the cricket idea would have suggested I was joking, but now I'm thinking I should have used the moth example instead.

Third: Yes, the story of my friend's situation with walking out because of his dog is true.

I apologize if I upset anyone and promise to be more clear and careful with my posts in the future and leave such shennanegans for "Film-Yak"

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By the way, try and NOT be the last person out the door on your final night. I always try and make sure that I am out of there and off of the property before the last manager leaves, or if it was my last night and I was to close alone, I usually request someone who will be continuing to work at the theater show up near closing time and leave with me. I can just imagine what would happen if that one night there was a break in...I would end up with the blame! Not cool.

My family owns and operates a golf course, and I managed it for several years. I learned first-hand that when you make known your appreciation through small raises and verbal praise, you bring the best out of your employees. When you can walk in the door and say, "Hey Joe, I want you to know that you're doing a really great job and I really appreciate it," you accomplish a number of positive things, the most important being that you have let Joe know that you know his name and you know he does good work. Will there still be bad employees? Yes. Will you still have problems? You bet. But it is VITAL TO YOUR BUSINESS OR COMPANY TO KEEP THE BEST EMPLOYESS AND NOT LET THEM GET LOST IN A SEA OF NAMES AND FACES. PERIOD.

In this specific case with the booth, I think the issue is less about pay and more about feeling appreciated. I can certainly understand that. Good luck with whatever you decide to do, Aaron.

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His suggestion of not being the last to leave on your last night...especially if there was any friction between you and management...is a REALLY GOOD ONE!