Uplift has ALWAYS been a HUGE issue with KBR/SEII Employees.
Uplift is a percentage in addition to the base pay. When I worked for KBR the uplift was 55% on the first 40 hours. Then in the fall of 2006 it was raised to 75%. Again, only on the first 40 hours.
Current uplift for Iraq and Afghanistan consist of the following:
International Bonus 5%
Area Differential 35%
Hazardous Conditions 35%
Evidently KBR does not feel the last 44+ hours in your work week are as hazardous as the first 40 because they DON’T pay Uplift and they don’t pay overtime.
There have been many lawsuits against KBR over uplift and overtime. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe that all cases have been dismissed. One of the big issues is, you don’t actually work for KBR. You work for SEII or OAS, offshore shell companies of KBR. US laws don’t apply. Plus…you signed that damn contract.
I have several questions:
1. Who approves uplift increases? When I worked for KBR we were always told it was the “Client” (DoD/DoS) that would NOT increase our uplift. Is it the “Client” or is it KBR?
2. What is KBR charging the “Client”? Have they been charging uplift for every hour worked? If so what percentage are they charging? 100%? I think it’s time for an audit! I have all my pay stubs if anyone in DoD or Congress wants to compare what KBR charged for me to what I actually got paid.
3. Is there a planned uplift increase in the near future? If so…who approved it, the “Client” or KBR? Is it only on the first 40 hours or on every hour worked? How much will it be? 100%?
Personally, I think every person over there deserves 100% uplift on EVERY hour worked!
Ms Sparky
Hmm… I think every person over there should all put wrenches in sensitive places and vote with their feet.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I’m not much for sabotage, but if they would have been able to just stand together this would this could have been resolved earlier. Too many people afraid for their jobs.
1 DOD approves the uplift do to level of military operations
I have not heard of any increase in that
but i am currently on disability leave
Ms Sparky’s Response:
So it’s DoD that didn’t approve the uplift for every hour worked? OK-I can verify that.
i am considering working abroad as an electician, sounds like kbr is not the one to work for. i applied to a few companies including dyncorp,itt,mantech,kbr(without knowing what i know now). i am not so concerned about the occassional road side bomb (which i know could be) as am the exposure so chemical warfare. i wonder how the conditions are now compared to when you were there and how safe did you really feel when you were working or when you were at base camp? do have any pics? how much money did you bring home and do you feel it was worth it. would you have any good experiences there? this is for all electricians to reply. thanks brian
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Do you have a Master’s/Supervisor’s License? That will open doors. Get your resume out there on Monster.com and as many job boards as you can. Keep your eye on the electrical forums like Mike Holt, Electrician Talk and IBEW Friends and Family. My wages were about 1/2 of what an electrician is making now. The first year totally sucked because I had a asshole GF that wasn’t even an electrician. My second year was much better. I had a great boss and had some great friends. Those kind of overshadowed how sucky it was to work for KBR. Roadside bombs (IED’s) won’t be a big concern for you. Most KBR employees are subjected to what called Indirect Fire (IDF). Mortars and Rockets that they lob into camp. Some camps get more than others. As far as chemical and bio warfare. I don’t know if the insurgents are at that point yet. It’s KBR I don’t trust to protect me from bio and chemical hazards. Like the KBR employees at Qarmat Ali. I did have some good times and met some good people.
i dont currently have super license but will sit for it soon. i think a lot of for me comes down to the pay and the experience. i love traveling and i like to learn as much as i can, most of my experience has been in service which works for me cause it keeps me on my toes but i have seen some medium to large jobs as well. thanks for the info about monster.com i will apply. i cant believe you had a gf that wasn’t an electrician, it makes you wonder how they got the position and know wonder the qc is in such bad shape over there. a person getting electrocuted in the shower almost seems intentional for the wiring method to be that negligent. i applied for an inspector position with stanley consultants, this looks like a step forward for the safety of soldiers and civilians. brian
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Stanley won’t even consider you if you don’t have a Master’s or equivalent. A Masters will get you more money with KBR and SBH (Stanley). About 160K/yr for KBR and 300K/yr for SBH.
As far as management positions go….it’s who you know and who’s been there the longest. Not the most qualified. I testified bore the Senate DPC in July. They were dumbfounded that my GF wasn’t an electrician.