Travel pay for tech training

[zekensted]

Do I have to pay my techs for travel time?

I am not a Chevy, Ford, or Dodge dealer, so in my area, I have found it hard to find good, dealership quality techs - so I am going to "make" my own. I pay the guys by the hour, plus enough of a bonus on hours turned to make it worth there while to keep track of the hours turned and to compete a little with each other. As the techs complete training and get certifications, there flat rate hour bonus goes up - so they want training. I know I should and will pay them 8 hours per day they are actually in school, I will pay for meals and accomodations, gas and a vehicle....but do I have to pay for the 4 hours up and 4 hours back? I dont want to be cheap, but I dont want to be wasteful either. Any thoughts?

[Art_Mopar]

When I send my techs to Sprinter school, I too pay 8 hours per day, gas,food and accomodations. I do not pay for travel time.

[sermgreby]

We pay he same as Art-Mopar.

[Fixedopsmgr]

Ditto here on the 8 hrs per day. I also know of a dealer that pays the tech his avg flat rate per day and drive time.

[fordpts]

Look at it like this, the tech is getting something he/she needs to increase thier own productivity - just like going to technical college. Tuition does not pay for gas, food, or accomodations much less travel time. They have to accept some responsibility.

[techuser]

I agree with not paying for travel time but other than that, if you what the check in the box, pay up.

[tjsmith]

We do the same, 8hrs, food & such, & NO travel time

[This message has been edited by tjsmith (edited 02-15-2008).]

[NOBLT921]

I pay my techs $100 per day, $25.00 per day for meals, and of course hotel accomidations and fuel. Since it is more than 6 hours away to the training facility, I do include travel days when reimbursing my techs. 1 day = $100, whether in school or traveling to school.

[tonyo]

regardless of being a nice and fair guy, you might want to check your state labor laws. My guess is if they're traveling to take a class you're asking them to take you may have to pay their travel time. Just my 2 cents...

[tonyo]

[This message has been edited by tonyo (edited 02-15-2008).]