Job Discussion Forums

Paul in Saudi · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 404 Location: Doha, Qatar

Well kill the fatted calf!

The base commander announced (to applause) that DIFA is now in default on the contract, their accounts are frozen and the RSAF is now responsible for our pay and stuff until a new contractor is in place. We expect our February check on Saturday.

Now let's see if we get our End of Service Bonus and all the rest of it.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Perhaps we should hold onto the calf until you have everything that DIFA owes you... wouldn't want to jinx it... Shocked

then... part.eee...

VS

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

I can certainly empathize with you, Paul.
I work for the other Zan company, KSAL (Kollsman Salary Always Late), which has the Peace Shield contract. Presently, we are in a three month, 18 day extension, which ends April 18.
We are still waiting for our February pay (for work done in January). March pay, according to my contract, is due by March 6.
Rumors say that we will be paid February and March directly by RSAF on March 7. But we have heard that before.

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

Wondering if DIFA has been paid yet.
We at KSAL are still waiting.
We are also stuck in KSA because Zan apparently hasn't paid the GOSI (social insurance for Saudi workers).

Paul in Saudi · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 404 Location: Doha, Qatar

Nothing yet. Rumors are for double pay on Sunday. Keep your eyes crossed.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Sounds terrible. At least here on Civvy Street we get paid on time. All the time.

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

I'm still in shock, but we were actually paid today, in cash, by the RSAF. But only one month's pay, one month late. They say March salary will be paid in a few days.

I hope they paid you too, Paul.

We'll keep several body parts crossed for the next payment to happen shortly.

ExDIFA · Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Canada

Glad to hear that everything is starting to turn around. I guess you really don't have anywhere to go but up from here.
Is there any word on who is going to take over the contract???

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

Rumors are that Pannesma will take over Peace Shield and Kollsman will be history. (Cheers)
Don't know about the C130 contract.
Until there are stable contractors in place, the mess created by RSAF and Zan will remain.
Many Kollsman employees are asking their respective embassies for help regarding the iqama and exit/re-entry visa problem. Hopefully there will be action shortly.

Paul in Saudi · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 404 Location: Doha, Qatar

I have not posted as I have nothing to add. The RSAF lowered the boom on DIFA on the 22nd. We have not been paid as of today (the sixth). This is getting bad. People are starting to call in sick.

Still no word, no rumors about pay. People are fed up. There are rumors about revenge, fire and much, much suffering. Listen! The drums!

I am really fed up.

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

Paul in Saudi,

Sorry to hear you haven't been paid yet. As I mentioned in an earlier post, RSAF did pay KSAL's "direct-manning" employees last Saturday. Employees paid from overhead (e.g., administrative) are still waiting, and it is uncertain if they will be paid any time soon.

Have patience. I expect you are "direct-manning" and you will probably be paid soon.

I feel sorry for the TCN administrative employees who are paid very little and have to put up with this crap.

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

I'm still in shock from the last time RSAF paid us directly on March 4 for work done in January. Now, I don't know if I'll ever recover because they paid us today for work we did in February. At the moment, they are actually caught up!
But we still don't have medical insurance, we still can't get exit/re-entry visas or renewed iqamas.
The contract extension ends April 18. So by next Sunday Kollsman must send a letter telling us their status with RSAF and our status with them.
Hopefully the new company will be in place very soon.

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

I'm still in shock from the last time RSAF paid us directly on March 4 for work done in January. Now, I don't know if I'll ever recover because they paid us today for work we did in February. At the moment, they are actually caught up!
But we still don't have medical insurance, we still can't get exit/re-entry visas or renewed iqamas.
The contract extension ends April 18. So by next Sunday Kollsman must send a letter telling us their status with RSAF and our status with them.
Hopefully the new company will be in place very soon.

Paul in Saudi · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 404 Location: Doha, Qatar

I am on vacation in the US. The internet on the compound is down due to nonpayment.

On the 22nd of March (The day I left) we were paid in cash by the RSAF. That means we too are caught up. Also no health care yet.

So that means:
1 February paid on 22 March
1 March paid on 22 March

My school librarian may be near death. His liver or kidneys or somesuch. The company is trying to find a discount hospital.

Wonderful.

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

Paul,

Glad to hear you finally received your pay and were able to leave the kingdom for vacation.

I am told by KSAL that the exit/re-entry visa restriction for us has not changed. How did DIFA manage to get its restriction lifted?

Our latest rumor is that RSAF will pay us on Saturday, April Fools Day. I won't hold my breath.