Do I have the option to leave?
Been working for this contractor since February, 6 storey slab job. It's been me (5th term) and my foreman since day 1 with no extra help. Coking onto this job, neither of us had any slab experience. But it'd full ICI, stabbed job and full weeks.
Every week has been a struggle trying to get material, begging for more help or simply getting overrun by the other trades that bring 10 to 15 guys to site. But we have managed and kept up. However, I have had 1 cheque bounce and in June we found out he was 3 months late on our remittances and were nearly pulled off site.
In September, there was a break in on site; most of our breakers were stolen, and also my tool bag and nearly all of my tools were taken as well. I filled out a list of what was missing and was told that the owner would buy me replacements.
Cut to 2 weeks ago, we were given shit because the updated inventory my foreman and I sent out to the owner included what had been stolen, my tools included. The owner told us to redo the list, and not say that anything wa stolen, because
"If I tell the supplier they have been stolen, they won't deliver new ones."
Which raised a red flag because I feel like theft should be covered by insurance and also...that's fraud. Last Friday my foreman took his tools and walked off site, saying he didn't want to return. This leaves me as the only electrical professional on site. I reiterate, I am a 5th term, not licensed. I know enough not to get myself killed, but I am not licensed.
So I came in yesterday (Monday) and the boss (who is a master) showed up for 10 minutes, told me my foreman is a drama queen, and left.
And today, he told me to attend the foreman meeting, and make sure I finish everything for the next pour. I still have not received any new tools, and I got a call from my BA saying that the owner is 3 months late on remittances...again.
So what options do I have? I'm clearly not a foreman, and I know I'm 'technically' not supposed to be on site without a journeyman, and I'm not even sure if he has insurance. The pile of redflags just keeps getting higher and higher. Is there anyway I can get out of this Mickey Mouse Club? Will I be out of work? Am I going to just have to buy a whole set of new tools out of pocket?
Just looking for some guidance. Thank you brothers.
UPDATE: I called my BA, and there were a bunch of phone calls. I was told yesterday to still show up today because apparently a journeyman from another site is coming over to take over. No one showed up. I am also to sit tight and see if my replacement tools get delivered today, and that the remittances have been paid up as of this morning.
So basically, show up and take my pay cheque, but don't take any responsibility until I can get moved to a different ICI site