I was a pipefitter in Texas until last week. They replaced me with a mexican immigrant pipefitter. Now what?

Question

I have been a pipefitter in the oil and gas construction business for 22 years in Texas. I was making a good salary at about $45,000 year.

Last week, they let some of us go on a job we were doing in western Texas.

This week, they hired several mexican nationals to do the jobs we had been doing. They are working for about 25 to 30% less than we were.

No what am I supposed to do? I was born and raised in this country and still have two kids in high school. All of my wages stayed in our economy. I'm pretty sure a lot of the money I used to earn will now leave the country.

I'm going to tell my story to the news. I'll find another job, but this is not a good sign for Texas. Immigration is killing us.

Both... Been doing this what seems like forever.... Sorry for the confusion/ But, Thanks for the fans!!!

Answer 1

Rancher or pipefitter? Which is it?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiR.fvK1g52RQFAVBtCOenLty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20070925083812AADAwFJ

While I agree with your sentiment about the multi factorial negative impact of illegal aliens on Texas, California and the rest of the US....please get your personal story straight.

There are plenty of facts to support this position without resorting to fabrications.

Answer 2

Unfortunately this happens all of the time. Had a friend that could have retired the following year and then suddenly bamm! His job was farmed out to Mexican workers. Now no pension. Life really sucks in this country for those who work hard for a living. Unfortunately human life is expendable. Some of us are lucky and the rest of us are screwed! Voice your problems to the politicians and the media is about all that you can do.
I would think that your job would have had to tell you we will have to down size or the fact that they would have to offer you less pay first before they would have to hire immigrants. At least you would still have a job. Now you will have to collect unemployment until you can find something. Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

Get a new job. Hell! Why not get a better job and get better pay? Reach high. I know its hard but do whatever it takes. Even relocating! You can do it if you have faith. collect unemployment until you get a new job and just remember that they can take our jobs but they are sending their money back home to their families that they are not with. At the very least you have your family there with you to support you and help you through this terrible time. I have a lot of experience in losing jobs and having to find a new one and support a family. My son is two and both me and my boyfriend work in sweatshops.
My best advice is to keep on keeping on and have faith that the future will get brighter. And if they are illegal, report them. I see no problem with them being here if they are legal (and speak fair English)

Answer 4

There are already plans interior the works to end the moist foot dry foot coverage whilst Castro dies. Bush has indicated it is going to normalize relatives on immigration which will comprise greater kinfolk kind immigration and much less moist foot dry foot kind immigration, basically like Mexico. it is not Mexico it somewhat is dealt with unfairly. inspite of this provision greater are enable in legally from Mexico than from the different united states of america interior the international. in spite of the undeniable fact that, the Cuba difficulty is unique to them; Haiti does not get it the two. that's born of chilly warfare politics and is with the help of be rethought.

Answer 5

you need to look if it is illegal for employers to accept lower wages and to fire others in order to get the new workers. i do think that the employer can hire someone for lower wages, but if the worker was illegal or someone with no documents, that is another question. the first thing is find another area so you can do the same job. one more thing, employers are always trying to maximize profits and lower wages will increase their profit, this always happens and people end up losing their jobs because companies want to make more money.
good luck!

Answer 6

I'm sorry you are screwed. Welcome to the USA of the future where people of other nations get precedence over Americans in the work force.

Your in Texas yall been dealing with this for many years now you just found this out? you probably should have been prepared brother.

Best of luck finding another job, unless they hired illegals there is is nothing you can do about it.

With your skills you should be able to find work else were, though it might involve moving outa state.

Answer 7

If they are illegal, you can report the employer. I wouldn't normally say this, but, your employer OWES you! After 22 years, you should not be replaced - regardless of where the other person is from. That is simply an unacceptable way for an employer to behave.

Of course, you could also protest with signs infront of the business, get local news coverage, and, talk to an attorney. I don't know what you can do as far as the law, but, I wish you and your family the very best of luck....

Answer 8

I think you should go to Alaska and work on that pipeline. I dont think the mexicans have gotten that far in yet. Unfortunatly companies will hier immigrants because they can pay them less. I'm sorry for your situation but if you feel you were let go unfairly take the company to court to get restitution. Good luck and God Bless

Answer 9

Unfortunately, those of us born and bred in this country seem to be the growing minority. I feel for you and wish that I could wave a magic wand and make all the bad things go away. I hope that you get some positive feedback from your local news can help you but be prepared from some "anti"-something group retaliation. It never fails.

Answer 10

Come to Looziana dude. If you are a first class fitter you are going to make about 20.000 more a year. Im sorry this happened to you, employers need to be held accountable.

Answer 11

Find another job. If the mexicans are illegal, send the feds after them or your employer. If the newbies don't have ss #s, they don't get to work legally.