A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

Keystbrokes Paycut--I believe a change was made - KSMTR

Posted: Feb 15, 2011

I could have sworn I saw in the KS newsletter a few months ago that they purchased Hudson/Chartnet. I'd say that's a MAJOR change!

Keystrokes paycut - Tired

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I love how we find out we are getting a paycut at the last minute.

My husband lost his job with a piece of paper in his paycheck. nm - Tiredtoo

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nm

and I just started a month ago! - ncMT

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I swear, it's always something.

paycut - frustrated

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This is frustrating on many levels. First, those of us who are training on VR through MModal, we have lost major lines from our line counts adding up at the end of the pay period. Now on top of that, a pay cut. I am just sick to my stomach as I really like my job. I dont know what to do ?!?! I know people say be thankful you have a job, but are our creditors going to understand when we have to say to them that they get less monthly because we get less monthly? Dont think so!

I thought that weren't switching to VR pay right away? nm - did I miss something?

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nn

paycut - frustrated

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No, we arent switching to that payscale yet. But I know since we started VR training, I have lost 2000 to 3000 lines per pay period because no template pay anymore. I am feeling the hurt already and havent even switched over to the new payscale. On top of that, they have already reduced what we would have gotten paid to a percentage off of that for VR. This paycut feels like salt being poured in the wound for me :(

We find out in typical KS style...... - not good at all

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nm

It's better than being laid off - KSMT2

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In my opinion, this pay cut is very minor compared to what several other companies are doing, which is laying people off. Yes, it is kind of short notice, but I can live with this pay cut. It's not huge (only half a cent for me) and I'm just thankful to have a great account and work for a great company. There are so many people out there who don't even have a job right now.

I agree..and don't mind the pay cut (sm) - MT

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However, KS needs to give their employees enough work so this pay cut won't make such a difference. In the past six months there are only four pay periods that I got over 12,000 lines. The last two pay periods were seriously below 10,000 lines. I can't live on what I make now. I have two accounts and still can't get 12,000 lines per pay period. If I could get between 12-14,000 lines every pay period, then yes, I can live with this pay cut. This pay cut is going to kill me if I only get 8000 lines every pay period because of the low work on my accounts. I would get more money if I DID get laid off and collected unemployment! Just sayin, that's all. I am grateful for my job, but definitely need enough work to get my 12,000 lines per pay period.

And yes, I have talked to people in the office about this several times and there just seems to be nothing else available for another backup account. But that's the point..we shouldn't have to have more than two accounts to make our line counts.

Email the owner at the email on yesterday's announcement. She just answered me. sm - KSMT3

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I have the same situation. She emailed me back and said that they set up that email so that everything is in one place, and that they can make changes once they have all the responses. They want everyone to have enough work, and are willing to do what they have to.

Thank you...I will definitely do that (sm) - MT

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I know the owner is a reasonable person and truly cares about the company and the MTs they have. So I will definitely give it a shot and send an e-mail. Thanks.

I took advantage of the opportunity to communicate with owner. - Irish

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I had always heard very good things about the owner of Keystrokes but never had any expereince. However, when I was presented with this opportunity I did contact her directly.

Business is hard today with ever increasing administratve costs, utlities , litigation etc. I also know providers are cutting expenses because Medicare and private insurances have not increased their reimbursments. Several memebers of my family are in business and it is not a picnic. It is hard to satisfy so many people, espeically when everyone is not always forthcoming. I am not sure everyone in middle management is always honest or fair.

I am not exactly sure what wil happen---I hope some improvements.

However, I do admire Lea for having the courage and compassion to at least try. I feel better just having been able to express my feelings.

Thank you Lea!

Better than being laid off...I totally agree - Another KSMT

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I was upset when I found out about the paycut but, after the initial shock/sadness, I realized it is better than alternative. I could have been let go, and today I am ecstatic that I still have a job.

There are many variables-I guess this is a matter of perspective - Maybe they should take a poll

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Maybe some people would prefer the layoff, which would allow them to collect unemployment and the freedom to look for other jobs.

You have that freedom without them having to lay you off. sm - Glad to be with KS

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Anyone can switch jobs. I took a much larger pay cut with another large company a few years ago, before the recession actually hit. Then I was laid off by another company because of lost accounts. I happy to be with Keystrokes for the last few years and if there are bumps along the way, they are never major and they always fix them. I am proud to be part of an all U.S.A. company and make good money, so I prefer the small cut to the crap shoot of finding another company.

Very well said! - Happy KSMT

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I agree 100%! I would MUCH rather take this small pay cut than get laid off and be left unemployed. I have been with Keystrokes for a little over 4 years now and I'm not going anywhere! They really do care about their employees and want everyone to be happy. Of course, every job is going to have a few bumps in the road, but we can get past them. The economy is bad right now and I really do believe that this was the last thing that KS wanted to have to do, but it was something that was necessary in order to get us through this and am grateful to still be employed when so many others are getting laid off or taking much larger pay cuts. This cut is really not going to impact me that much at all. I still make great money there since I am lucky enough to have such a busy, high production account. I'm happy to be with KS!

KSMT's post sounds too much like words from a "suit." - Just sayin!

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nm

Sorry - not a suit at all - Happy KSMT

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Go ahead and think what you want, but I am not a "suit" by any means. I, unlike so many other people, am just happy to even have a job during these tough times. A lot of people are struggling. Why can't someone ever be happy with their job and like the company they work for without being accused of being a "suit" or management???

Like you'd admit it if you were.... - Too funny

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Nm

That all depends... - not true for everyone

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If you're on an account that doesn't offer enough lines or if VR has cut your line count coupled with the rate cut, it's actually not better than being laid off. It all depends on the situation.

Pay Cut does not apply to leads if I understand correctly - Good, bad, and ugly!

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So they are rewarded for ignoring us? I have asked for samples numerous times on difficult accounts and have never received even one. Most of my emails about anything go unanswered.

I understand the necessity of cutting expenses--however I do not think good behavior should be punished and bad behavior should be rewarded.

I could handle the pay cut IF I could get work!! - tiredfingers

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