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Appellate Court Invalidates Auto Dealership's Method Of Paying Service Technicians

In an unpublished decision, the California 2nd District Court of Appeal held that that piece-rate-paid employees are entitled to separate hourly pay for “waiting” time. The case involved a class of 108 automobile service technicians who worked for Downtown LA Motors, LP (DTLA), a Mercedes-Benz dealership.

The appellate court agreed with the employees, and held that the class members “were entitled to separate hourly compensation for time spent waiting for repair work or performing other non-repair tasks directed by the employer during their work shifts.”

Dealerships and other employers employing technicians compensated on a piece-rate system are being advised by law firms to consider mitigating the risks posed by this decision, such as modifying technician compensation to avoid so-called unpaid “waiting time.” One way to do so is by paying separate hourly compensation for non-piece rate work.
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Go to www.unionmechanic.org to find out how to discover the benefits and advantages to working in a UNION shop. This website is very informative and will answer all of your questions about joining the largest Automotive Technician Union in the country.

The IAMAW represents more than 40,000 Auto and Truck Technicians in North America and they make on average 30% more income than non-union techs do. The IAMAW’s years of negotiating experience has led to top quality contracts for thousands of auto, truck and body shop technicians, providing them with better wages, benefits and working conditions.

Duties
Automotive service technicians and mechanics repair cars and light trucks. Service technicians work on traditional mechanical components, such as engines, transmissions, belts, and hoses. However, they must also be familiar with a growing number of electronic systems. Braking, transmission, and steering systems, for example, are controlled primarily by computers and electronic components.

Other integrated electronic systems, such as accident-avoidance sensors, are becoming common as well. In addition, a growing number of technicians are required to work on vehicles that run on alternative fuels, such as ethanol and electricity.

Service technicians use many different tools, including computerized diagnostic tools and power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding torches, and jacks and hoists. These tools usually are owned by their employers. Service technicians also use many common hand tools, such as pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers, which generally are their own. In fact, experienced workers often have thousands of dollars invested in their personal tool collection.

Service technicians sometimes specialize in a particular type of repair that may be subject to specific regulations or procedures. For instance, those focused on air-conditioning system repairs must follow federal and state regulations governing the handling, recycling, and disposal of refrigerants. Automotive service technicians and mechanics typically do the following:

• Test parts and systems to ensure that they are working properly
• Identify mechanical problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
• Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
• Test and lubricate the vehicle’s engine and other major components
• Perform basic care and maintenance, including oil changes, tuneups, and tire rotations
• Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads and wheel bearings
• Disassemble and reassemble parts
• Use testing equipment to ensure that repairs and maintenance are effective
• Explain to clients their automotive problems and the repairs done on their vehicles

In some shops, technicians may specialize. The following are types of service technicians:
Automotive air-conditioning repairers install and repair air conditioners and service parts, such as compressors, condensers, and controls. They are trained in government regulations related to their work.
Brake repairers adjust brakes, replace brake linings and pads, and make other repairs on brake systems. Some technicians specialize in both brake and front-end work.
Front-end mechanics align and balance wheels and repair steering mechanisms and suspension systems. They frequently use special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
Transmission technicians and re-builders work on gear trains, couplings, hydraulic pumps, and other parts of transmissions. Extensive knowledge of computer controls, the ability to diagnose electrical and hydraulic problems, and other specialized skills are needed to work on these complex components.
Tune-up technicians adjust ignition timing and valves and adjust or replace spark plugs and other parts to ensure efficient engine performance. They often use electronic testing equipment to isolate and adjust malfunctions in fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems.

• For information about technicians who work on large trucks and buses, see the profile on diesel service technicians and mechanics.

• For information about technicians who work on farm equipment, construction vehicles, and rail cars, see the profile on heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians.

• For information about technicians who repair and service motorcycles, motorboats, and small all-terrain vehicles, see the profile on small engine mechanics.

Automotive service technician and mechanics held about 723,400 jobs in 2010. Most worked full time for private companies, and about 18 percent were self-employed.
Industries employing the most automotive service technicians and mechanics in 2010 were as follows:

• Automotive repair and maintenance31%

• Automobile dealers 26%

• Automotive parts, accessories and tire stores 8%

• Local government, excluding education and hospitals 3%

Most service technicians work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops. Although many problems can be identified and fixed with computers, technicians frequently work with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in uncomfortable positions.

Work Schedules
Most service technicians work full time, and many work evenings or weekends. Overtime is common.

Injuries
Automotive service technicians and mechanics have a rate of injuries and illnesses that is higher than the national average. Service technicians must often lift heavy parts and tools. As a result, minor workplace injuries, such as small cuts and bruises, are common. However, the work is not generally dangerous if workers follow safety procedures and practices. Because automotive technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, employers prefer service technicians who have completed a formal training program in a post secondary institution. Industry certification is usually required once the person is employed.

Education
High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, mathematics, and English provide a good background for prospective service technicians. However, high school graduates often need further training to become fully qualified. Completing a vocational or other post secondary training program in automotive service technology is considered the best preparation for entry-level positions. Programs usually last 6 months to a year and provide intensive career preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Short-term certificate programs in a particular skill are also available.

Some service technicians get a 2-year associate’s degree. Courses usually include basic mathematics, computers, electronics, and automotive repair. Some programs have recently added classes in customer service, English, and other necessary skills. Various automobile manufacturers and dealers sponsor 2-year associate’s degree programs. Students in these programs typically spend alternating periods attending classes full time and working full time in service shops under the guidance of an experienced technician.

Training
Most service technicians must complete on-the-job training, often as part of a formal education program. Depending on a new service technician’s educational background, it typically takes 2 to 5 years of experience to become a fully qualified service technician. It then takes an additional 1 to 2 years of experience for service technicians to become familiar with all types of repairs. New workers generally start as trainee technicians, technicians’ helpers, or lubrication workers and gradually acquire and practice their skills by working with experienced mechanics and technicians.

Licenses
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who buy or work with refrigerants to be licensed in proper refrigerant handling. Formal test preparation is not required, but many trade schools, unions, and employer associations offer training programs designed for the EPA exam.

Certification
Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is the standard credential for service technicians. Certification demonstrates competence and usually brings higher pay. Many employers require their service technicians to become certified. Certification is available in eight different areas, including: automatic transmission/transaxle, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, manual drive train and axles, and suspension and steering. For each area, technicians must have at least 2 years of experience (or relevant schooling and 1 year of experience) and pass an exam. To become a Master Automobile Technician, technicians must pass all 8 exams.

Important Qualities
Customer-service skills. Service technicians must discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers. Because self-employed workers depend on repeat clients for business, they must be courteous, good listeners, and ready to answer customers’ questions.

Detail oriented. Mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignment's or other easy-to-miss reasons. Service mechanics must, therefore, account for such details when inspecting or repairing engines and components.

Dexterity. Many tasks that service technicians do, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using handtools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination.

Mechanical skills. Service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They must often take apart major parts for repairs and be able to put them back together properly.

Technical skills. Service technicians use sophisticated diagnostic equipment on engines, systems, and components. They must be familiar with electronic control systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them.

Troubleshooting skills. Service technicians must be able to identify and fix problems in increasingly complicated mechanical and electronic systems.

For more details about work opportunities, contact local automobile dealers and repair shops or local offices of the state employment service. The state employment service also may have information about training programs.

For information about careers, education, and training programs, visit
Automotive Youth Educational Systems
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
Auto Careers Today
Auto Career Development Center
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges