2009 Pay Rate...5 cent bonus here we come!

BJ said:
So here's an idea, let sell so much stuff, so many tickets and make more money than we ever have so we can bring back the 1.00 bonus like in 2006!

After reading the topic going on at Coaster Buzz about how badly Cedar Fair's stock is taking a beating and how they might be ending their distribution, I wouldn't count on anything other than the current trends getting worse in the coming years, regardless of how much money the park makes this season.

Haha sorry BJ. In my own defense, I call everyone dude, so nothing personal...

I'll be the first to agree that it would probably be in the park's best interest to pay more. Memories and warm fuzzies aside (which I am just as vulnerable to, if not more so), beyond the "value" of the memories, the only real benefit to working at the park anymore is the guaranteed number of hours. I'd be prepared for everyone's hours to go down significantly this summer. Given the economy, I expect their recruiting to be through the roof. It'll be nice not to be so tired, though.

What I'm curious about, though, is a link someone posted on another thread that I can't find now. It was a link to the overseas recruiting site that had the bonus posted. I'd be interested to see if that's been taken down or changed....or maybe it's just the international kids who get a bonus this year! Wouldn't that be a riot?

My point in the other thread (other than that employees really ought to be careful about what they say here) was that everyone deserves at least minimum wage. While it would be smart for the park to offer more, they don't have to. In that respect, the other posters were right. It is what it is. If it's unacceptable, look for other work. I am. My argument had everything to do with law, though (can't help it, I find it interesting).

By the way, BJ, just wanted to clarify a couple things. This is the first year that the "total package" has actually gone down. Watch:

2005 and 2006 (the last years of the $1 bonus) the base rate was $6.25, for a total (for those who completed their contracts) of $7.25 (not $7.85, sorry).

In 2007 the bonus was cut to $.50 but the base rate went up to $6.85, a 10 cent increase in the total package. This was the start of the interesting trend that seems to reward those who quit early. Basically, those completing their contracts got a 10 cent raise. Those who didn't got a 50 cent raise.

Same thing in 2008. Base rate $7, bonus $.35. Total package stays the same, but those who don't complete their contract make $.15 more.

Now, come 2009, it actually reaches the tipping point. If there will even be contracts at all (what would be the point?), those who complete them will take a 5 cent loss (BUT get all their money up-front) while those who don't get a 30 cent raise.

Whether or not the bonus was actually keeping anyone here is another argument. I really doubt that it was. $1 was certainly a strong motivator, but even then, if people really wanted to quit, they did and didn't look back. Once it started to go down, forget it. I still say we're at least breaking even, if not actually coming out just a tiny bit ahead, with this plan.

Personally from past experience I think they will have contracts...more to keep them in the know of who's working to when...at least if they stay. Now whether they have more people or not...I'm doubting it...even with the economy...they have a set amount of people they hire...its not just the availability of people they hire but they do have a set amount...so unless they change that this year for people to work a smaller amount of hours I don't see our hours going down...except for the fact that more people are more likely to stay just because they can't find another job to go to...last year a lot more people stayed and actually showed up then usual...so this trend might affect the hours...I guess we will see when season opens up. I, for one, can't wait to go back, I might not be an actual lifer though lol If I do live in the area when I become a teacher (eventually) I'll probably work at CP in the summer so lol I guess I am.

For what it's worth, they usually hire about twice as many people as they actually need because roughly 50% of people never show up or quit in the first day or two. I'll make things interesting if a lot more people show up and stay due to the economy.

^True. I think it would be funny if there were a lot more that showed up and stayed for awhile than normal.

it happened a little last year in merch...I'm betting it will happen again this year as well...but there's always that low amount in may and the end of august beginning of sept...soooo probably still have many hours during that time

Craig how would you expect someone here to understand time value of money? I think most here only understand how to crack a beer open and how to say clear while nursing a hangover ;)

(My post may or may not be dripping with sarcasm)

It's all about the people mannn

you're right hoosier, it was 6.25... lol. Buti know for me, that 1.00 kept me there. but that's me, and a few other people whom i still hang with who don't work there anymore because the bonus went down. my friend gets paid more now (and in 07) so she didnt go back because the bonus incentive went under a dollar and it wasn't worth her quitting the job she had. so it's all up to the people.

bholcom, I do understand time value of money.

as for hiring a lot of people, they can only hire so many. they have to provide housing for everyone and they can't legally put more in a dorm or apartment then the state allows because it's a safety/fire hazard. so they have to cap the number of people they hire.

I love politics and legal business too! It is fun. :)

I am going to work there no matter what the pay is. reason being, i am making 7.30 now but only getting 32 hours. I know with the hours I get at Cedar Point, my checks will double, which I am counting on.

Last thing: CEDAR POINT IS SUPER AWESOME AND I CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK.

lol and hoosier, I took nothing personal to the "dude" I was just makin fun lol. I like to do that! I am a happy person.

I'm just happy to have a job, and Cedar Point is where I want to be. Sure it's sad the bonus is gone, but the hours they give is far above other employers in the area. This will be my 6th season at CP and the people I work with are absolutely the best in the business. I'm really looking forward to starting this season, and seeing all the familar faces, and new ones too. See ya in a few months Tiff!

Really, does management have anything to hold over employees heads to keep them? Before it always was "now if you quit you won't get your bonus."

Will1963 said:
I'm just happy to have a job, and Cedar Point is where I want to be. Sure it's sad the bonus is gone, but the hours they give is far above other employers in the area. This will be my 6th season at CP and the people I work with are absolutely the best in the business. I'm really looking forward to starting this season, and seeing all the familar faces, and new ones too. See ya in a few months Tiff!

few months my butt...LOL...its Two months and...(looks at calendar) two days till I leave Wyoming and head back to Ohio...five more days after that until Merch set up begins...well as far as I know...lol haven't heard anything different since I last talked to a manager...not that I'm counting down or anything...reminder to self...do not say you're never going back because lol apparently I do every single time...

So I was a little upset when I first saw that overall employees are taking a 5 cent overall hit. But these days, I'd have to agree I'd take the 5 cent hit, to get that usual bonus money up front. Nothing like that midseason emergency to screw over your plans to get your bonus.

I'm atleast glad to see they actually did change the pay, rather than having us go the whole season thinking we we're getting screwed over. Who knows if this thread actually led to CP being notified of the issue.

I hope this year we get a handful of more ethical employees due to layoffs in the midwest area, (ex. Circuit City). Just read this article, it really makes you appreciate your job.

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/B-KING31_20090130-213617/193650/

Master's Degree? For real? This article talks about conditions where the unemployment rate is 5.5%. I'm sure the applications will pour in at Cedar Point with the Ohio rate at 7.3% and Michigan at 9.6%.

Still don't know if I would come back. Love the work, just wish they had some halfway decent housing.

^well if you have a masters in something like psychology or political science, there isn't much you're actually qualified for.

I'm not complaining either, Cedar Point is amazing to work for and though the pay isn't great the people and good times make up for it. So be happy, everyone. Haha. I hope I get hired for a 2nd year, because it's the best thing ever. Haha.