assembler

mechanical assembler

fabricator/welder

mig welder

welder

Federal Signal Corporation

I have not a bad thing to say about this place, I was a recent employee here and it was really great the 2- almost 3 years I was there. The environment was very positive Great group of people through the whole building. Business started to get very slow and so people ended up getting laid off from the union first then next my position that was made specifically for me was eliminated due to business being down. I really loved my job even on days when I would get just a little flustered. Before a lot of the people were eliminated from the union side and management they would have lots of on the job activities where it would build company morale and everyone from the top people to the ones lowest on the totem pole would come and participate and we'd have a great time. But the primary thing is that work always got done regardless of the fun and activities. It was such a positive environment to be around. I was a Logistics Freight Analyst / Administrator. I also handled Exporting and dealt in a little inbound freight also. I was pretty much the Dispatch guy for the F.S. Depot Division. I ended up there by way of temporary work under Salem Group. And my boss Said that they liked me so much they didn't want to get rid of me so I ended up signing on Full time with Federal Signal. The pay was great! very good health plans in my opinion. We always had safety quotas that the union workers would meet and then we would have luncheons within the company and we would throw our own little holiday parties or birthdays for people back in the Depot which was a very hospitable thing because there are jobs co workers don't usually do that much if at all. The work was not very difficult on my end. I mean I had my days where I felt overwhelmed but I've always been able to just keep cool through most difficult times or stressful situations.

In the years I was there, I had several different managers and the last one wasn’t in the same country as I was. The communication is terrible, and if you’re a female, especially a working mother, don’t bother. There’s a ton of politics involved and a huge disconnect when it comes to individual business units and how they fit in as a whole. There are a hand-full of “untouchable” managers and if you ever get on their bad side, it’s not pretty. They don’t want input from employees, and they feel they know everything at Corporate. I worked for a smaller business unit and we were typically forgotten about. The bonus structure is somewhat unfair and again, it’s all about who you are “in” with, and if you walk the line. They don’t really want creative thinkers there, but honestly just want you to be a robot, smile  and nod. It’s a shame. The products are amazing, but the culture is the worst I’ve ever seen. Opinions are all biased and there always seems to be underhanded decisions made at which you cannot second guess for fear of retaliation. If you want a job, it’s for you. If you want a life and career, especially one that is balanced, run as fast as you can. I worked extremely hard and was a manager there. I did a ton of projects to get things more in line with other business units, but the credit was always given to others. It was the worst job experience I ever had, and unfortunately, it didn’t have to be that way. 

The commute for me is perfect to start. I understand some people dont get along well with others then complain in these review sections to make it seen as the coworkers are terrible people. All jobs are not like this and personallay I get along with everyone so that will never be an issue with me on any job unless the other person is on a mission to not be a good co worker. The position is very easy to do day to day. The only tough part is learning the company language but it gets better the long you work here. As for the pay...its based off the employees experience coming in for that position. Personally I think if the employee has good or great background/experience coming in the pay should not only reflect that but it shouldn't be capped. For example, if said positions pay starts at 20/hr then you gradually work your way up to the top and is capped at 30/hr, I should be able to get the same quarterly raises as if I started at the lowest pay for the position. If you're brought it at top pay you'll get no pay increases...that's a bummer. Also feel that their (our) PTO system needs an serious overhaul. I've never worked at any company that didn't offer any sick time with pay...like none. Instead personal days are offered with ZERO compensation. The caveat is you can use these days as time off without getting a point. Outside of what I just laid out this is a great place to work 

So this company can be a great place to work and they have many really great people there.  There is an abundance of opportunities to excel and to show management that you are a star employee.

However, the management at this company has a habit of not communicating between departments about changes they are making that directly affect those other departments.

As for those who are contractors, be wary.  I was supposedly being tasked with duties that were tailored to a permanent position that was going to be made available to Externals.  When the time came though, I somehow didn't make the short list.

Kind of odd if you ask me since they had several very positive comments to say about me to my recruiter.

In the end though, I bear no malice and I wish the best for everyone there.

From the very first day I felt intimidation. Federal Signal Corporation had 3 layoffs in less than 2 years. Executives are always looking for a way to spend less, even if it cost good employees their job. They continue to take away perks from their employees. Management will bend over backwards to protect the union employees. Some of the top management is from the union, which makes it a corrupt atmosphere. Management forces you to accept the review process then gives you little or no direction on how to affectively complete your goals. And, even if all of your goals are met, they find a way to critique your competencies.  HR is always changing as Management directs the business and HR facilitates corrupt Managers. If management doesn't like you, you will be left in a toxic environment to drown, with no way out.

Federal Signal Corporation is a sad place to work for.

A typical day was to get ready and put on safety gear, get to your post and see what is needed to be done, organize, prioritize, and get started. I learned a lot about metal (different types and grades), how to use heavy machinery, and to package. The higher management employees were really good people and good at what they do. The immediate supervisors however are where the problem comes in. Some are better than the others, but the one I had was not so great. He did not like to do any work at all, and would not help in situations of need. He did not like my brothers (One was a competing supervisor for a position he wanted, and the other works under him). Therefore, he did not treat me well, even though most of the other coworkers did not like him either, due to poor treatment and lack of work ethic. The poor treatment, I believe, took part in why I was let go during my probation. No other management is ever on the floor to supervise the supervisors.

Worked at Federal Signal for 7 months. Reported employee for being a bigoted racist. Human resources did very little to help. Notified me of nothing. Problem continued for 4 months. Employee I complained about was friends with all other staff and work cell.  Employee then complained about me with trumped up lies and got all others in work cell to back him. I was removed within 2 days. You must be related to someone or friends with the click that's been there 10 to 20 years to work there comfortably. I was basically told to keep my head down, work and mind my own business.

 This is a Union job. You are basically paying them for nothing. They are in bed with the company. This is so the company can proudly say its Union made. You get $35 to $40 deductions a month for nothing.

Small company. Unique business with toll roads. Company was sold to 3m.

Pretty much by myself. I was given an assignment and I completed Maintenance document for the off road operator by interviewing and asking a lot of questions. I also spent a lot of time on Google searching for equipment so I could document what the equipment did.

New nothing about the business but learned a lot through self teaching and researching.

I created a Safety Manual also.

Performed several QA test plans.

Created many excel spreadsheets for misc assignments.

Utilized Visio almost daily, creating workflows and business flows.

I enjoy writing so the daily tasks were satisfying.

Working from home in this position is great for a self motivated person, but difficult to integrate into the culture as a new hire.
Learned a lot about the hydrovac market and products as well as selling process.
Well thought out market attack plan that differentiated the products.
Peers are top notch sales professionals.
Hardest part of job is dealing with constant, major changes in territory and customer base.  Four major changes in two years makes is difficult to build relationships in a sales position.
Most enjoyable part is all that is involved with working for an industry leader.

Federal Signal Corporation treated me very well.  The co-workers and other employees all treated me with a spirit of compassion and were always willing to help.  Both the managers and the clients appreciated the work performed for them.  They had a new policy for the IT Department of needing a Bachelors Degree instead of Certifications which broke my heart as I am just starting my Bachelors Degree.

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