Even though the specific situation that this article is based on happened some years ago, the message here still rings true for today's Workampers.

Once again it is the time of year when thousands of Workampers are showing up for summer jobs all across the continent. This is a time of excitement and anticipation, but it can also be a difficult time for some employers. They are anxious to get their Workampers on-site and ready for the busy times ahead. They are wondering, "Will my Workampers honor their commitments?" "Will they show up on time?"

Unfortunately, I have already received a report from an employer that has been left high and dry by would-be Workampers. This particular couple had negotiated over the winter with the employer and had signed a written work agreement. The agreement stressed the importance of the positions and the negative impact it would have on the employer's business operations, should they fail to honor their commitment. After two days on site, the couple disappeared, only to send an email a day later informing the employer that the area had changed since their previous visit and that they no longer felt comfortable about the people they would be dealing with.

I would not have believed it if I had not read a copy of the email with my own eyes. There was not even an apology for skipping out! And, by the way, the people they would be dealing with are visitors to one of America's most popular National Parks! Am I missing something here? Are the visitors to our National Parks a bunch of thugs? Of course not! I spent 13 years as a federal park ranger. It is an honor and a pleasure to welcome visitors from all over the world to America's natural wonders.

We know this employer well. They run a professional, award-winning operation in a fantastic area. We have sent Workampers to this particular employer for years and have received nothing but positive feedback.

BOTTOM LINE: The lack of integrity demonstrated by this couple was a slap in the face to the entire Workamper family. Please understand that when you commit to an employer, you are putting your reputation and the reputation of all Workampers on the line. Please do not make a commitment unless you are absolutely certain you can live up to your end of the bargain. As I've said many times, the vast majority of Workampers are honorable people. They do not appreciate having their reputation damaged by a thoughtless few. It is my hope that this message will foster more peer pressure among Workampers to do the right thing.

Greg Robus, Former WKN Editor

P.S. Please do not misinterpret these comments to infer that we are pro-employer. We are well aware that employers have flaws too. We are here to serve both Workampers and employers by making the best matches possible, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to make that happen on a consistent basis. That includes denying access to job seekers and employers who damage the reputation of the entire group.