Problem contracts

[geoff-h -at- MTL -dot- FERIC -dot- CA]

 Eric Ray reported a problem with a good contract gone bad
 as a result of the bureaucracy kicking in. Eric, I spent 6
 years working with the feds, so I know whereat you speak.
 In my experience, the only thing you can do when the
 bureaucrats step in is engage in some lateral thinking: you
 won't get anywhere with the bureaucrats, so go right over
 their heads.

 In my case, I went to our Director General, who fortunately
 had an open-door policy. In your case, ask the receptionist
 for the name of the president's (or CEO's, Accounting
 Manager's, etc.) executive secretary, and call her. Explain
 the issue to her and ask for her permission to fax a letter
 for her boss' review and her assurance that she'll actually
 pass it along instead of trashing it... The fact that the
 company's costs increased and that they're not paying a
 legally valid invoice ought to attract some attention. If
 you're lucky, the prez will lean on the bureaucrats who
 created the asinine policy and at very least unfreeze your
 cheque. You might even earn some brownie points for
 pointing out a case of bureaucracy run amok. Of course, you
 might get stonewalled there too, but it's worth a try,
 particularly since you don't seem to have much to lose by
 trying.

 If all else fails, look elsewhere for work. Depending on
 where you live, your reputation should open plenty of doors
 and earn you a friendlier reception elsewhere. Call your
 contact at the company, and explain you'd love to return as
 soon as the situation improves. Then send a polite letter
 explaining why you've left for his or her files, with a cc:
 to the senior manager you tried to reach earlier.

 --Geoff Hart     @8^{)}     geoff-h -at- mtl -dot- feric -dot- ca
 Disclaimer: Speaking for myself, not FERIC.