Ethical dilemma at work

[bivenator]

I work for a cardiologist as an independent contractor. I have enjoyed my time here and could not ask for a better enviroment or relationship with the Doc. I have not asked or recieved a raise during my 6+ years. My field is struggling and jobs are scarce so the pay i recieve is about market value.
At a conference over the weekend I found a vendor that could supply our drugs for a cost difference of almost 25K per year less than our current contract.
I have found myself in similar situations in the past and made the recommendations that would then pad the bottom line of my boss. I would not see any grease from my suggestions.
Is it wrong to try and get some money for my input? Do I go to my boss or try to strike a deal with the vendor? Is this a kickback/legal/ethical.

[BGCarrera32]

If you're an independent contractor, I would consider it time to renegotiate your contract/fees/etc. after 6 years. Hit it from that direction. If you are worried about the bottom falling out of your situation by asking for a raise or renegotiating, you need to be working on Plan B for employment as of yesterday.

[slow&rusty]

My take...
Negotiate an increased salary based on your salary freeze of 6+ years, part of the basis would be substantiated by the saved cost on the drugs, the other part of the basis would be your exceptional job performance.

You are being open with everyone..present the facts, no ethical issue there.

Then say you will further assist the economy by taking a large percentage of the salary increase and spending it on your Porsche to follow the trickle down method of spending and economics.
Yasin

[McLovin]

He doesn't get a "salary," as he's not an employee. He's an independent contractor.

That being said, from the sounds of it, he's an "illegal" or "disguised" independent contractor. Under the law, he's probably properly classified as an employee. The cardiologist illegally classifies the OP as an independent contractor, though, because it saves him a ton of money (employment taxes, workers comp, social security, etc.)

Is there something unethical about trying to get some $ for your work in getting a better supplier and a $25K savings for the boss? that's a bit of complicated question.

For example, if you are truly an "employee," and you were sent to the conference by your employer (he paid, etc.) then any leads you developed there should belong to the employer.

If you were truly an independent contractor, and you go out to conferences on your own dime for your own business reasons, and you make contacts and find deals, then it's ok for you to "sell" the lead to the doctor.

But, your situation is neither of the above, it's somewhere in between.

[bivenator]

You have a good grasp on the situation McLovin. I am independent and do work for other cardiologists in the area.

I hate giving away this nugget of knowledge and getting nothing in return.

Thanks for your answers. Definately thought provoking.

[Head416]

I think an employee that can demonstrate the savings they bring to an organization is justified in asking for a raise that reflects their value to the bottom line.

[9dreizig]

Since you're indépendant, I don't see a problem in negotiating a "finders fee" from the other supplier. Sounds like a win win for everyone.

[Superman]

I know a little something about employment law and your situation might not fall squarely into either category but I wouldn't doubt that you are essentially an independent contractor. In either case, it might be fun to sit down with the doc and say "Hey, my rate has not changed in six years and I know of another way to save you $25K. Similar to the last three times I brought significant savings to your office. I wonder if we could talk about both. The savings and the rate you pay for my services."

If he says yes, then just tell him about the drug savings. See what he says about your compensation rate.