Point of view of an Ex-Recruiter at Xcel

As an example of how those with the same reasoning of the Xcel Business Model, here's a comment on a blog that tried to find out how was it to work at Xcel. This same guy, Jorge Vazquez, appears on many other sites trying to justify his actions. At least we have to give him credit on doing it on his own name. Interesting the thing about the benching being in a contract, when that it's illegal and should be reported on a WH-4 to the Department of Labor (DOL) as an alleged violation:

(c) Employer failed to pay nonimmigrant worker(s) for time off due to a decision by the employer (e.g., for lack of work) or for time needed by the nonimmigrant worker(s) to acquire a license or permit.

However, here's the comment, You can get more info on their thinking doing a search on google.

In a couple of months it will be 2 YEARS since I don’t have anything to do with Xcel. But here you are anonymously and cowardly attacking me. During this very long period of time, why haven’t you been able to move on? How do you even find the time for this? Is it because you are un-employed? Is that really Xcel’s fault? The only remorse I could ever have from the time I worked there is not telling you from the beginning that YOU SUCK! And that it’s obvious that you lack the character, the experience, the skills and the brains to make it as a foreign IT consultant in the US.

The $30 USD per Diem while on bench was always CLEARLY stated on the initial contracts sent to candidates while they were still working in their own countries. Personally, I never asked anybody to leave their jobs for the POSSIBILITY of joining Xcel.

Now, let’s analyze your particular case:
1. If it took months (as you say) for Xcel to actually bring you to the US, this was due in part to other dumbass like you unable to get a project and occupying space in the same guest house where you had to be kicked out. But also, I’m sure it was mainly due to the fact that you weren’t a good candidate. Anyone in that situation, but with a steady career, other opportunities and a little more intelligence would have moved on. But that wasn’t your case, and Xcel was obligated to bring you due to the contract that you had already signed (yes, that same contract that you didn’t read and fully understand, where it was stipulated that you would get the $30/day while on bench).

2. If you had to modify and exaggerate your resume it’s because it was weak and not marketable. Still, after MONTHS of being on bench and not producing anything (and occupying space and becoming a bottle neck) somebody was able to get you in a project. Most likely with little or no profit for the company, but with the plan of not loosing anymore money and naively hoping that you could eventually turn some revenue.

3. Even if I give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you weren’t fired from that project due to your own poor performance, I still don’t get your retarded reasoning where the “fair” thing to do was to pay for your furniture.