How do you react to this?

[Ira]

Don't get me started on Wal-Mart.

My wife has worked there for 5 years too, and I know something YOU don't know--regardless of the crap you read from their PR department or in the "pro-business" press.

Wal-Mart is a disease that has to be stopped, or we're all doomed.

And pretty good comment on China for printing, but it's actually India that's been getting a lot of this U.S. printing business, like they've been getting all of the call center business:

At least they basically all speak English there.

Also, I don't know if it's still true but this WAS true 10 years ago:

Indians far, FAR outread every other country in the world. Whereas Americans read an average of 1/2 book per year based on the total population, Indians read 20.

However, this may not be a great argument for reading, when you look at the shape of that country.

[Joseph]

Wal-Mart is a disease that has to be stopped, or we're all doomed.

Then we're doomed, because the only way to stop it is to convince people not to buy there. I don't see that happening.

And pretty good comment on China for printing, but it's actually India that's been getting a lot of this U.S. printing business, like they've been getting all of the call center business:
At least they basically all speak English there.

Judged on the service calls I've had to make, I'd say at least as good English as they speak at 7-11. But that doesn't mean I can explain my problem in a way they can understand it...

Also, I don't know if it's still true but this WAS true 10 years ago:
Indians far, FAR outread every other country in the world. Whereas Americans read an average of 1/2 book per year based on the total population, Indians read 20.

Have you watched Indian TV lately?

However, this may not be a great argument for reading, when you look at the shape of that country.

Good point...

Joseph

[Ira]

From the Indian programs that I accidnetally catch on TV on Sunday nights when switching stations, I don't think they've produced a new program in 35 years.

Either that, or they have really bad fashion sense and HORRIBLE production values.

But yes--Wal-mart can be stopped. It's just a matter of a few of the gazillion lawsuits against them to result in a judgment/settlement that will make them clean up their act.

44% of employees without health insurance? Since when has THAT been legal without government looking the other way?

[angib]

My guess is that China will become the export leader in 'making' things, in a fairly classic pattern of industrialisation, but that India may skip the 'industrial' phase and go straight to the 'service' phase, to become the export leader in 'thinking' - I suspect that software that doesn't come from India will become as rare as cheap toys that don't come from China.

It's very easy to dismiss or underestimate India - but then what did we think about China 10 years ago?

And if you guys want a nice twist, some years ago Wal-Mart bought up a British supermarket chain that was already unionised, which I think makes them unique in the Wal-Mart empire.

Andrew

[jay]

look at it this way: you didn't get layed off or fired.

did you have to give back 10% of your pay? or benefits which you don't pay for or pay taxes on?

sometimes when workers stay too long at a position which does not challenge them it is a breeding ground for entitlement and disatisfaction.

perhaps the time between the holidays could be used seeing how others have to make a living and it might provoke you to change vocations or realize you ain't got it so bad.

so is your glass still full, just not overflowing?

[Joseph]

Sorry Ira, didn't mean to get you started on WalMart...

44% of employees without health insurance? Since when has THAT been legal without government looking the other way?

It's perfectly legal for part time employees. That's why most of their employees are part time - so they don't have to provide benefits. But WalMart is hardly a lifetime career choice, is it? For the 56% who make it a career, don't they provide benefits?

Not prodding you, just asking.

Joseph

[halfdome, Danny]

look at it this way: you didn't get layed off or fired.

did you have to give back 10% of your pay? or benefits which you don't pay for or pay taxes on?

sometimes when workers stay too long at a position which does not challenge them it is a breeding ground for entitlement and disatisfaction.

perhaps the time between the holidays could be used seeing how others have to make a living and it might provoke you to change vocations or realize you ain't got it so bad.

so is your glass still full, just not overflowing?

It seems like your taking the managements side to Ira's situation and not looking at the real issue, that management needs to work better at communicating to the staff. That's just my opinion. Danny

[Nitetimes]

And I thought some of the people I've worked for were a little squirrelly, you really picked a looney toon!!!





.

[Ira]

Rich, the word looney doesn't even come CLOSE.

And Joseph, as far as Wal-Mart providing benefits for 56% of their employees, here's where they're breaking the law:

They're now hiring a TON of people for only 30 hours a week, whereas the labor laws kick in and they're required to provide a certain level of benefits at 35.

And what the heck do you mean by "people making a career choice" from them? No one DOES? How many people does the company EMPLOY!?

Seems like a LOT of people have made it a "career choice." Or rather, sorry to say this, just trying to work hard for 40 hours and make a liveable wage with health benefits.

WHAT AN ALIEN CONCEPT!!!

Man, that was really a condescending thing to say about people that work there.

The company made $12 billion in 2005, yet they are DRASTICALLY slashing the health benefits for new hires, or people working there less than 3 years. And upping the costs for long-time hires. Since my wife has been there 5, that means she's safe except now her take-home is less--except they'll probably create a hostile wrk environment and try to make her quit so they don't have to pay any of those benefits at all.

Man, you really have to research what this company does.

And this has nothing to do with how many people decide to patronize and shop at Wal-Mart. It has to do with them stop breaking the damn laws time and time again, and using this excuse:

"We are one of the largest employers in America, providing wonderful jobs and opportunities for millions of Americans."

Now THAT'S total bullshit.

Sadly, no one cares--as long as they can get their small bottle of propane cheaper there than anywhere else. I don't expect anything different and I wouldn't behave any differently myself.

And Joseph, THIS is why we have government. To protect workers' rights.

I know you don't agree with this philosophy, and that's why you're a Republican.

[Ira]

look at it this way: you didn't get layed off or fired.

did you have to give back 10% of your pay? or benefits which you don't pay for or pay taxes on?

sometimes when workers stay too long at a position which does not challenge them it is a breeding ground for entitlement and disatisfaction.

perhaps the time between the holidays could be used seeing how others have to make a living and it might provoke you to change vocations or realize you ain't got it so bad.

so is your glass still full, just not overflowing?

Why would they lay me off or fire me, when they love the work I do? Is it possible the owner of my company is just bullshitting us about how much money we're making, and that raises wouldn't be a problem for those deserving of it?

I pay 40% of my health insurance costs. Wow--great benefits.

Workers who have been around "too long" are a breeding ground for entitlement and dissatisfaction? Well, I've been there 5 years. What's your cut-off for this bad attitude I have? Three years? And fire them after that?

Also, this email wasn't directed at just me--it was sent to EVERYONE in the company, including a few folks who have been here about a year.

So is the cut-off ONE year, where they have to get rid of these "trouble-makers" breeding discontent? I'm just trying to understand exactly what the heck you mean by that.

And finaly, change vocations? I do what I do, and that's it. I could have a DIFFERENT vocation-accountant, database manager, office whore--but a company can treat you like sh** no matter WHAT the specific position.

What's your profession, Jay? And how old are you.

I'm almost 50 years old and you suggest I change professions. Give me a break and rethink what you're suggesting, because it needs rethinking.

[mikeschn]

Yeah, I get paid--but I haven't had a raise in three years. It's just one of those small companies that has its benefits to work for, but no chance for advancement.

But the heck with advancement--I just want more money.

I can relate Ira...

At GM in 2000 not only did they not give us a raise, but they cut our wages by 10%. And kept us at that level til they laid us all off 5 years later.

Mike...

[dwgriff1]

This is the look of the future:

Little or no Insurance.

Little or no retirement.

Lower wages and higher costs for everything that matters (you can live well without ever going into WalMart, but you have to pay rent and buy gas).

Good luck to our kids and grandkids.

dave

[jplock]

I remember my first full time job working for a burgular alarm company. The boss one day after three months gave me a letter it said: We appreciate the good work you have done for us the last 3 months and on your next paycheck you will have a 25 cent raise (not percent) , and please don't expect as substancial raise in the future. I was making a $1.75 per hour. I quickly gave him my notice!


jplock

[nubwon]

I'm trying to hold out 3 more years for my retirement ( if my knees can hold out that long). Right now, I'm paying $280.00 a month for insurance for Connie and myself. When I retire, we will then be lucky enough to only pay $883.00 per month for the same coverage!!!! Something just doesn't add up here............

[jay]

one year, five years, two weeks;

with that attitude, i'd send you down the road!

i'm 54 [sunday] and have worked in the construction business [residential, so i won't call it "industry] in a variety of positions since i was 17.

i went to tech school @ 45, full time nights, while keeping a full time job, to learn new, computer also, skills and credentialize those i had. anytime someone has the mindset "i'm too old to do anything else" they are self defeating.

are you really happy pushing the rock up the hill with your hair shirt on?

c'mon, "get on the bus" and change things around. i'll bet the Mrs. would welcome the change, too.