Ah, Labor Day! Enjoy the off day. It’s one of the few perks
us beleaguered workers get.
I’m somewhat surprised we still go through this annual
farce. Considering what low regard companies have for their workers, this
holiday is probably the most phony one on the calendar. At least at Christmas
we make an attempt to promote goodwill toward mankind. Perhaps we should rename
it “Record Corporate Profits Day” or “Outsource to India Day," or more
accurately “Layoff Day.” Because despite some rosy pronouncements on the
economy, layoffs are still occurring across the U.S.
It’s also ridiculous in light of how corporate American has
decimated labor unions. Funny, too, how many politicians, mostly Republicans,
but Democrats as well, try to tap into middle/working class “anger,” when, in
reality, they are the ones who cater to corporations that are systematically
cutting workers out of the middle class in order to horde more profits. These politicians, who are elected by us, to serve us, won't even vote for a minimum wage law. Minimum Wage!! But
that is for another blog.
This blog is about what it is like to work in the Era of
Mass Layoffs, at a time when companies would really rather not employ workers,
how every decision is made for the betterment of the corporation, not society
or individuals.
How often are laid-off workers told it was just a “business
decision”? I thought about that the other day (yes, I think too much), and it
suddenly occurred to me that the reason they said it was a “business” decision
is because they then don’t have to face up to the fact they are making a very
“human” decision; how they are destroying lives and families, how they, in
truth, are keeping the economy in low gear by letting go of people who are no
longer spending consumers. In essence, they could be harming their own
business. But they don’t care, as long as profits are kept high. It’s only a
“business” decision, right?
How this for a radical idea? How about we make "human" decisions, decisions not made on selfish self-interest, but on what is good for the people around us and the community. Highly unlikely that will ever happen in corporate America.
I understand, I truly do, that companies sometimes change direction and staffing needs are altered. Companies do have to cut expenses in recessions. My objection is not with the rationale; it's that they don't take it one step further. They fervently believe that simply cutting staff will make a company profitable without any corresponding strategy to boost revenues.
How this for a radical idea? How about we make "human" decisions, decisions not made on selfish self-interest, but on what is good for the people around us and the community. Highly unlikely that will ever happen in corporate America.
I understand, I truly do, that companies sometimes change direction and staffing needs are altered. Companies do have to cut expenses in recessions. My objection is not with the rationale; it's that they don't take it one step further. They fervently believe that simply cutting staff will make a company profitable without any corresponding strategy to boost revenues.
Will their profits be high for much longer after they
let go of hundreds and thousands of workers? Maybe, or maybe not. My former
company just went through another round of layoffs. This after I was told I was
laid off to “save the company." How many more have to be sacrificed to save a
company that is obviously foundering? It’s as if the company is more important
than people, its workers. Seems to me they only bought a bit more time before
the inevitable occurs.
Happy Labor Day indeed!