Originally Posted by wildyard
I believe that everyone should be paid in wages and benefits to be able to live on it. I just know that raising the minimum wage doesn't accomplish that. The greed and sucking up of profits and bonuses by those at the "top" of corporate ladders far outweighs any concern and loyalties to the workers.
There was a time when companies felt a responsibility to their workers and the workers to the company. The workers' loyalty lasted far longer than the companies' did. Now the only loyalty a company seems to have is to the bottom line. Granted, there must be some exceptions to this out there somewhere. Danged if I know of any, tho. As so many have said, there must be a better way. I have been interested in employee owned businesses, and wonder how those work out in the long run.
Years ago, I worked for this nice little company -- at least I thought so at first. NO insurance was offered, NO sick days were given and only ONE week of vacation per year no matter how many years you had worked there and NO cost of living raises. Each Christmas we were "encouraged" to attend a free dinner. At my last one, they honored an elderly man who was in his 80's who was retiring and who had worked for this company most of his life. He had no pension from this company but did receive a GOLD watch -- Well, whoopeee -- I'm sure he had to work this long in order to make ends meet. When I asked for a raise after a couple of years (with excellent job reviews), I was turned down because my position wasn't worth any more than what they paid me. They figured that if I didn't like my pay, I could quit and they'd hire someone else for less. I did.... :D