In my area, Walmart allows only a very few to be ‘full time’ workers. Thus, I would say over 90% of employees do not have coverage. The taxpayer picks up the tab.
I have no doubt people like working for Toyota now. They may not like it so much in the future as wages are driven down. Also, Toyota is subsidized by their government and allowed access to our markets. Japan continues to prevent American cars from entering their markets. Japan actually sells cars at a loss in the USA. They are able to charge more for their cars at home because the market is closed. The Toyota plants employ far less Americans then any of the big three, and the money goes home in the end. Also, Toyota has a history of corporate theft. I can tell you in a Tarrytown New York GM plant which is now closed, one of the former workers is just getting out of jail for selling information to Toyota. Toyota of course faced no penalty.
Staying healthy is a good plan, but it does not always work. As for US business deciding that it is not their job. It probably should never have been their job. However, this is the reality. The health care market will never have a chance to bottom out because long before that America will have some sort of national health care in place. I don’t favor this approach, but this is the reality. I don’t want to hear businesses complain when they are forced to subsidize some sort of badly run health care system. They brought it on themselves with their short sighted policies.
When companies do well, they want to maximize their profits with no thought to the social turmoil some of these policies are likely to create-such as the end of the pension and health care system. Also, they do not feel the need to reward hard work with pay raises in these circumstances, but let there be one downturn and people are laid off immediately. When they do badly, the CEO’s still reap huge profits. This is not free market. This is excessive greed, and it’s bad for the country and will surely lead to more regulations-not something I favor. Mike Huckabee said something not long ago about how we need more laws now because people do not behave morally. I think this true of individuals and lately corporations. Sorry for the long post and thanks for your reasonable reply.
Wow... I’m afraid we just see the world in different ways. I have a Walmart Supercenter about 2 miles from my house. I called today, and spoke with the General Manager. He told me, “ Approximately 70% of their employees were elgible for their health care coverage. Around 60% of their overall employees have signed up.” It’s not the greatest policy, but... it doesn cover major medical expenses. He told me they are working on a special option for “part-timers”.
As for Toyota selling cars in the US at a loss... I’m sorry, I just don’t believe that. Successful companies like Toyota are not in the business to lose. They ARE making money... and they pay taxes both HERE, and at home. Meanwhile, literally 100’s of millions of dollars go into the LOCAL economy here in the form of payroll, and business services. I’d 100% rather have a Toyota factory in my town than a Ford plant (I’ve got one of those 2 miles away too... we keep waiting for them to close it)
I can’t believe you would say businesses are bringing on a National Health care system due to short-sighted policies... simply.. wow. Businesses COMPETE for good employees. They offer, or stop offering health care (and other benefits) depending on what they have to do to attract employees. I think, you are completely overlooking the role of GOVERNMENT in the current health care mess. Medicare and Medicaid, over-regulation, and lawsuit abuse are far more to blame than businesses who decide they can no longer ‘absorb’ health care costs that are increasing at >15% per year.
As for the way businesses operate... again, WOW. You and I certainly have different world views. Personally, I have been laid off twice, and I’ve had to lay off (or fire) 12 people in my career. It SUCKS no matter which side of it you’re on. I’ve NEVER known a manager who relished letting people go. I strongly believe, 99% of the corporate managers in America DO have a sense of social obligation. (Well... maybe 98% ;-) Almost NO ONE wants to close plants or cut people’s wages. It’s a sign of defeat.
My experience has been: When I’ve worked hard, and been successful, I’ve been rewarded. When my companies have been successful, it’s worked out good for me. MOST good companies today have a variable portion to compensation that rewards most, if not all, employees when company targets are exceeded. They’re not all perfect systems, but... they recognize and encourage success.
I’m sorry for you that you’ve been stuck in some part of the economy that doesn’t reward performance (ie: Unions, for instance) But, this in NO WAY reflects my experience in the business world, and I’ve worked for 5 different firms... including Dow Chemical and Monsanto.
I hope you find a better place.... soon... before you become an Obamabacker