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
You misinterpret my remarks. I do not want national insurance. I just know that given the direction of the country-the massive growth of the uninsured due to the fact that large corporations are not offering insurance will lead to national health insurance. I have family in Ireland and England. I know this is a bad thing. However, if a company is making money and is still cutting benefits which is happening this company is helping usher in national health care. There are a number of companies who can not afford to provide benefits. Those companies are not to blame.
As for rewarding success. I worked at Sprint for a while. My husband was ill. I was working two jobs in order to provide for our family. One of my jobs was an evening stint at Sprint. I saw with my own eyes, American workers laid off because of bad times...these were good workers according to the managers. This was on a Friday, on Monday H1 Visa holders arrived to fill those well paying tech jobs. This is irresponsible. There was a website where companies received advice on how to write job ads to discourage Americans from applying. One of the other places I worked was Mirant. I saw first hand how the company elites gave themselves pay raises and spent money like water while the company was in bankruptcy. Such irresponsible behavior will lead to regulation and increased social services-costly to the taxpayer. Tax payers are already picking up the tab for illegals who provide ‘cheap’ labor in the area of health care. The employers need to take responsibility for the people they hire. I think just as individuals should behave responsibly so should business.
Also, I think the mindset in business right now is the cheaper the worker the better. I see no commitment to excellence or any reward for company loyalty these days.